Subaru’s new-look Impreza range is now complete thanks to the announcement of the 2.0 GX Sport saloon and five-door – both £800 cheaper than previous models.

Priced at £14,950 on-the-road for the saloon and £15,450 for the five-door, the entry-level Imprezas are aimed at competing head-on with more mundane rivals.

These new, keen prices follow on from January’s introduction of the Impreza WRX and STi Type-UK which – at £19,995 and £24,995 OTR respectively – are £1,500 and £2,500 less than before.

Deliveries of the new-look Impreza GX Sport begin in April but dealers are already taking orders. The 1.6 litre Impreza TS five door has been dropped from the range.

Featuring Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive system and horizontally-opposed naturally-aspirated ‘boxer’ engine, the GX Sport combines outstanding handling and roadholding with accessible performance and a distinctive engine note.

New features for ’03 include a completely restyled and more aerodynamic front-end, revised steering, dampers and interior and a safety boost comprising active front head-restraints, dual-stage passenger airbag, impact-absorbing brake pedal, ISOFIX rear child seat mounts, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and pedestrian-friendly wipers and bonnet.

Security has also been improved thanks to the fitment of deadlocks and shielded door locks and equipment levels remain high with, for example, a radio/CD player, air-conditioning, four electric windows, keyless entry central-locking and a Category One alarm/immobiliser.

In addition, fuel economy is drastically enhanced with, for example, a 5.8 mpg improvement on the Extra Urban cycle for the 2.0 GX Sport automatic (now 43.5 mpg) with similar reductions in exhaust emissions.

Ends