TT: it's probably just cosmetic. It could also be due to the size of the engine. For example, Porsche engines take up a lot of horizontal space, but not much vertical space. I think I read that Subaru engines are similar. This means there's space on top of the engine for the intercooler, meaning that they reduce weight from the very front of the car so as to eliminate some of the problems you get in, for example an Audi, where the engines are so far out at the front that the handling of the car is adversely affected.
Just speculation, pretty sure Dingo has more knowledge about his car
