New Subaru Impreza, UK price, spec and details

The new Subaru Impreza is to go on sale in the UK on May 1. Due to ‘a more favourable exchange rate’ and ‘persistent customer demand’, the new permanent four-wheel-drive hatchback will arrive on UK shores with just one engine, a petrol 1.6 Boxer, which develops 112bhp and 110 lb ft of torque.

This is coupled to either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. 0-62mph is reached in 12.3 seconds for the manual and 12.6 seconds for the auto. Economy-wise, figures suggest a combined cycle economy of 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 147g/km.

Subaru’s four-wheel-drive system features the usual 50/50 torque split in the manual, and an electronically assisted 60/40 split with the CVT. The UK version of the Impreza will be available ‘in small volumes’ and only in the RC trim level. It does include automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 16-inch alloys, dual zone air-conditioning and a reversing camera.

The manual is yours for £17,495, with the CVT costing £1500 more. If you like the idea of an Impreza, but this doesn’t quite float your Scoobie boat, there is always the WRX STi, which Subaru has promised to bring back to the UK in the summer. Shown off at 2014’s Geneva Motor Show, the 300bhp 2.5 litre turbo saloon sounds a lot like the old Impreza we all know and love.