POPULAR hatchback the Subaru Impreza returns to Britain later this spring with a price tag of £17,495.

The new model will be limited to one, non-turbo engine and a single trim grade, but with a choice of manual or auto transmissions - the latter carrying a £1,500 premium.

A combination of favourable exchange rate and customer demand has led to the decision to bring back the Impreza, though in small volumes, and it will be the only car in its area of the market to offer all-wheel drive as standard on every model.

Since its introduction in 1992, the Impreza has become the most famous of Subaru model names, featuring the Japanese brand's AWD system and four-cylinder Boxer engines.

The newcomer's 1.6-litre unit produces 114PS and boasts separate cooling circuits for the cylinder block and cylinder head, allowing it to warm-up more quickly to reduce friction and improve fuel economy.

There's also an Auto Start Stop system which reignites the engine in 0.2 seconds and acceleration is 0-60mph in 12.3 seconds with a top speed of 114mph.

Fuel economy is a Combined 44.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 147g/km, improving to 46.3mpg and 140g/km when fitted with the Lineartronic auto gearbox.

The UK model will come in RC spec, including auto on/off headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, front fog lamps, power-folding heated door mirrors with LED turn signals, windscreen wiper de-icer, 16-inch alloys and daytime running lights.

You also get stuff like dual zone air-con, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering and a reversing camera while options include leather upholstery and sat-nav. Available colours are Satin White, Ice Silver and Quartz Blue.