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Performance Impreza signs off in style. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.

Performance Impreza signs off in style
No rally replica would be complete without one final WRC-inspired edition. This one bears Richard Burns's initials.

   



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| A Week at the Wheel | Cambs, England | Subaru Impreza RB320 |

Inside & Out: star star star star star

This, the ultimate incarnation of this generation of Impreza, bears all the hallmarks of functional aggression we've come to know, and love, in the model. The standard STi isn't shy, but the RB320 exhibits an even bolder style. The front end dominates, with meshed grilles and a lower lip spoiler that seriously enhances its stance, as well as aids aerodynamic performance. The dark wheels also look the business. It all adds up to a serious looking piece of kit.

The interior is the aspect in which the Impreza has aged most significantly though. The game has moved on so quickly in this area of late that the Impreza's design, only average at the point of its introduction, now lags behind badly. The RB320 benefits from some redesigned seats, but much of the rest is familiar - functional but not pretty. Some may prefer a little less RB badging, as it's literally everywhere, but hardcore fans will like that. It is after all a limited edition intended as a tribute to the great man.

Engine & Transmission: star star star star star

The latest 2.5-litre flat-four boxer has reinvigorated the Impreza, not offering any more power but adding an extra degree of muscularity and a broader spread of torque. The power delivery does still ultimately come in a frenzy of boost, but it's more amenable than the older car and the additional degree of flexibility is evident. The gears are well spaced but the shift quality of the six-speed 'box has never been as sweet and slick as it should have been.

On the open road the Impreza's pace remains devastating, almost regardless of prevailing weather conditions. The benchmark 0-60mph and maximum speed figures are impressive, but it's the extra in-gear urge that is the most useful aspect of the 2.5-litre engine. It retains the same throbbing exhaust note we've come to love, but slightly more toned down.

Ride & Handling: star star star star star

Needless to say the RB320's ride is on the stuff side, but not bone-jarringly so and the suspension's damping is fantastic offering excellent body control and B-road ability; the trade off in ride comfort around town is more than offset. The DCCD (Driver Controlled Centre Differential) shared with later Imprezas transforms the handling, offering a degree of adjustability and balance noticeably absent in the older cars.

The RB320 benefits from a set up honed specifically by Prodrive to offer the very best the Impreza can do. Bespoke Pirelli tyres, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs and a new roll-bar combine to lower and stiffen the car and elevate the RB320 to levels beyond what we've experienced in other Imprezas. Endless grip is a given, but the balance and neutrality is a revelation compared to older Imprezas and the body control and damping is great.

Equipment Economy & Value for Money: star star star star star

The same statement has applied to Imprezas for quite some time now: all of the value lies in the engine and the chassis. The interior equipment is adequate, without being generous and the interior finish and quality lags rivals. However, at just over £30k the RB320's list price was only £3,500 more than the STi, but with £6k worth of extras - something of a bargain.

Unfortunately, the RB320 was only made in limited numbers, which sold out a long time ago. Second hand values remain strong for the moment. If you want one you will need to pay a premium and be patient.

Overall: star star star star star

As a final flourish at the top of the Impreza range, the RB320 is a deeply impressive performance car. It does enough for us to get the nod over the final versions of Mitsubishi's Evo range, quite something in itself and it does justice to the RB moniker. We think Richard would have approved.

Dave Jenkins - 14 Sep 2007



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2007 Subaru Impreza specifications:
Price: £30,097 on-the-road.
0-60mph: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 158mph
Combined economy: 26.4mpg
Emissions: 292g/km
Kerb weight: 1495kg

2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.

2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.



2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by James Jenkins.
 

2007 Subaru Impreza RB320. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 






 

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