Neglected and unnoticed, it’s tough being the middle child. Just ask the Subaru Impreza 2.0R-S.
Buyers on a budget will like the 1.5-litre variant, while rally driver-wannabes will want the tubrocharged WRX 2.5.
It’s a pity. Because I think the Subaru Impreza 2.0R-S is actually one of the better buys under 70 big ones.
While the 1.5 lacks the poke to fully exploit the Impreza’s drivetrain, the 2-litre twin cam engine (that’s four cams actually, as it is a boxer) powerplant can.
It is nice to drive a car with an engine that is “one size bigger”, and the Subaru Impreza is exactly that.
Whatever, the situation – overtaking or scooting off from the lights – the car feels like it has plenty more in reserve.
And as the revs climb, the characteristic boxer exhaust note becomes more audible. I like that.
Larger bodies will like the Subaru Impreza 2.0R’s wider sports seats.
Hustle the car though a tight bend and it tracks a nice arc, and understeer will only slip in when the limits of the 205/55 R16 tyres have been breached.
But even at that very instant, there is ample warning from the tyres as well as a progressive loss of front-end grip.
A lightening of throttle pressure will immediately bring the nose back in line, bringing control back to you.
The 4-speed automatic performs its task smoothly but there is a slight delay when employing the “manual” mode.
It would also have been great fun to have paddle shifters.
Elsewhere, the extra moolah you spend goes into a pair of figure-hugging bucket-type seats – an important piece of kit on any car with any sporting intentions – a rear diffuser like the one found on the WRX 2.5 and steering wheel-mounted control for the factory-fitted audio system.
The Impreza 2.0R-S may be the middle child, but give it a bit of attention and you’ll realise what a talented boy it is.
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.0R (A)
ENGINE 1994cc, 16-valves, flat-4
MAX POWER 150bhp at 6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 196Nm at 3200rpm
GEARBOX 4-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 11.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 182km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.2km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE $69,888
AGENT Motor Image
Group Test: Subaru Impreza 1.6 vs Honda Civic 1.6 vs Hyundai Elantra Elite 1.6
