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The first factor enhancing Subaru WRX STI safety levels is that body shell, which the firm claims is 140 percent more rigid than the previous version of the car. There are front, side, curtain and knee airbags along with whiplash-reducing seats and the rear seats feature two ISOFIX child seat lashing points as well as the doors featuring child locks.

You’ve also got a switchable traction control and stability control system to supplement the four-wheel drive system for ultimate grip. Hill-start assist will prevent you rolling back on a hill when you set off, and of course there’s an alarm and immobiliser installed too. Finally, a satellite tracking system is thrown in as well.

Better than many hot-hatch rivals, Subaru WRX STI practicality is excellent thanks primarily to the fact that it’s a saloon rather than a hatchback. The boot, which measures 460 litres, has a large opening that isn’t quite a big as a hatchback’s but we’ll forgive it that because of the extra space on offer. For perspective, the Volkswagen Golf’s boot measures 380 litres.

There is ample space for four adults too, the two rear doors opening to reveal more space than the likes of the Golf can reasonably expect.