Further to my Golf test drive, having a poor week at work and finding yet more things wrong with the Octavia, it was nice this morning to have a drive in an Impreza WRX, standard UK spec. 5 door.

I was waiting for my colleague to give me a lift into work, he arrived and said "ever driven one of these?" - it would be rude not to.

The first thing that was a little unusual was the ride, it was comfortable but still responded to bumps in the road. You really do feel like you're hanging between the front and rear axles.

It really diddnt feel like this was the same car that beat Bengie and I in a straight line race, just goes to show that when a car feels fast it isnt' always so.

The steering wheel seems a little larger than the Golf and the seat bases a little less supportive in corners. However, I believe both of these things are different in the saloon version.

The noise was very distinctive, with the flat four turbo lump hauling the car very effectivly towards the red line - unlike the Golf you change gear because it runs out of puff at the top of the rev range.

The gear box was very positive, not as tight and close as an S2000 but a little more so than the Golf. I felt the Impreza has a longer throw but engeged in a more positive manner.

Would I buy one? No - it is undoubtedly a quick car both in a straight line and round corners but........ not for me.

Given the choice of the two, if I was spending £23k I would go for the Golf. For someone with my driving ability it would suite me just fine, the lack of turbo lag would make it much more suitable for Mrs. Gooch too. The Golf interior is streets ahead of the Impreza and the boot is almost as big.

Thought you could get a new one for about £15k now? Thats cheap

Thought you could get a new one for about

. I'd be looking at the STi though with PPP for

I'd rather save for a bit longer and get the golf. It feels like a more expensive car.

I'd rather save for a bit longer and get the golf. It feels like a more expensive car.

It is a more expensive car :P:rofl:

Chris

no..... you dont say :p