WHEN car companies start talking about "design language" you know you’re in for some dedicated media spin-doctoring. In the case of the new Impreza range Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles, says the new face on the Impreza is an aviation-inspired design that we’ll see adopted in other products across the range. The Tribeca SUV is one of the more extreme interpretations but the Impreza is the first Subaru vehicle locally to fly the new corporate look. Does it work? Well, yes and no. The three-part mesh grille looks strong and pronounced but some details like the wee blisters on the edges of the bumper and the execution of the teardrop headlights are fussy and detract from an otherwise well executed refresh. Overall the model year 2006 Impreza gets some quality additions like side airbags and electronic throttle control. The DOHC 2.0R also replaces the RX variant's tried, true and torquey 2.5-litre and that’s where the story really begins.