Subaru Impreza STI Hatchback 2008 - Present

If the regular Subaru Impreza leaves you feeling a little disappointed, then just look across the showroom to the sportier STI. This beast of a motor has long been regarded as one of the quickest, best-handling, best-value cars on the planet. Subaru has certainly taken a radical new direction: it's only available as a five-door hatchback, the base versions of which have been criticised for their lacklustre looks.

The STI version is unmistakable, with its wide wheelarches, aggressive spoilers and multiple vents. While the essentials remain the same - turbocharged four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, permanent four-wheel drive, close-ratio six-speed gearbox - there are more driver aids - including stability control for the first time - and more power. When it goes on sale in March 2008, it's going to have to beat the Mitsubishi Evo X due out at the same time, while Subaru also says it's raising its game to tempt Audi and BMW buyers. The STI remains one of the quickest-accelerating cars this side of a Porsche, with an estimated 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds.

A new feature for the STI is Subaru's Si-Drive - a dial that lets you switch between engine response programs. Comprising normal, sharp and super sharp, the settings progressively speed up throttle reaction times to suit your mood and driving style. The six-speed gearbox is basically the same as before but its shift action is faster and lighter; a good thing, as the old STI gearbox's mechanical feel wasn't very appealing. When it comes to stopping, the Brembo brakes are excellent.

Imprezas are all about grip, and four-wheel drive remains a major contributor to the STI's great purchase on the road. The tyres will eventually start squealing in protest, but only at very high cornering speeds, so unless you're smashing it around on a track this shouldn't be a concern.

As before, the STI allows you to dial in how the torque is directed to the front and rear axles via a Driver's Control Centre Differential which now incorporates a switchable auto mode for the first time. Pulling the control switch all the way back does noticeably reduce understeer but the tendency for Impreza's nose to push wide around corners remains an annoying feature.

For the first time ever on an Impreza, the STI incorporates a stability control system. It improves safety but you can still switch if off if you really want to, or even to a half-way 'Traction' mode that delays its onset to increase driver feel.

The steering is rather lighter than many performance cars but you always feel utterly confident that the STI will get you around bends. And there's a surprising amount of body roll for such a performance-orientated car, the result of some soft suspension settings that improve the ride quality over the previous STI. Overall noise is also a good deal more subdued.

The interior is disappointing and looks a bit cheap compared to more up-market motors. But it's a shame because the design is pretty good, its just the acres of plastic that let it down. We'll have to wait for the UK model in 2008 to see what it has on offer for our shores we have only seen the Japanese spec so far. But its going to have its work cut out to compete with the Mitsubishi Evo X, due out at the same time.

I can hardly wait.

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