The Impreza was one of the first models to undergo Euro NCAPs more stringent crash tests in 2009. The new overall rating covers not only adult occupant safety but includes child and pedestrian safety along with a rear impact whiplash test. The Subaru scored four stars out of five which is respectable and all cars have dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, anti-whiplash front seat head restraints and two Isofix child seat mounting points in the back.

On the security side, there’s remote central locking and an immobiliser. The top RX model gets keyless entry: you can leave the key in a bag or pocket and the car will sense you approach and unlock itself.

The hatchback works as a halfway house between the old saloon and estate. It’s more user-friendly than the saloon, yet doesn’t have as much load space as the estate. Still, it’s big enough for a couple of cases, fairly easy to access and increases it’s practicality with the rear seats folded down. However, with 301 litres of boot space with the seats in place it lags behind hatches like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.