Subaru has been worrying supercar drivers for nearly 15 years with its turbocharged Impreza models. That’s because these Subarus are just about the fastest cars on UK roads, have superb grip and handling, and yet cost no more than a family saloon.

For most of its history, the Impreza made do with a 2 litre engine, but in 2005 Subaru upped the ante by adding half a litre of engine capacity to its high-performance WRX models. These larger-engined cars are easy to spot because they feature modified front and rear ends that include a three-part radiator grille, high-intensity headlamps and 3-D rear-light lenses.

Despite the increased engine capacity, power rose only modestly, from 225bhp to 230bhp. Subaru’s intention was never a massive hike in horsepower, rather improved low-down torque. The plan worked, as the larger engine feels more torquey right the way across the rev range, and considerably more robust at low revs.

While the standard WRX – if standard is the right word – is by far the biggest seller, Subaru did offer the car in a couple of alternative guises. There was an entry-level model with a nonturbo 2 litre motor, and at the other end of the scale, the madly quick WRX STi.

This version cost a full £6,000 more than a basic WRX when new, and boasted 280bhp as well as a huge rear spoiler and gold alloy wheels. For those of a less flamboyant nature, the D-spec STi (D standing for discreet) may be an attractive alternative; it has all the power but a smaller rear spoiler and silver alloys.

Regardless of spec, it is the performance of the STi that makes it a stand-out car: while the standard WRX feels very quick, the STi feels ferociously so, the extra power shaving nearly half a second off the 0-60mph time and making itself felt all the way to the top speed of 158mph.

On the road, the Impreza’s acceleration will come as a revelation to most drivers. Even more sensational, though, is the Impreza’s incredible grip. It gives the impression that it’s glued to the tarmac, and that’s due to the automatic traction control and the all-wheel drive.

On the STi model a Driver’s Control Centre Differential lets the driver divert power from the front end to the back, to give sharper cornering and better straight-line stability at high speed.

The Impreza WRX’s cabin is a tad spartan: dials, seats, pedals and trim evoke a racing environment rather than a relaxing driving atmosphere. But the effect can be quite provocative: drive an Impreza slowly and it (and you) will quite often feel ill at ease. Drive it fast, though, and you’ll need to exercise a great deal of self-control to avoid getting carried away with yourself.

The most obvious rival car to a used Impreza is the Mitsubishi Evo. It, and the Impreza WRX, are cars that very much divide opinion. To some they are little more than ugly automotive bruisers; to others they are the cheapest way onto the true performance-car ladder. The Subaru’s amazing grip makes it arguably the safer of the two, although overall it feels a little less hardcore than the Evo.

Unlike most performance cars, these two have cabin space, and have it in spades. The Impreza has four doors and rear passenger space almost as good as in a decent-sized hatchback, while boot space, although not exactly cavernous, is far more than you would ever find in a Porsche.

In terms of reliability, most owners will concur that Imprezas are well screwed together. The interiors are durable, electronics are far less fragile than in many cars, and major components rarely fail. However, when problems do occur, the repairs can be very expensive.

As the Impreza is a high-performance car, you can’t afford to scrimp on its maintenance. Servicing must be carried out regularly, and replacement components should be the best; cheap tyres, for example, are not a good idea, so you’ll need to budget for the expensive ones.

With fuel, insurance and maintenance costs higher than on similarly priced saloons, the Subaru Impreza is one of the costlier used cars to run. But put it head to head with any other car that’s capable of delivering as much driving fun and it looks to be an absolute bargain.

Air-conditioning Standard on all models; check it functions as older cars sometimes require expensive repairs

Boot space 395 litre boot is larger than that of a Volkswagen Golf or Honda Civic

Gearbox Six-speed manual gearbox is standard, while lower-powered 2 litre R Sport also came with four-speed automatic

Headlamps Combination of high-intensity bulbs and bumper-mounted, pop-up washers gives good night visibility

Safety There’s no Euro NCAP score for the Impreza but all models come with side and dual front airbags

Seats WRX and WRX STi models come with superbly supportive sports seats

Side mirrors Subaru claims “antiraindrop” door mirrors stay water-free, so enhancing visibility and safety

Spoiler Fairly discreet standard boot spoiler, but high-performance STi model has a spoiler that’s really loud and proud and stands clear of the boot lid

Steering wheel A leather-bound rim and tilt adjustment as standard. STi models get an extra-grippy suede-effect rim

Wheels Nonstandard rims may suggest a previous accident and wheel replacement, so ask if the original wheels are still available

Vital statistics
Model Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX
Engine 2457cc, four cylinders, turbo
Power 230bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 27.4mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 5.4sec
Top speed 143mph
CO2 emissions 244g/km
Road tax band* F (£210 for 12 months)
Cost new today £20,095 *Cars registered after March 2006: band G (£400)

Values
Mileage
(5,000/10,000/20,000)

2005 55
Trade £11,400 £11,050 £10,400
Retail £13,150 £12,795 £12,150

2006 06
Trade £12,150 £11,800 £11,100
Retail £13,895 £13,550 £12,850

2007 07
Trade £13,450 £13,050 £12,250
Retail £15,195 £14,795 £13,995

The one to buy
A 2005 55 Subaru 2.5 WRX saloon with 20,000 miles on the clock.
Pay £12,150 at a Subaru dealer or £10,400 privately

Or for similar money
1994 L TVR Griffith
1999 V Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG saloon auto
1999 V Porsche Boxster 3.2 S
2003 03 Mitsubishi Evo VII
2004 04 Ford Focus RS