Lowered price combine with improved ride and more space to step up Impreza's value appeal

It was never looks that attracted buyers to the Subaru Impreza. This was always a machine different enough to attract a certain enthusiast buyer to the brand- one who would remain loyal to it for years.

The Impreza is one of only two AWD vehicles under $25,000 - the other being Suzuki's SX4.

For 2008, Subaru has stopped relying so heavily on this concentrated appeal and started from scratch with a more mainstream approach in an attempt to increase sales. Of course looks alone don't usually sell a car, and under the controversial new skin, the new model has a lot to offer at an even lower price than before.

Safe and sound sportiness
The five-door Impreza carries a 'can-do' stance which well compliments its extra storage space and fun loving intentions. Starting at a lowered $21,595, the Impreza hatchback represents an affordable, sporty all wheel drive hatchback. Standard front, side and curtain airbags and plenty of cargo space make it an ideal machine for those interested in a capable and adventurous wagon that's not afraid to head out in even the nastiest weather.

Stand-out style
The tester included the Sport package- bumping the price up to $24,895 but adding stability control, hill-start assist (manual gearbox only) heated wipers and seats, a 6-CD changer and alloy wheels. Outside, body-cladding included fog-lamps, side-skirts and a rear splitter to liven things up. It might have the grille from a Daewoo Nubria and some fairly weak-looking wheels, but other details like integrated bumper reflectors, LED taillamps and a rear splitter grew on me before long.

An improved interior
The pleasant and energetic styling approach carries on inside too- with an upbeat and modern looking interior presented in a black and metallic color scheme. There are two power outlets for your electronics and an input for an MP3 player as well.

Visibility is notably good when changing lanes or backing up thanks to the large windows, and a tight turning circle helps make Impreza as easy to maneuver in the grocery-store parking lot as it is in rush-hour traffic.

The interior is much more modern and ergonomic than before.