Driving Subaru’s new Impreza today – this sixth generation all-wheel-drive model now only available as a hatchback, the sedan deleted. The first new Impreza in seven years brings a new body, more technology, a smart new interior, and a suite of new safety elements. Much the same all-wheel-drive underpinnings with carryover 2.0-litre boxer engine but a new CVT automatic. Three models, the Impreza L, R and S, with significant price lifts from $4,000 to $5,200, I drove the top spec 2.0 S at $42,133 drive-away moving the Subaru Impreza into much dearer territory. But it is an all-wheel-drive against small car competitors that are only front-wheel drive. On first impression the build quality and fit and finish hard to fault while this 2.0-litre S is highly equipped – leather accentuated seat trim, dual zone climate control, eight-way power driver’s seat, a power sunroof, 10- speaker sound, adaptive LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nine airbags, an excellent 11.6-inch touchscreen but thankfully retaining radio tuning and volume dials – but disappointingly lacking front parking sensors and air vents to the back seat . The Subaru Impreza comes with a five- year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Subaru this week launching its first battery electric model – the Solterra SUV.

Download this podcast here