WHEN I first saw - but didn’t drive - Subaru’s excitedly awaited all-new WRX Impreza last year I said it was the beauty and the beast within this new road-going version of a rally legend that would make it the hottest new Subaru since its predecessor, the Subaru Impreza Turbo - considered by many to be one of the finest cars of the 90s and immortalised in more than a million Playstations.

Last week the driving desire was well and truly fulfilled. And while that did much to get the adrenalin flowing in torrents I was a shade disappointed that the radically restyled car had a tamer look.

Still there is no mistaking that this is a performance machine that the enthusiasts will lap up with its large air intake on the bonnet, twin exhausts, new flared wheel arches and rear spoiler.

The bug-eyed front has a distinctive machined, engineered look, its large oval-shaped headlamps incorporating high and low beams and direction indicators. It’s just a pity about the tail end is a little too bland.

Stronger, safer and more refined, the all-wheel-drive WRX is every bit a driver’s delight. Behind the wheel, foot down, fire raging in its belly, backside glued to the seat and I tell you, you don’t want to stop. And it’s refined and comfortable especially on long-distance hauls.

Handling agility and excellent suspension control are better than ever. And there’s a vastly stiffer floorpan. The body, for example, is 250 per cent more resistant to bending than its predecessor.

By raising the rear roll centre by 33mm – virtually the same as the WRC rally car – cornering grip and straight line stability have been greatly improved.

The WRX also benefits from revised suspension pick-up points and geometry settings, while the steering, springs, shock abosrbers and anti-roll bars have all been fine tuned.

The strut suspension at the rear has been retained for reasons of compactness, low upsprung weight and rally proven durability. MacPherson struts are at the front fitted with lightweight, forged aluminium L-shaped lower arms and 20mm wider front and rear tracks. And to exploit the extra grip, larger 17x17ins alloy wheels with 12215/78ZR tyres are fitted.

The interior’s also better with aluminium style inserts now marking an improvement over the old cabin. Seats, too, are supportive and comfortable.

Standard features include air conditioning, twin airbags and CD players whilst outside there are front foglights.

The fire in the belly is an updated v ersion of Subaru’s flat -four ‘boxer’ turbocharged engine producing 218bhp – up from 215bhp – giving a 0 to 60mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 143mph.

The engine has been reworked to improve flexibility and low down pull. Peak torque rises by just 1lb ft to 215lb at 3600rpm – 400 rpm lower than before.

The weight of the saloon has gone up slightly – 150kg to 1385kg – and this has slightly reduced acceleration, not, of course, that you’d really notice.
Sharp steering, great brakes, superior handling and steering – this is the car to relish. However, you pay for your fun at the pumps. I averaged 20.5mpg.

Sit back and enjoy. Magic.