VroomVroom
Autotechnik Ace
What we have here are two cars that are hard to justify buying, both overshadowed by other models from the same range.
The cars are stymied by a triumvirate of badge initials, STI in the case of the Impreza, and of course the legendary combination of GTI for the Golf.
The latter case must be particularly galling for VW's marketing men. The GTI is the cheaper, less powerful option, yet the R32 - the supposed halo model - has never fired the imagination of enthusiasts in the same way. The previous generation four-wheel drive Golf was also something of a stopgap solution to criticism that the GTI of the time was simply too underpowered and uninvolving. That all changed with the introduction of the latest iteration which addressed those problems and then some, instantly becoming the everyman hot-hatch once again. In contrast, the Impreza has always been something of a sleeper.
Forget the baseball cap wearing youths who use them to cruise regional town centres, the core of the Impreza's customer base has always come from rural communities. It is, quite rightly, regarded as one of the most capable and reliable cars available. Its power added to the security of all-wheel drive wrapped up in a sensible saloon or estate body also made it one of the most versatile. But has it lost some of that appeal in moving to a five-door format and will it no longer stand-out as the considered choice against the more obvious Golf?
the Golf is the once in a lifetime runner, the Impreza is the dedicated gym goer."
Engine
2.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power (bhp)
227
Torque (lb/ft)
236
0-62mph (secs)
6.1
Top speed (mph)
130
Combined MPG
27.2
CO2 (g/km)/tax (%)
246/35
List price
£19,995
the R32 burbles like a Max Power Nova - without the need for a Halfords visit."
Engine
3.2-litre V6 petrol
Power (bhp)
247
Torque (lb/ft)
236
0[-62mph (secs)
6.5
Top speed (mph)
155
Combined MPG
26.4
CO2 (g/km)/tax (%)
255/35
List price
£24,845
