THE latest Subaru Impreza does just what it says on the Subaglu tin. It sticks to the road, as Deborah Penn discovers.

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The name Subaru Impreza conjures up a spangly image of gold wheels, go faster extras and a racer at the wheel. But, hold on to your hats, there’s a new gal in town.

The latest Impreza, launched in September, is aimed solidly at the middle market, the territory of the Ford Focus, Volkwagen Golf and Honda Civic. I was told at the garage that "it’s for women and ordinary people". You get the picture. I fall into both categories so was deemed eminently suitable to test the model.

There have always been two sides to the Impreza: the rally-bred, super-quick and extravagantly bodykitted turbo models, and the often overlooked workaday naturally aspirated versions. With this third-generation range, Subaru has abandoned the former saloon and estate body styles in favour of a conventional five-door hatchback format.

But what sets the new Impreza apart from its rivals is its four-wheel drive which, in the words of the advertising campaign, makes it stick to the roads like glue - or Subaglue. This makes the Impreza immensely attractive to drivers living in the country who need a bit of extra help in tricky conditions without resorting to a fuel guzzling 4x4. The raised air intake on the engine means the car is also very practical for driving through floods.

First versions on offer are 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol models, developing 107 and 150bhp respectively, both keeping the familiar reliable Subaru flat-four Boxer engines. These are the domesticated relations of the muscular rally-bred WRX.

The 1.5 and 2.0 are virtually indistinguishable in looks with only the smaller alloys on the bigger engined car to mark it out. The interior is practical and spacious with body hugging seats that provide plenty of support and comfort.

Apart from the Subaglu, the new Impreza possesses another major attribute: its price starts from £12,495 on the road. The model I tested was the 2.0 automatic.

Subaru builds mechanically tough cars, and those Boxer engines are capable of very high mileages indeed. There’s lots of anecdotal evidence to suggest that it can run to well over 100,000 miles without any major work needed.

The four-wheel drive system has a 50:50 front-rear torque split, or 60:40 with the automatic gearbox, under most conditions. The grip is superb. The steering has been revised for quicker responses, and the all-new rear suspension layout, longer wheelbase, relatively light weight and lowered centre of gravity all contribute to the sports-car feel.

For those scaling steep farm tracks and muddy country roads, there’s a set of easily selectable low-ratio gears to help out. The twin-cam 1.5 is capable of 109mph and 0-60mph in 13.7 seconds. It’s not exactly super-quick, but it’s lively enough, especially from a standstill and at low engine speeds.

The 2.0 makes 150bhp and 145lb-ft, giving 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds (11.3 seconds auto). You don’t necessarily need massive amounts of horsepower to have fun – the pleasure with these cars is more in the handling than in out-and-out speed.

Should the worst happen, front, side and curtain airbags are standard. Most models have whiplash-protecting head restraints and the 2.0R adds xenon headlights.

The four-wheel drive system will help keep you out of trouble and Subaru has made huge progress in improving the Impreza’s ride.

It is smoother than before, coping very well with rough roads. Sound insulation is much improved too.

There’s a chance to see the new Subaru Impreza next weekend at Walldonway Subaru, 763 London Road, Ditton, near Maidstone. On Saturday, November 24, from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and Sunday, November 25, from 10am to 5pm, the whole range of Subarus will be on show and test drives will be available as part of an open weekend. Call 01732 870386.

Factfile

Subaru Impreza range

PRICES: £12,495-£18,495 - on the road

CO2 EMISSIONS: 176-246g/km

INSURANCE GROUPS: 4E - 8E

PERFORMANCE: [1.5R] Max Speed 109mph/ 0-60mph 13.7s

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5R] (urban) 29.4mpg / (extra urban) 44.8mpg / (combined) 37.7mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: front, side and curtain airbags / ABS / EBD

DEALER: Car loaned by Walldonway Subaru, 763 London Road, Ditton, ME20 6BG, call 01732 870386.