Subaru Impreza STi (08 on) - Review

Subaru labels the Impreza WRX STi a hardcore performance car and that's certainly the case in terms of comfort. The ride deals surprisingly well with uneven surfaces and the bucket-style sports seats are incredibly supportive - as you'd expect. However, it's almost impossible to drive the Impreza both quickly and smoothly due to the brutal acceleration and snappy gearbox. Doing so only highlights the lack of quality inside with squeaks and rattles evident in the cabin. Rear passengers get a decent amount of space though with good head and legroom.

Unlike previous Impreza models, this one is a hatchback so it offers better luggage space and the ability to fold down the rear seats to carry larger items. The boot itself is 301 litres, however, this is quite small for a hatch of this size (for example the Ford Focus has 385 litres) and it's not helped by a high boot floor. On the plus side there's a decent amount of stowage up front.

Flashes of red, such as the backlit instrument cluster and prominent STi logos mounted on the steering wheel and near the gearlever, give the interior a sporty look and feel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also houses the stereo and cruise control switches. However, the interior is dated and the build quality doesn't come up to scratch. Annoying rattles and squeaks can be heard throughout the cabin while driving. The driving position is spot-on, but, ultimately, the Impreza STi doesn't feel like a £25,000+ car.