Subaru's all new Impreza - now entering showrooms across the UK - has won the 2000/2001 'Car Of The Year Japan' Special Award in tribute to its widely acclaimed performance and handling.

All passenger cars produced and launched in Japan between 1 November 1999 and 31 October 2000 were eligible. And it was perhaps appropriate that this year, with the award in its 21st year, the 54-strong committee of automotive experts, critics and journalists had 21 new models to choose from.

The Special Award recognises such attributes as outstanding product concepts and mechanical features. In awarding it to the Impreza, the judges stated: "It's a sports sedan with the greatest attention to driving pleasure we've seen in recent years, and we were impressed by the safety offered by its highly rigid body."

Overall body stiffness in the new Impreza saloon and sports wagon has been improved by 185 per cent and 122 per cent, respectively, in terms of twisting and by 250 and 239 per cent with respect to bending.

Commenting on the win, Ed Swatman, Chief Executive Officer of Subaru (UK) Limited, said: "Industry-leading body structure techniques have ensured that the new Impreza is vastly stronger, safer and quieter than the current model - a car that has acquired iconic status as the affordable performance car of the 1990s."

He added: "The Car Of The Year Japan Special Award bears testament to the fact that the Impreza has now grown up and yet at the same time offers even more impressive all-round handling and performance to satisfy driving enthusiasts."

On-the-road UK prices start from £13,950 and the range includes a 1.6 TS sports wagon, 2.0 litre GX saloon and sports wagon and the 218 PS turbocharged WRX saloon and sports wagon.