Interestingly, the Octavia vRS estate doesn't have the rear strut braces that the hatch has. Makes sense for an estate (although my hatch can still swallow a heck of a lot!), but apparently the reduced rigidity in the shell is why the esate has smaller wheels (16") than the hatch (17").

 

Buy the ford i am .

 

You raise a few fair questions and I'll give it a go. I'm on my second Scoob - the first in 2000 which was new and I had for 18 months was great fun and raw. Then moved to a few Porsche 993's and, when child arrived, returned to a MY05 WRX PPP. And I have to say it will not last much longer as it's not that much fun. When I first got it I loved it, and when I took it round the Nurburgring it was fantastic but day to day driving it no longer does it for me. I miss the rawness of the classic, and it seems that it has become to smooth, if you like, to put the smile back on my face. Yes, it's quick, and the turbo boost is great, and yes, comparisons to a Porsche are almost irrelevant, but the Scoob has, I think lost its charm. Part of which was it's price (nowadays there is a better for the money), the build quality is not great (sorry folks, but those who feel the reliability is better than a Focus, I would have to disagree, as my classic needed an engine rebuild after 5,000 miles when all the piston rings lined up). Focus' I know have had no problems (but of course each to their own).

Bottom line is that it doesn't excite and I don't think it does anything fantastically well any more. Then I look at the depreciation, the devaluing of the brand by Subaru through too many cosmetic and minor engineering changes and I see a car that is at the end of its life and needs totally refreshing. The bubble has burst IMO. I bought it because previous experience was excellent. I was not naive, but I did think the PPP would make it far better than it has....

They are OK cars, just no longer great and left me a bit flat. The ST, however, left me with a greater feeling, and would be my choice today.

Andy

 

When you get it, post and let us know how it is. Also let us know how good the multicoloured paintwork is.

 

Fair point about changing from classic to new age. Ive never owned a classic so have no basis for comparison but i suppose i can see where you are coming from as having owned a classic and expecting more from your new age but only to be let down would make you feel less happy than previously. Ive been in friends classics and a P1 several times so im not totally without experience in classics but for my tastes i prefer my new age better ,but ill agree a lot of people all say its not as raw but after coming from a big comfy AUDI my new age feels rough and ready and raw as hell. Maybe too raw when i get my afterburner vortex or Ninja ( not decided yet) fitted.

 

Bubba take note of that please LOL

I cannot catorgorically say on which Impreza came first. But there has always been a basic model from its very first launch way back in 1992 (UK didn't get the Impreza until several years later). Either way, it costs money to design, develop and build a different spec car, be it a basic version or a pepped up one; The EJ16 and EJ18 is a different engine, the rear suspension on the 2WD version classic shape 1.6GL is a beam axle (not double wishbone). The gearbox is different, as are the brakes, plus many other lesser components - which all costs to develop into a final product. So they would need very good reason (i.e market) before they decide to manufacture a derivative of a car that has so many differences mechanically, be it a basic model or a performance model.

It is likely that niether version "came" first from a concept stage. But it is likely that the more basic models were first off the production line as they would have shorter project lead time from start to finish and also wider mass market appeal in their home market - Japan (compare the basic Impreza 1.5 to a standard Vectra, or mondeo. That is where the market is ).

 

So, Asbo ST or Scooby???????

Reliability

TG Survey
Forester 10th
Impreza 25th

Ford miles behind. True!

 

Nothing like tarring with a single brush

I own a Ford, its been fantastic.

I know of Fords that havent been so good, I know of Subaru's that haven't been so good, hell I even know Beemers that have blown up its just luck of the draw.

 

Doesnt surprise me that beemers blow up. German cars are totally overated when it comes to reliability. Well built yes, but thats not the same thing as reliability. Ive had several german cars and my friends have a few beemers and i honestly cant think of one of them who hasent had one or several problems with them.

It was only a few years ago when the impreza was top of the JD power survey 2 years running. So they must be pretty good for reliability.

 

Octavia 5th

 

Bingo - that sums it up for me. MY00 Turbo was fantastic, chopped it in on 03 for a new 03 WRX wagon for practicality, and whilst it's a better car from NVH perspectives, it didn't do it for me... But a 330D did. Weird, I know, but what can I say? It'd be boring if we were all the same

 

good to see the positive on the ST Focus , from honest opinion scooby owners.
unlike the Focus RS owners that are so negative.

Cheers Borgie

 

whats that supposed to mean.
Do you have to be in a car people wave at

what do you drive that you get waved at .

Borgie

 

Ford stands for.......

Fix

Or

Repair

Daily

Buy a Scoob M8

 

I've driven a focus lots, old rep car, can't really moan about it too much. Obviously not driven the ST version.

Subaru's are in a different league altogether as far as I'm concerned. Mine is an old version 1 classic, and I've never been in a newer scoob so cannot comment on how the impreza has changed over the years.

What I can say though is that everyone who I have allowed to have a go in my MY93 import say the same thing afterwards: "I've gotta get one of those!!".

And I must agree with anyone who has said that 2wd in the wet will never be as capable of achieving grip as an awd!! And it does rain a lot in England.

 

Drive both see whats best. Personally the Focus is incorrect-wheel-drive... but, after the way Subaru treated us when we bought the WRX, I'll never buy another Subaru. A pity because my wife wants the B9 Tribeca or Volvo XC 90. I really enjoyed driving the Tribeca.

 

C2,

Why not nip around the corner and I will take you out in a proper car

Martin

 

Or wait til the summer and i'll get this little beaut out for a spin

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d1...1/IMG_0368.jpg

 

Bonus!

Am I the only one that cringes at this these days?

 

Sparky,

Very, Very Nice

 

Thanks a bit of topless action in the summer months never goes a miss

 

wait till you get one beside you. The ST passenger will be waving through the rear window at you. only joking .every one has different taste.
I will be happy with it, and it looks well. Thats why it got good comments on top gear.

Borgie