Even though the Impreza sedan and hatchback were redesigned last year, Subaru is still working on improving its compact car. For 2009, there's a new 2.5GT trim level of the Impreza, and it uses the 224-horsepower engine that used to power the performance-oriented WRX.

That car has more power this year — as 224 hp is apparently no longer enough for a compact performance car — but fortunately Subaru didn't do away with the horizontally opposed turbocharged four-cylinder that I thoroughly enjoyed in the 2008 WRX. In the new 2.5GT, it's teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission (see a side-by-side comparison with the 2008 Impreza).

I tested the new 2009 Impreza 2.5GT hatchback and came away impressed with what Subaru has accomplished with this car. If you're a hatchback enthusiast who likes a healthy dose of turbocharged performance now and then, the 2.5GT is a willing participant when you're in the mood for some sporty driving.

However, the 2.5GT's starting price is high, and if you've been inside competitors like the Volkswagen GTI, the Impreza might let you down somewhat in terms of its interior quality.

• Styling
• Ride & Handling
• Turbocharged Power
• The Inside
• Cargo
• Safety
• Impreza in the Market