TO say the old Subaru Impreza isn't pretty is like saying Bill Gates isn't poor. Based on its looks alone, it is difficult to fall in love with the old model. And each subsequent facelift by the Japanese carmaker only made it stranger. Even if you could get past the anti-style design, you would also have to overcome its, er, 'boy-racer' reputation.

But there was also much to like about it, like the all-wheel-drive and distinctive horizontally opposed four- cylinder engine. Fans of the rally-derived Subaru Impreza WRX were especially enamoured of its prodigious turbocharged power and the forgiving handling characteristics.

So it comes as a nice surprise that the new Impreza offers an even better drive. The new model is based on the Legacy platform, which means it is now wider with a longer wheelbase.

They help to address one of the criticisms of the old car - its cramped interior. More interestingly, however, is that Subaru seems to have finally got it right in the exterior styling department. To the average car buyer, the new Impreza would be a good-looker and by no means sensational. But for an Impreza fan, it seems as if Ugly Betty has been transformed into Miss America.

Equally striking is that the new car is only available as a five-door hatchback - for now. Only the US market has the four-door version and when Subaru has the resources to produce the sedan for all its markets next year, Singapore will get it.

Until then, the second-generation Impreza sedan will be sold alongside the new third-generation hatch.
There are three variants - an entry-level 1.5 R with a five-speed manual or four-speed auto gearbox; a 2.0 S-GT with auto transmission; and a 2.5 WRX with a five-speed manual.

One big difference is that the 1.5 R now has a twin-cam engine, as opposed to the old 1.6-litre car's single cam unit. But all three variants have one thing in common - much improved steering. The old car had good steering feel but could be a little too light at high speed. The new Imprezas are well-weighted without being heavy.

The chassis is also sweeter and the car displays sharper turn-in than before. It may not sound possible but the Impreza's handling abilities have actually increased. This is because the rear MacPherson struts are replaced by a new double-wishbone suspension set-up. Together with better steering feedback, there's more control. Overall, the car is more confidence-inspiring and feels tighter.

It is also quieter, thanks to better insulation. One big change is the doors are no longer frameless, so more road and traffic noise have been filtered out.

And in the new WRX, there seems to be less turbo lag because the torque comes in earlier. The ride is also more pliant and less firm than before. A button for VDC or vehicle dynamic control allows the traction control to be switched off.

Also different in the naturally aspirated 1.5 R is the dual-range select lever behind the gearstick for better traction on rougher road surfaces.

But it is the 2.0 S-GT which impresses most. It only comes as a four-speed auto with manual shift capability but it feels the most well-rounded of the three cars. Its twin-scroll turbo offers good low-end torque and the 2.0 has a higher output than the 2.5, although the latter achieves maximum power at a lower engine speed.

But it is the Impreza's all-wheel- drive feature that is an advantage over normal front-wheel-drive because it provides better traction and safety. This is displayed in slalom manoeuvres and in high speed curves.

When weaving in and out of a set of cones quickly, judicious use of the throttle can 'pull' the all-wheel-drive car out of a turn more efficiently.

As soon as you step on the gas, you can feel all four wheels bite the asphalt and propel it forward smoothly - something a front-wheel-driven car will not be able to do as neatly.

Inside and out, the new Impreza is more refined and Subaru has finally given the car an exterior to match its mechanicals. We can't wait for the sedan to arrive.

Subaru Impreza 1.5 R
Engine: 1,498cc
Gearbox: 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto
Max power: 107 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 142 Nm @ 3,200 rpm
0-100 kmh: 13.2 (M) sec, 14.3 (A)
Top speed: 175 kmh (M), 167 kmh (A)
Price: $61,888 (with COE)

Subaru Impreza 2.0 S-GT
Engine: 1,994cc turbo
Gearbox: 4-speed auto
Max power: 250 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 333 Nm @ 2,400 rpm
0-100 kmh: 11.6 sec
Top speed: 180 kmh
Price: $96,388 (with COE)

Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX
Engine: 2,457cc turbo
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Max power: 230 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Max torque: 320 Nm @ 2,800 rpm
0-100 kmh: 9.4 sec
Top speed: 209 kmh
Price: $93,388 (with COE)

Distributor: Motor Image Enterprises, Tel 6417-0300