Small Car with Big Attitude

Remove the bold new three section grille and aerodynamically efficient headlight design from the 2006 Impreza and the rest of the car appears more or less carryover from the 2005 model, but to think this is the case wouldn't do the significantly updated model justice at all.

The redesigned front fascia makes the newly designated 2.5i model appear more like its sport-oriented STI sibling. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

First of all, every panel forward of the B-pillar and front doors is new. The redesigned front fascia makes the newly designated 2.5i model appear more like its sport-oriented STI sibling, a good thing if you're buying into the Impreza line at the lower end, but maybe a negative if you're looking for more distinction from the $48K flagship model. The car's front fenders visually integrate with the side panels better than those on the outgoing car too, while the new aluminum hood is formed to match up with the modified front end.

In the rear, it takes the keener eye of a true-blue Subaru fan to notice any difference. A larger Subaru logo is now prominently positioned at the

A larger Subaru logo is now prominently positioned at the centre of the rear trunk lid overhang, while redesigned tail lamp lenses add greater distinction to the car's rear styling. (Photo: Subaru Canada)

centre of the rear trunk lid overhang, while redesigned tail lamp lenses add greater distinction to the car's rear styling.

Before I delve into the countless upgrades under the skin, I just wanted to say how much I'm starting to like Subaru's new corporate face. I find the three piece grille works best on the new Impreza, which might be due to its stylish new smoke-tinted headlamp clusters. I see a little influence from BMW's new 645 Ci in their design, which in my opinion is not a negative thing at all - unless you're BMW I suppose. But unlike some of Subaru's Japanese peers, the new Impreza isn't trying to rely on any European styling trends to make its brand more desirable to consumers. Rather, the design team is creating an entirely new look, and like it or not, consumers won't be mixing up its new Impreza with Honda Civics and Mazda3.