IN in a world of sports saloons now dominated by super-slick German models, one car above all others stands out as the leftfield alternative.

The oddly named WRX STI from Subaru relies on its time-honoured all-wheel drive system, unusual flat four ‘boxer’ engine layout and in-your-face looks.

Until quite recently known as the Impreza - a name now reserved for the firm’s slower cars - this saloon is a rally replica, an icon fitted with an aggressive nose, oversized rear spoiler and figure-hugging sports seats.

It's not the cleanest or greenest, it will probably cost more to run than its polished competitors, but for its hardcore fan club there's simply nothing like it.

There's no doubt that this is an imposing car, featuring the most outlandish of spoilers that frames the back window when looking through the driver's mirror. And if you are travelling behind this car, that spoiler and the four tailpipes leave you in no doubt that you are riding in the wake of something fast and furious.

The odd thing is that the WRX STI is quite a practical car in terms of space, access and passenger comfort.

OK, so the ride is very firm, but the seats are comfortable and there's ample room in the boot for the weekly shop or a couple of suitcases.What are not so family-friendly are the running costs. I struggled to get more than 32mpg over a week of road-testing, and such a high performance machine attracts heavy insurance premiums.

But you buy a WRX STI because it is special to drive. The quick steering, firm suspension, strong brakes and throttle response are way ahead of the mainstream.

Add to the mix the tried-and-trusted 296bhp 2.5-litre turbo petrol motor and an addictive burbling sound from the exhaust system and you have a fabulously rapid car, capable of operating in all weathers and serving up a thrilling driving experience. The zero-to-62mph sprint is achieved in only 5.2 seconds.

You also won't have to pay too high a price to get your hands on one. With a price tag of under £29,000 for a performance car laden with standard kit, the figures start to look at lot more tempting. It actually costs £4,000 less than its predecessor.

Central to the agile handling of Subaru vehicles is the company’s all-wheel drive system. This consists of the horizontally-opposed boxer engine, with its intrinsic low centre of gravity, combined with technology incorporating sophisticated front, centre and rear differentials.

The car features a default setting of 41/59 per cent front/rear torque distribution for optimum balance, and the driver can adjust this while on the move using the four-mode system. The WRX STI also incorporates Subaru’s version of electronic stability control, allowing the driver to modify the point of intervention of this electronic driver aid to suit their own tastes.

In order to develop a vehicle that provides exceptional levels of high performance and precision handling, together with user-friendly daily motoring driveability on demand, Subaru has further tuned its three-mode SI-Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system, which can be used to adjust the engine’s characteristics to best suit a variety of driving conditions.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, push button start, front fog lamps, hill start assist, climate control air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows front and rear, and a radio-CD unit with a 10-speaker audio system, aux/iPod and USB input jacks, hands-free Bluetooth system, satellite tracker and cruise control.

With a drivetrain that allows the car to apply the maximum power and torque to the road at all times, the WRX STI is one of the fastest – and safest – performance cars in ‘real world’ conditions.

The WRX STI’s hydraulic power steering has been designed to not only give more driver ‘feel’ but also even quicker turn-in. Combined with a revised, short-throw six-speed gearbox the WRX STI offers increased responsiveness to driver inputs to make it an engaging and rewarding car to drive.

The new WRX STI is also more spacious and more comfortable than its predecessor, with a high level of standard equipment. Interior appointments and ambience are much improved over the old model with soft-touch materials used in key areas on the doors and dashboard. The new model is adorned with a race-derived D-shaped steering wheel, while Alcantara and leather sports seats hug the driver and front passenger.

This is a car that will forever be the choice of only a few drivers searching for that something different.... with or without gold-painted wheels.