23 Nov 07
Having established the WRX is plenty fast in a straight line, I dial it back a couple of notches and enjoy this amazing stretch of road. Village pubs with warm fires glowing in their leaded windows beckon; long, sandy beaches with lone walkers slide by on the left; glimpsed through atmospheric drizzle, locals wave and smile; and then, finally, a sign that announces Belfast is just 20 miles ahead of us.
After a few days with the Impreza on roads and in conditions that it seemed invented for, it becomes clear just what Subaru hopes to achieve with this latest WRX. Namely, the company wants to offer the world a hot Impreza that's easier to live with, more comfortable and more accessible to a wider audience. At £19,995, the new model's actually cheaper than the car it replaces. And there is no question that it is less punishing to live with.
There will be lots of complaints, though, that this Impreza has lost it raw edge, has become a bit too effete for its hardcore audience. Well, OK, but the fact remains that there are few cars out there with more aftermarket tuning options. You want stiffer suspension tuning and a bit more bite with your Boxer? No problem at all.
And if you really want something special, the 300bhp WRX STi comes next spring, with, I suspect, all the power, wheel arch flares and suspension tautness that the Antrim Coast can handle. I shall return.
*For more information about Ireland go to www.discoverireland.com
