ENGINES – Being a Subaru it’s going to be a little different. Whichever engine you choose (1.5, 2.0, 2.5-litre) it will be a ‘flat four’ in that the cylinders are horizontally opposed. This means a better balanced car, a distinctive exhaust note and more torque than your average petrol motor. Sadly diesel fans are out of luck here.

EXTERIOR – This is the last generation of Impreza sold as a conventional saloon and estate. The chunky looks and boxy but spacious rear end help ensure the car stands out from the crowd. The latter attribute also ensures a generous amount of load space in the Sports Wagon variant.

INTERIOR – Inside the Impreza the emphasis is very much on durability. Tough plastics and hard wearing upholstery major heavily, which should prove advantageous if you plan on fully exploiting the car’s potential on and off road. At the rear the tailgate opens wide to reveal a flat load area.

DRIVING – With its permanent all-wheel drive plus the torquey and responsive engines, the driving experience is surprisingly rewarding. An excellent all-weather car, you always feel confident when behind the wheel. The WRX version is very quick, but unless you need the rally car pace any 2.0-litre model will be just fine.

OWNERSHIP – With no diesel option the Impreza can prove more costly to run than conventional oil burning models. The upside is the inclusion of four-wheel drive, which might prove advantageous depending on your needs. Elsewhere the car feels durable, should last a long time and in Sports Wagon form is practical and spacious.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR – Subaru owners are a loyal and trustworthy bunch, which makes choosing a car easier than with most other brands. A detailed service history is still important, as is a check of the car’s all-wheel drive system for added peace of mind. Although often worked hard, physical damage is rare. Do check for parking dents, kerbed wheels and underbody scrapes just in case, though.

MODEL HISTORY 2005: Subaru launches latest generation Impreza saloon and estate (Sports Wagon). All cars feature four-wheel drive and Subaru’s unusual ‘flat-four’ petrol engines. Durability and reliability the main selling point, along with a gtood level of standard equipment. Rapid WRX model gains a powerful 2.5-litre engine; the mainstay 2.0-litre unit is joined by an entry-level 1.5-litre unit.

REASONS TO BUY – all-weather capabilities, unusual looks, durable and reliable.

REASONS TO BEWARE – petrol-only range, thirst, popular hence buoyant market.

PICK OF THE RANGE – Impreza Sports Wagon 2.0 R Sport WHAT TO PAY 2005 55 5,855 2006 06 6,660 2006 56 7,490 2007 07 8,415 Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.