New Impreza hatches out

They've only gone and cut the bloody boot off. These are the first photos of the third-generation Subaru Impreza, due to go on sale worldwide this summer.

While the saloon (seen here in silver) looks familiar enough - slightly awkward styling, gaping air intake on the bonnet, angry snout - it's the hatchback version that merits a closer look.

The five-door is the only model that'll go on sale in the UK. The saloon - car of choice for a generation of McDonalds car park frequenters - will only be available in the US.

So what do we get? Well, it's a Focus-sized hatch with a dollop of warped BMW 1-series styling around the rear. And a monster bonnet scoop, natch.

With a wheelbase almost 10cm longer than the second-gen Impreza, it should be roomy enough on the inside, while Scooby is promising improved levels of comfort.

The Impreza also gets new double-wishbone rear suspension and increased rigidity, thanks to more high-tension steel in the body construction.

The engine range stays the same as the current Impreza, with the focus on Subaru's tried-and-tested 2.5-litre boxer. We should see a 2.0-litre flat four diesel - the world's first - some time in 2009.

However, Subaru has announced that the WRX version won't come to the UK either. Instead, we'll get a wider range of cheap models and - mercifully - a 300bhp STi version to keep the back-road racers happy and the insurer underwriters less so.

source: topgear