Subaru's Impreza WRX STI is usually about as discreet as Sven-Goran Eriksson faced by a tabloid journalist with a prosthetic beard and a hidden camera. At least, this is an often held view of the Impreza and it's one that Subaru are keen to move away from with the spec D model. D, if you haven't guessed, stands for discreet.

Of course, there's discreet and then there's Subaru Impreza discreet. The spec D tones down the standard WRX STI's overblown visual excesses a tad but it still retains enough presence to stop Nissan Micra drivers racing it away from the lights. The rear spoiler is a much more restrained affair, a mere blip on the boot lid compared to the picnic table attachments you'll find on some models. The alloy wheels are still 17ins in diameter but they're traditional silver instead of the Impreza trademark gold, while the only paint scheme available is a muted metallic Crystal Grey.

Inside the car, it's black leather and black carpeting instead of the blue rugs in the standard model. Subaru have also beefed up the soundproofing, in a bid to create a less frenetic atmosphere when you're at the wheel. Efforts have been made to move the specification in a more luxurious direction too. A touch screen SmartNav satellite navigation system is included, along with an upgraded 200-watt MP3-compatible stereo and an integrated Bluetooth handsfree kit.

Buyers will need to find an extra £1,500 if they want to upgrade to a spec D from a standard Impreza WRX STI. This doesn't seem a huge amount when you factor in the extra equipment that the spec D is packing but the car does cost £28,495 and that raises some questions about its target market.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STI spec D
PRICE: £28,495 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 20
CO2 EMISSIONS: 257g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 158.4mph/ 0-60mph 5s
ECONOMY: (combined) 26mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Drive and passenger airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4465/1740/1440