The new BRZ rear-wheel drive sports coupe is the star attraction at Subaru's Geneva show stand, alongside a celebration of 40 years of four-wheel drive tradition that includes the brand new Impreza.

Anticipation surrounding the arrival of the BRZ - and its sister car the Toyota GT 86 - has reached fever pitch as the public gets what may be its last look at the car before it hits the streets in the hands of journalists worldwide.

With 197bhp, tyres of modest width, finely-tuned steering and claims of having the lowest centre of gravity of any new car on sale, the BRZ is built not for outright speed but for handling finesse. It marks a potentially immensely important turning point in the development of sports cars.

The new, fourth generation Impreza is also on show, with Subaru claiming much improved refinement and excellent value. Since the name was separated from any association with its rally car heritage sales have struggled in the UK, but this iteration looks like a positive step.

It uses Subaru's trademark Boxer engine layout for lower centre of gravity and a naturally composed driving feel. Four-wheel drive is standard as well, and is a very useful factor in cold and wet weather.

The difference four-wheel drive makes to a car's ability to quickly pull out of junctions is huge, and increases the general all-weather practicality of a car significantly.

As part of Subaru's celebrations surrounding its Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system first used in the Leone estate in 1972, examples of some of the cars to use it through the decades are on the stand.

But for now, it's Subaru's first rear-wheel drive car in a long time that's stealing the limelight.