Subaru releases its fourth generation Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Impreza today. The Subaru Imprezza is much improved on the model it replaces to compete at the top of Australia’s small car segment.
Both hatch and sedan offer massive improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions, and introduce multiple new features including:
Fuel-saving Auto Start Stop
New generation horizontally opposed Boxer engine
Interactive Multi-Function Display computer options
Choice of Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and six-speed manual.
Impreza is priced from $23,990 Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP)* for the 2.0i manual sedan and hatch.
Impreza’s spacious cabins, high grade interior trim and stylish exterior design combine with technological advances to present a formidable high quality package.
New Impreza is the most efficient generation of Subaru’s small car to date – making a strong case to build on the fantastic sales success of the third generation version, itself the best-selling small Subaru so far.
Impreza with CVT consumes just 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the combined cycle, a massive 22 per cent ahead of the superseded Impreza automatic.
The manual consumes just 7.1 l/100 km (combined), which is 20 per cent ahead of the outgoing model.
Emission reductions are even more impressive – Impreza with CVT produces just 157 grams of CO2 per km, 24 per cent ahead of the superseded four-speed automatic. The manual produces 164 g/km – a 21 per cent improvement.
Inside, soft touch surfaces, high-grade switchgear and generous occupant space distinguish Impreza, which also offers the option of a premium Multi-Function Display, with a vast array of information at the driver’s fingertips.
The Impreza line-up comprises:
Impreza 2.0i – with the choice of Lineartronic™ CVT or six-speed manual transmission, Auto Start Stop, paddle shift (CVT-only), steering wheel audio and cruise controls, climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth®* wireless technology, USB connection, Multi-Function Display (fuel efficiency, temperature and clock), body coloured wing mirrors and door handles.
Impreza 2.0i-L – Adds premium Multi-Function Display with reversing camera, dual zone climate control air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, centre console box with sliding armrest, leather trim steering wheel/gear shift, rear privacy glass and front fog lights.
Impreza 2.0i-S – Adds (to 2.0i-L specification): upgraded speedometer, upholstery and trim; alloy pedals, chrome-type front fog light surrounds, chrome-type door handle inserts, indicators in wing-mirrors, chrome-type fog light surround and rear garnish (sedan-only), side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Two option packs are available, for Impreza 2.0i-L, the other for Impreza 2.0i-S.
Impreza 2.0i-L option pack – Adds factory fitted satellite navigation and electric sunroof.
Impreza 2.0i-S option pack – Adds factory fitted satellite navigation, electric sunroof, leather trim and power driver’s seat
Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “New Impreza will attract new customers to the brand with its focus on improved exterior styling and interior design.
“Additionally, it’s more fuel efficient, environmentally friendly and better equipped.
“But these new customers will come along with our loyal Impreza owners. We’ve sold more than 144,000 Imprezas and the customers are a loyal bunch who will openly embrace the multitude of changes.
“Impreza sends the strongest possible message that Subaru’s new design direction is a winner on so many fronts, from technology to quality, comfort, efficiency and style.
“Combine those factors with Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive DNA, safety, durability, engineering and retained value, and you can see that Subaru is firmly committed to growth combined with quality products.
“Impreza appeals to people with both an urban lifestyle and a spirit of adventure. Factor in the choice of sedan and hatch variants with advanced new engine and transmission options, and you emerge with a truly modern, stylish and economical package.
“Fuji Heavy Industries have done a great job on producing a cabin with panoramic views and a sense of space housed in its small car dimensions. This is a fantastic feat when you consider the level of structural strength and safety inherent in Impreza’s design.
“The quality of interior materials, including the soft-touch dashboard treatment, reflects FHI’s commitment to raising the bar.
“The designers are also encouraging greater awareness of economical driving styles via the information shown in the Multi-Function Display, particularly the premium version in Impreza 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S. “We are delighted by the significant advances represented by new Impreza and that’s already been reflected in the level of showroom interest since details started emerging last year. Based on that feedback we see a bright future for a car that is a cornerstone of our Australian range.”
Among the Impreza highlights:
Auto Start Stop – fuel saving feature. Engine restarts in as little as 0.35 seconds
Fuel efficient and clean new petrol Subaru – 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres and 157 grams of CO2 per km, combined cycle (CVT)
Lineartronic™ CVT – paddle shift, smoother and 10 per cent more fuel efficient than superseded four-speed
Six-speed manual – short stroke, easy shift, producing great efficiency
New third generation FB Boxer engine:
110 Kilowatts/6200 rpm and 196 Newtonmetres/4200 rpm
Significant fuel efficiency benefits – long-stroke design delivers approximately 10 per cent improvement due to engine changes alone
Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS) – performance and efficiency gains
18 per cent reduction in piston weight
20 per cent reduction in connecting rod weight
Major low and mid-range torque improvements
EURO 5 compliant – cleanest current Subaru petrol engine
Exterior
Body approximately 10 kg lighter – bending stiffness increased by around 25 per cent
Stylish hawk eye headlights – great light spread
Interior
Multi-Function Display – wealth of driver information at fingertips
Spacious, widebody cabin – extended wheelbase
Ultra low Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) – enhances passenger comfort
High quality materials – fine dashboard and door trim texture
Great field of vision – significant safety benefit
Huge cargo area – child restraints attach to rear seat backs, with no intrusion
SatNav option in 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S – includes SMS text to speech for mobile phones with MAP (Message Access Profile) and voice commands, multiple entertainment options and reverse camera images
Safety
Five star ANCAP rating
Seven airbags – including driver’s knee SRS airbag
Reversing camera – standard in 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S
High level safety continues to be standard on Subaru – all Imprezas get a five-star rating for occupant safety from the respected Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), plus an Acceptable rating for pedestrian safety.
Every model has seven airbags, including a driver’s knee SRS airbag.
Impreza 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S add a reversing camera.
Impreza’s body and chassis structure are strengthened at critical points to reduce the likelihood of occupant injury in heavy impacts. Together with precise steering, this delivers a sense of stability.
Impreza’s stylish hexagonal grille and hawk eye-style headlights distinguish it on-road.
Subaru’s new design direction, reflected in Impreza, includes excellent field of vision from the cabin, aided by pillars located further forward and door mounted wing mirrors, reducing blind spots.
