Key facts:
Model tested: Subaru WRX STI
Price: £32,995
Date tested: October 2010
Road tester: Martin Gurdon

Subaru tried to broaden the appeal of its Impreza WRX STI by ditching the four-door and offering a hatchback, but some diehard fans weren't keen. Now there's a four-door to keep them happy, although the hatch remains. One thing that's missing is the Impreza name, which is now confined to non-hot versions.

The four-door is more discreet than earlier STIs. Gone are the gold wheels and huge boot spoilers, but the bulging wings, re-profiled bumpers and enormous alloy wheels aren't subtle.

The lightly re-worked interior is low-key and practical. Front occupants get Recaro seats which are comfortable and supportive, although well-built people might find them a squeeze.

The clear instruments and centre console have been revised, everything is to hand and the interior feels well put together.

There's a decent amount of boot space, and the saloon's rear seat backrests fold flat to increase luggage capacity. The rear has decent head and legroom and will accommodate two adults comfortably, three at a squash; visibility is good too.

For something with stiff suspension and giant, low-profile tyres the Subaru rides well. There's a lowered ride height, changes to the springs, new suspension bushes and other subtle upgrades to improve the dynamics.

Four-wheel drive and a low, flat-four engine aid the car's dynamics, and it's blessed with light-but-accurate steering, swift responses which are never nervous, and huge reserves of grip.

Subaru claims this is the quickest WRX STI yet, and with a 296bhp variable-valve, 2.5-litre engine that's believable. Its combined 26.9mpg fuel economy and 243g/km emissions aren't bad for a car with such performance.

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The STi will reach 62 in 5.2 seconds and top 158mph, with a complete lack of drama. The engine is easygoing in traffic, pulls well at low revs, and keeps going until the 6,700rpm red line, as the scenery whips past at warp factor speeds.

Power is accessed through a clunky six-speed gearbox, with a heavy spring action that takes a bit of getting used to.

The Brembo disc brakes are more than up to the job of stopping the Impreza, and there's a variety of electronic aids, including 'super sports' ABS anti-lock, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution which compensates for weight distribution depending on how much luggage or passengers are carried.

The car's body is stronger and safer than before, and there's a collapsible brake pedal plus dual front, side and curtain airbags.

Other features include 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, keyless access and push button stop and start, climate control, Bluetooth, cruise control and 10-speaker audio with steering wheel controls.

Someone considering the performance and economy of a diesel BMW 330d, or saving some cash with a Golf GTi, probably wouldn't choose the fire-breathing Subaru, but for fans of its aggressive styling, storming performance, stand-alone engineering and solid build quality, it remains uniquely desirable.