Subaru has unveiled a new Impreza which it says offers sharper handling, smoother riding and a plusher feel, writes David Duffy.

Unveiled in Japan, the new Impreza saloon and five-door receive their European debut at the 2000 British International Motor Show at Birmingham in October. Sales start late November.

The company said everything from the sound of a closing door to the fine adjustment of the driver's seat had been painstakingly studied, while interior trim textures and finishes represented a significant advance over the previous model.

It said road noise suppression, ride refinement and structural solidity were markedly improved. For example, the saloon body is 250 per cent more resistant to bending with the five-door showing a 239 per cent improvement. The stronger, stiffer floorpan combines with new, low-friction suspension components giving more agile handling, improved grip and better steering control especially during harder driving.

Engine changes include more pulling power at lower revs plus a larger turbocharger for the 2.0-litre 218 horsepower turbo engine. The result is enhanced throttle-response while meeting stringent new emission targets. Both the Impreza Turbo saloon and five door will now be called 'WRX' the worldwide name for Subaru's turbocharged Impreza models.

Meanwhile, the naturally-aspirated 125 horsepower 2.0 litre engine now in 'GX' saloon or five door trim will be joined by a new 95 horsepower, 1.6-litre 'TS' five-door to compete with more mainstream rivals. However, no competitor boasts the active safety benefit of all-wheel drive or low centre of gravity of Subaru's renowned horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine.

Other improvements include more interior space plus enhanced safety thanks to a stronger body and rear centre three-point seat-belt.