Subaru’s all-new Impreza has debuted at the New York Auto Show.
Featuring much-improved styling and impressive technology, the all-new Impreza is a vital car for Subaru. The current model isn’t the best-looking Subaru to leave Japan and in Australia last year captured only 5.3 per cent of a market segment crowded with credentialed cars from all corners of the globe.
But expect great things from the all-new Subaru Impreza lineup – sedan and hatchback - which although measuring the same as the current model in overall length, actually provides an extra 23mm in wheelbase length, which has allowed for extra rear legroom plus more hip and shoulder room.
As well, Subaru says the luggage space in both versions of the all-new Impreza has been boosted (large enough for a full-size baby stroller or three sets of golf clubs) and - with the 60/40 split rear seat folded - the hatchback delivers a completely flat load floor.
Inside, the all-new Subaru Impreza delivers substantial improvements over the existing model with impressive new scalloped style front seats (shaped to provide more rear seat legroom) and a more up-market look for all trim materials and components (hard interior plastics was a criticism of the current generation).
And there’s lots to like in the detail:
• the extra angle on the windscreen provides a wider door opening, which combines with doorsills 20mm lower than the current model to provide easier access.
• In both sedan and hatchback models, the rear doors are larger.
• Thinner A-pillars and a larger glass house provide better all-round visibility
• Exterior mirrors have 23 per cent more surface area and have been moved from the A-pillar to door mounting – also for better visibility.
Good as the design is, it’s underneath where the all-new Subaru Impreza will no doubt impress mid-size buyers – an all-new, fuel-efficient 2.0-litre ‘Boxer’ engine and available Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission.
Power is up by 10kW to 110kW, but torque remains the same at 196Nm. Subaru Australia says performance and fuel economy are both expected to improve although local testing has not as yet been completed.
The new 2.0-litre powerplant is the second member of Subaru’s new engine family (the first was the 2.5-litre fitted in the 2011 Forester). It runs a double overhead camshaft design and a longer stroke for optimized mid-range torque and fuel consumption.
A new electric power steering system and reduced brake drag (a spring-type brake pad return mechanism is fitted) contribute to the improved fuel efficiency of the next generation Subaru Impreza.
The suspension has also been fettled with emphasis on a sportier driving dynamic and reduced NVH – most notably a stiffened subframe and hydraulic engine mounts.
Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT debuted in the 2010 Liberty and Outback and now joins the Impreza. Subaru says its CVT delivers wider ratio coverage thanks to a larger difference between the largest and smallest pulley diameters – that means strong, linear acceleration more like a conventional automatic transmission.
Subaru Impreza manual models use a continuous all-wheel-drive system with a viscous-coupling center differential distributing power 50/50 front to rear, while the CVT automatic versions use an Active Torque Spilt system.
“New Impreza is the product of an exciting new design direction for Subaru that will be reflected in a whole family of future vehicles,” revealed Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior. “It’s also a massive technological leap, with an incredibly lean petrol engine, new generation Lineartronic CVT transmission and some other exciting technologies that well reveal on Australian specification versions in due course.”
