KEY POINTS:
You can talk around it any way you like, but there's no escaping the fact the latest Subaru Impreza looks a little dull. Once the epitome of boy-racerish rally-car-for-the-road style, the latest version is a low-key, low-impact proposition.
Blame the influence of the European market, which has a penchant for things hatchbacky (the WRX won't be available as a sedan until next year) and a preference for visual understatement in its family cars.
There's already a sense that Subaru might have turned down the visual volume a notch too far, with rumours of a quick facelift in development to inject some character back into the thing.
But in general, a less leery look is a good thing. Rave all you like about the old WRX, but the fact is that Kiwi customers were a bit over it - the previous generation accounted for just 5 per cent of Impreza sales by the time it bowed out.
This is a more mature, more user-friendly and determinedly less offensive Impreza WRX. It's quieter, slightly softer in the suspension and much less likely to disappear from a dark car park on a Friday night.
Which is not to say it doesn't engage and entertain. Subaru might have abandoned the wings-and-things styling philosophy, but the carmaker hasn't forgotten what made the WRX a legend - and that's great engineering and a great driving experience.
Thus, the WRX is not only larger than the previous car, it's also slightly lighter (by 35kg). The 2.5-litre turbo engine is carried over, but it produces its maximum torque lower in the rev range, and the engine itself is mounted lower down in the chassis to further improve the centre of gravity.
According to my local Subaru dealer, one of the most common complaints potential buyers are coming up with about the new car is that it doesn't feel fast.
That's understandable, not because the performance has been toned down, but because the engine is now so linear (it's virtually devoid of turbo-lag) and the boxer exhaust note so subdued that a lot of the drama has now gone.
But you still rocket to 100km/h in less than 6.5 seconds, which is a pretty serious performance for a $43k hatchback. The only low point is the notchy gearshift, and the fact that it doesn't have a sixth ratio - Subaru argues it's not needed because of the improved torque curve, but this WRX could still do with a taller top-cog for more relaxed cruising.
In corners, there's more body roll than the old car, but slightly softer suspension is actually an asset on bumpy Kiwi roads - the WRX has become much more adept at soaking up annoying mid-corner imperfections, which allows you to exploit that all-wheel-drive traction even more readily.
And the superb sense of chassis balance remains - this Impreza is still more than capable of dancing through the turns on a combination of steering and throttle.
Inside, the new Impreza has some classy design touches - the curvy dashboard is reminiscent of the award-winning interior architecture of the Tribeca. There's a nice array of goodies, too, such as sports seats, good-quality audio with auxiliary input and special instrument illumination.
But the overall impression is still one of a cheaply, if carefully, constructed car - the plastics are dull-looking and disappointingly hard.
If you were expecting something to equal the cabin ambience of the larger Legacy, then you are likely to be deeply disappointed.
Aside from its considerable dynamic abilities, the truly appealing thing about the WRX is that it still has no real rivals.
Mitsubishi is still putting together its Ralliart Lancer, and anything else that gets close to the turbocharged Impreza is either two-wheel drive and/or significantly more expensive.
The new WRX might appear a touch dull, but if you like your hatchbacks properly hot, it's kind of hard to look away from this car.
SUBARU IMPREZA WRX
WE LIKE: Linear performance and handling, understated looks.
WE DON'T LIKE: Cheap cabin and the notchy gearshift.
THE FACTS
Basic price: $42,990.
Options fitted: None.
Price as tested: $42,990.
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
Engine: 2457cc horizontally opposed petrol four.
Power: 169kW at 5200rpm.
Torque: 320Nm at 2800rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed manual, full-time four-wheel drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h in 6.15 seconds.
ADR fuel consumption: 10.7 litres per 100km.
SAFETY
Active driver aids: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist, traction and stability control.
Passive restraints: Front, side and curtain airbags, five lap-sash seatbelts.
EuroNCAP adult occupant crash test rating: Not tested.
VITAL STATISTICS
Wheels and tyres: 17-inch alloy wheels, 205/50 tyres.
Length: 4415mm.
Height: 1475mm.
Width: 1740mm (excluding mirrors).
Wheelbase: 2620mm.
Kerb weight: 1395kg.
Boot volume: 455 litres.
Fuel tank: 60 litres.
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Challengers to the Subaru Impreza WRX
Mazda3 MPS
Price: $45,995.
Powertrain: 190kW/380Nm 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four, 6-speed manual, front-drive, 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
This mad Mazda looks ace and stands as the maker's fastest production car. Bit of trouble putting 190kW through the front wheels, though.
Audi S3
Price: $77,900.
Powertrain: 195kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four, 6-speed manual, full-time four-wheel drive, 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
Sexy looking, superb to drive and all-wheel-drive to boot. Even better than a WRX, then - but it should be at nearly twice the price.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Price: $49,990.
Powertrain: 147kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four, 6-speed manual, front-drive.
Astonishingly competent all-rounder and a prestige badge on the bonnet, but you could argue the Golf lacks a little sparkle in this company.
- Detours, HoS
