Subaru’s new 2010 Impreza XV fills a neat niche in the Japanese company's model range, a niche created by the movement of the Subaru Forester to a larger body. Forester began its career as a station wagon with extra ground clearance, but expanded in size, particularly in height, with each new model. Forester is now definitely in the SUV class. Some buyers hankered after the old model Impreza, now Subaru Australia has given them the Impreza XV.

Subaru says the Impreza XV is aimed at a younger, more adventurous audience than that which was attracted to the original Forester wagon. It may be right to some extent, but we feel that older folks don’t mind a bit of adventure as well. And if the Impreza XV has a fun look due to the body additions many of the older generation will like it as well.

The Subaru Impreza XV has received a full body makeover that's more intense than it might appear at first glance. It gets a new radiator grille with a bolder theme; that's continued to a new design for the front and rear bumpers with a deeper, squarer look. The biggest change of all is the use of protective moulded wheelarch extensions in a deep grey over the 16-inch alloy wheels. These latter two items give the new Impreza an SUV look that will stand it in good stead on the showroom floor.

It's much the same with the standout design of the roof rails and the rear spoiler that shows a continuation of its shape.

The Subaru XV’s interior gets sports bucket seats with mocha accents, again chasing the fun and funky look. The XV is Bluetooth enabled and has an iPod compatible USB connection in the centre console. It has a 10-speaker audio system, climate-control air conditioning and leather trim steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob.

It's not all show and no go – the new Subaru Impreza XV rides 30 mm higher than other Imprezas. That 30 mm can make all the difference as most light duty driving in SUVs is hindered by lack of ground clearance rather than by a loss of traction.

Having said that, the Subaru Impreza XV takes advantage of the company's famed all-wheel drive system, Subaru has decades of experience in Australia with all-wheel drive and this shows in the way the latest Impreza XV can pick its way up, down, over and around our off-road course without missing a beat.

To allow for the extra ground clearance, Impreza XV's suspension has been retuned, with changes to the stabiliser bars, spring rates, dampers and rear sub-frame bushes.

The XV shares its mechanical components with the Impreza R, Impreza RX and Impreza RS. So it has a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre, four-cylinder boxer engine. This is a modern powerplant and provides plenty of grunt, even in a relatively heavy car like this one.

Power is run through either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

On the road the new Subaru Impreza XV runs smoothly and comfortably. Handling is somewhat hampered by the extra ground clearance and the higher centre of gravity that creates. However, it you don’t drive it as though it's a sports wagon it will behave itself well at all times. And if you do get too close to the Impreza's limits the electronic aids in the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) system will help you get out of trouble.

Fuel consumption is relatively high for a hatchback, though acceptable for an SUV. Expect to use about nine to eleven litres per hundred kilometres in commuting and around town driving, and about seven to nine litres per hundred in the country and on motorways.

The new Subaru Impreza XV sells for $27,490 (manual) and $29,490 (automatic). These are manufacturers' list prices and do not include dealer and government charges. A $1500 factory-fitted sunroof is available as an option.

The Subaru Impreza XV certainly takes over from the Impreza Sportswagon and RV that have been a sales success in the past. It does so with plenty of conviction that will stand it in good stead in the sales race during 2010 and 2011.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
Subaru Impreza XV 2.0-litre four-door sedan: $27,490 (manual), $29,490 (automatic)

FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard
Air Conditioning: Standard
Automatic Transmission: Optional
CD Player: Standard
Central Locking: Standard
Cruise Control: Not offered
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Stability Control: Standard
Traction Control: Standard

SPECIFICATIONS (Subaru Impreza XV 2.0-litre four-door sedan)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.994 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders horizontally opposed
Head Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 92.0 x 75.0 mm
Maximum Power: 110 kW @ 6400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 196 Nm @ 3200 rpm

DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: All-wheel drive
Manual Transmission: Five-speed
Automatic Transmission: Four-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 4.111:1

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4430 mm
Wheelbase: 2615 mm
Width: 1770 mm
Height: 1570 mm
Turning Circle: 10.6 metres
Kerb Mass: 1358 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
Towing Ability: 650 kg (1200kg with braked trailer)

SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coil springs
Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes: Disc

PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 10.3 secs

FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Fuel Type: Petrol 91RON
Fuel Consumption - Combined Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.9 L/100km

GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 6/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/unlimited km