A motoring icon is now spreading its fame to a wider audience. The highly desirable Subaru Impreza – a name which has always had enthusiasts licking their lips – is now available with new entry-level 1.5 and 2.0-litre models that provide much of the original's driving pleasure, without breaking the bank.

Yes, we'd all like to go out and buy the limited supply 2.5 WRX turbo. But then we'd only have £5 change from £20,000. Suddenly a 1.5 normally aspirated model at £12,495 looks very appealing.

And it's a heck of a lot of car for the money, as standard equipment on all models includes all wheel drive (AWD) with dual range, low-ratio transfer box; alloy wheels; climate control air-con; radio CD player; height and reach steering wheel adjustment; foglamps; electric windows all round; driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags; plus information display.

So bearing in mind the price, the 1.5 and 2.0 models are a very practical package, with the benefit of lower insurance costs (group 4E for the 1.5R).

I have been at the wheel of the impressive Impreza 2.0R, which at £14,995 presents incredible value for money.

Most importantly, it brings all the safety and driving benefits of AWD, plus the Impreza's legendary balance and handling.

That's because the Impreza still features the fantastic horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engines which give the car a lower centre of gravity for improved grip, reduced body roll and more agile steering response – and most of the new models are lighter than their predecessors.

All the new Imprezas share a five-door body with much improved interior space, thanks in part to a longer wheelbase.

New Impreza is also around 2ins wider, while a compact new multi-link rear suspension allows a wider and more useable luggage area.

The aim is to take on mainstream models such as Honda Civic, VW Golf and Mazda3 head on while offering the added safety and traction advantage of AWD.

Click here to watch Alan Candy's video road test of the Impreza

The 2.0R model I tested isn't at all boy racer, with a fairly restrained design, though the sporty stance with wide tracks, broad shoulder lines and subtle side body creases are talking points.

Strangely, Subaru have decided to deck out the rear light clusters with a rather gaudy, bling surround. But from the side view, the Impreza is pretty anonymous.

Best of all, the 2.0R boasts strong performance and that thrilling, liquid movement that makes everyday handling such a delight.

The burbling, gruff engine note alone is almost enough to warrant buying the car just to hear – and even after a week or hard driving, I was still returning 35.1mpg overall.

With stronger low and mid-range pulling power, the 2.0R Impreza accelerates briskly to 60mph in 9.2 seconds, with a top speed of 120mph and tidy steering makes sure the driver is always involved in the action.

The legendary symmetrical AWD system you can count on to provide the perfect platform for flat and confident cornering and ride quality is very good.

I appreciated the new slicker-shifting, five-speed manual transmissions, which slide sweetly through the gears and the driver always feels safe and in control of the situation.

Inside, the speedo is marked at 20/40/60mph, which misses the important 30mph and 70mph marks, though displays are clear. I found it hard to get the perfect driving position, wanting to shove the adjustable steering wheel up an inch or two extra because of my height.

Oddments space is decent and the boot is also reasonably generous, boosted by a big cutaway area to make loading and unloading large objects easier.

Pound for pound, driving pleasure really doesn't come much better than this.

At a glance:

• Totally new Impreza with roomier five-door body, plus multi-link rear suspension for outstanding ride and refinement.


• All models boast improved fuel economy, torquier, more flexible 'boxer' engines.


• Naturally-aspirated Impreza 1.5R and 2.0R and RX provide wider customer audience.


• All-wheel drive range starts from £12,495.


• Lower running costs with Group 4E insurance for 1.5R.


• Unbeatable level of equipment, including AWD with dual-range low-ratio transfer box for extra traction, alloys, climate control air-con, CD-tuner and much more.