The current-generation Subaru WRX is great on paper. Surely, we can’t complain about a turbocharged compact sport sedan with all-wheel drive and still available with a manual transmission.

In fairness, he had every right to be unimpressed. His hit from 1986 had been both mechanised and modern, and as delicate as a dandelion clock. Maroon 5’s version, one of the extra tracks tacked ...