Subaru Impreza 2.0R-S 4Dr LP Edition Review: Trading on conventionality

What we like:

Cabin is well put together

chassis loves hard workouts

steering is nicely weighted

willing engine.

What we dislike:

Plain looking exterior

interior material needs improvement

boot is rather small for a sedan

rubbery gear shifts.

The Impreza sedan is a car that is flawed in some aspects BUT nicely competent in others - and that is where it may struggle to win the showroom battle.

First impression counts the most, and all that talk about "rally wins" is not going to open wallets when the cars are not exactly aesthetically pleasing and the interiors use materials of questionable quality. It is only in the driving experience where the car shines - but are there enough buyers out there who are willing to forgo quality, comfort and style for it?

Subaru is a good carmaker as seen in how sorted the cars feel, how nicely smooth the engines are - but it has to try harder to become an all rounder to take on the class best...

Credits: Story by Justin Lee, pictures by Azfar Hashim