Subaru Impreza 2007 review: snapshot

Even better, if you find yourself attempting to avoid a crash, try to be in the new Subaru Impreza.

Subaru, which has steadily climbed the desirability scale thanks to its blend of quality and dynamics and safety-mindedness, has really rewritten the rules with the recently-released Impreza hatchback.

Independent tests have given the Impreza a five-star rating for occupant safety and four stars for pedestrian safety, the top level in both cases. It is the first car tested in Australia to score the maximum stars, and only the second car worldwide, following the $102,000 Citroen C6. Quite an accolade for a car priced from $24,490, so expect it to be mighty popular.

While the crash stars indicate, in theory, your chances when things come to the crunch, the Impreza is well equipped to improve the driver's chances of avoiding a crash: all versions come with all-wheel-drive, stability control and anti-lock brakes. And there are dual front, side and curtain airbags

There's no doubting the new model's efficiency: it is shorter, but roomier; lighter, but stronger.

Despite all its wholesome qualities, the Impreza is not at all stodgy to drive. The 2.0 litre, four-cylinder engine which is found in all the non-turbocharged variants is a smooth, capable performer.

It's also less thirsty than its predecessors, but just as well, since costlier premium unleaded is now required.

The steering, handily, is adjustable up-down and in-out, and we're told the new model's doors open wider for easy access, but, strangely, I found getting in and out of the driver's seat of the Impreza slightly awkward, with nothing like the easy access found in the similar-sized VW Golf and Hyundai i30 I drove about the same time.

Then there's the bulky key with its tiny buttons for lock and unlock. You could go blind trying to read the markings on them.

For the first time, there is no sedan version. Not until next year, that is.

Breaking from Subaru tradition, the windows have normal frames like, well, normal cars. But some things don't change: still all-wheel-drive, still a flat-four “boxer” engine.

Petrolheads have been whingeing for years about Impreza after Impreza looking oddball. Now that Subaru has produced one with mainstream styling — think a whiff of Corolla, a dash of Peugeot, a bit of Daewoo — there are enthusiasts moaning about how something more distinctive would be better.

Some people are never happy.