23 Nov 07
'Rain' feels far too limp a word to describe what goes on in Ireland on a typical November afternoon. It comes at you horizontally in great undulating sheets, which makes an umbrella a totally useless defence (even if I'd been bright enough to bring one). And the closer to the coast you get, the more violent and persistent it becomes.
We are, of course, headed to the coast. Specifically, we are headed to the Antrim Coastal route, which has been described to me as one of the greatest stretches of coastline in Europe, whether for looking or driving. Having just spent a few days driving around the quite sensational Col de Vence in the south of France, I'm a wee bit sceptical on that score. But the thing that clinches the deal and has me Ryanair-bound is the news that I'll be driving Subaru's very latest Impreza WRX.
On first acquaintance, the new WRX looks a deal more ordinary than the car it replaces, with its traditional five-door hatch configuration. If you don't spot the badge from behind, it could be anything. The front looks more businesslike with that large air scoop neatly sculpted into the bonnet, although I still prefer the old car's Sydney Opera House-style intake. I like a bit of visual drama.
For down-the-road drama, the Impreza deploys a turbocharged 2.5-litre four that develops the same 227bhp that the outgoing car did. Significantly, though, peak power and torque (236lb-ft) are developed at lower rpm, which should make the Impreza experience less manic (not necessarily a good thing, depending on your point of view).
