WHEN one thinks of the Subaru Impreza, what comes to mind is a compact four-door sedan that is more track-day toy than everyday tourer. This is best exemplified by the 2005   to 2007 models, which you can pull crazily in the first three gears and lean on the throttle or the brakes on hard turns. Problem is, the vehicle comes across as an enthusiast’s car, more Arabian stallion than Paso Fino.

But now, Subaru is determined to place the Impreza for practical performance.

Recently, Motor Image Pilipinas launched the third-generation product at One Esplanade (Pasay City), with numerous motoring media present. On hand to grace the event were Motor Image Enterprises Pte. Ltd. Group (Subaru official distributor in Southeast Asia) top brass, led by chief executive Glenn Tan, who gave a short product description before the launch proper and was ecstatic about the car’s potential. “The car embodies the same characteristics that have made it a legend, and it’s now better with a higher level of driving and riding comfort the whole family can enjoy. This will further establish the brand as the most desirable in Asia,” added Tan.   

Before the local unveiling, Motor Image allowed select members of the media (including this writer) the opportunity to experience the car firsthand in Singapore.      

From its hulking sedan forebears, the Impreza is now a hatchback, with the exterior toting a total 180-degree turn in design from the image presented by previous models. Its clean lines are well executed, but the nondescript headlights and grille clash with the rear end’s dramatic styling, turning the beastly homologation into a refined aspirational first car.

Subaru has always been known to go against the status quo, and correctly predict (and jump on) trends before the bandwagon actually starts to hop along. For example, when the Tribeca SUV was first launched, it got flak for its weird styling and a miniscule third row, but eventually got the last laugh with a Ward’s Automotive citation for Best Interior and was lauded as the Most Innovative Concept at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show.

The new Impreza is no different. Now that Subaru has abandoned its flirtation with the big-grille design that has changed the look of many cars in the past few years, its designers have gone for something mainstream. Hence, the decision to go hatchback. Purists and enthusiasts might not like the visual end result, but the female and family-man market will love the car.

The new model can swallow four average Filipinos, with more than a fistful of headroom/legroom to spare, plus more storage space. The fold-flat rear bench helps in cargo stuffing, and the tonneau cover that comes with the test units allows for two-tier loading. Places to store small items inside are plenty, and the seats are firm but comfortably snug. Kids will have a fun time sleeping or staying relaxed in the back seat, and people in front can settle down knowing that the kids are buckled up. The large glovebox, though, tends to come in contact with the shins of those riding shotgun.

The good news is that the chassis has lost none of its magic. A redesigned rear suspension features a more compact setup with double wishbones that afford a more pliant ride. The steering is firm without being stubborn, and on the road there’s little body roll through the corners. The suspension is compliant enough to soak up the bumps, with a new feeling of stability. Just don’t provoke it, though.  Oversteer tends to pop up, but the well-balanced chassis and the Falken Ziex 215/45R17s encourage you to dial in a little opposite lock and throttle control to keep the car in line.

The same cannot be said, though, of the grunt. The progressive buildup of torque at low rpm (unlike the near-linear delivery of the previous version) makes this car more docile than its predecessor. This car is quick when the gas pedal’s on the floor, but it’s as if the volume has been turned down. Slowing down is a different story, with the brakes grabbing hard at the slightest prod and the ABS waking up when you need it. 

The new Impreza represents Subaru’s need to veer away from the car’s boy-racer image and reach a wider audience. It’ll make a lot of new friends, but the challenge is to see if it can keep its old friends, too.

WHEN one thinks of the Subaru Impreza, what comes to mind is a compact four-door sedan that is more track-day toy than everyday tourer. This is best exemplified by the 2005   to 2007 models, which you can pull crazily in the first three gears and lean on the throttle or the brakes on hard turns.

SO, you want to go take your whole family on an outing. Or you want to bring the gang to the latest resort you just discovered. Unfortunately, there’s seven of you and you’re the only one who drives!

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