At $33,050 drive-away, this is the top of the range in the new generation Impreza sedan line-up. Standard fare includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in navigation, dual zone air-conditioning, sunroof, leather seats, LED headlights that turn with the steering and adaptive cruise control. Warranty is three years/unlimited kilometres Routine servicing paid up front costs $1298 for three years, which is cheaper than Subaru has been in the recent past, but still not exactly a bargain. Intervals are 12,500km/12 months. After three years, service costs rise dramatically.

COMFORT

Quality has stepped up from its predecessor with soft-touch rubber on the dash and doors. But there is an odd mix of polished and matt finish faux carbon-fibre inserts. There’s more storage in the doors and more legroom front and rear. Not everyone is a fan of the three information screens (one in the instrument cluster and two in the dash) but each serves a purpose.

SAFETY

Subaru’s EyeSight uses cameras mounted either side of the rear view mirror to constantly scan the road ahead for cars, pedestrians and cyclists, slamming on the brakes if you don’t react in time. The sun visors are accordingly shorter, making them all but useless when you swing them around to block side glare. Seven airbags and five-star safety are standard. But this grade Impreza also comes with blind zone warning, rear cross traffic alert and lane keeping tech. The rear camera guiding lines turn with the steering. Tick. Dealer-fitted front and rear parking sensors are an insane $918 each. Cross. On the plus side, rear automatic emergency braking is standard.

DRIVING

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder has a fair amount of power (115kW) but less torque (196Nm) compared with turbo rivals with smaller capacity engines. But it’s a smooth operator and works well with the continuously variable transmissions (with seven preset ratios) — providing you’re not in a hurry. Ride comfort is remarkable given it’s on 18-inch wheels with low-profile tyres. Grip and braking are excellent, due to the constant all-wheel drive and quality Yokohama rubber. Claimed 7.2L/100km is ambitious in the city and suburbs but you’ll get close to this on the open road. It can take regular unleaded.

FAST FACTS: SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0i-S

PRICE $33,050 drive-away

SAFETY 5 stars, 7 airbags, AEB

TRANSMISSION 7-speed CVT; AWD

THIRST 7.2L/100km (claimed)

ALTERNATIVES

HYUNDAI ELANTRA SR, $34,890 drive-away

A 1.6-litre turbo — 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque — and seven-speed twin-clutch auto bring some zip to the small sedan class. A better than average five-year warranty is a plus in this company.

MAZDA3 SP25 ASTINA, $35,790 drive-away

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder has almost as much grunt — 138kW and 250Nm — as the turbo Hyundai and the SP25 is a classy, well equipped package, if a little dear. As with the Subaru, the warranty coverage isn’t as generous as the Hyundai and servicing is relatively pricey.

VERDICT

If advanced safety is a top priority, the Impreza is almost as roomy as most mid-size sedans. If you want more zip, take the Hyundai for a test.