Welcome to the latest issue of Classics World Japanese. This, along with two sister series focusing on cars from Germany and Europe, will form a collection of publications focusing not on brands, but on individual aspects of our motoring heritage. In this series, we'll be looking at the very best classics Japan has to offer, discussing their stories and driving them to see if they're everything our hearts promised. The latest in this series focuses upon a model which to a generation was the ultimate in attainable poster cars. 

The reputation of the Subaru Impreza hasn’t always been among the most highly respected in all walks of life. But as time passes, more and more people can see past the image and recognise it as one of the finest sports saloons of a generation. And not only that, but they represent excellent value too. An Impreza Turbo 2000 is still an attainable classic, while for those with more to spend collectible specials such as the P1 make for excellent investments. Whatever level of the market you’re looking in, there will be an Impreza that’s right for you. 

We've looked at some of the best examples of the best models while putting this publication together, we've delved into the history of the marque, and we've examined the cars in the context of its closest rival to try to explain not only why these cars held the appeal that they did, but why that appeal has endured well into the 21st century.

Sam Skelton, Editor