Subaru New Impreza Hatchback and Sedan
This is the all-new five-door version of
the Subaru Impreza, the first model -along with the sedan- of the brand that
gets to use the new global platform.
Joining the Impreza sedan, the new
hatchback is designed to offer a more involving driving experience and higher
levels of comfort.
Compared to the previous model, the new
Impreza rides on a longer by 1.0in wheelbase with the rest of the car being
wider by 1.5in, 1.6in longer and 0.4in lower. The lower height helps in
improving the shape of the new Impreza, making more aerodynamic with a lower
drag coefficient.
As ever, the new generation will
continue to be offered with Subaru’s permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and
flat-four engines with the company adding the also new Eyesight array of
technologies which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision
Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, plus a Lane Keep Assist function
as standard.
Subaru takes pride on their new global
platform which is now 70 per cent stiffer and improves crash energy absorption
by 40 percent when compared to the one it replaces. The newfound rigidity
allowed the company to further lower the center of gravity and re-engineer the
suspension setup, with Subaru saying that this is the biggest-ever leap in the
brand’s performance evolution.
More specifically, Subaru was able to
mount the rear stabilizer bar of the double wishbone suspension directly to the
body which helped reducing body roll by a whopping 50 per cent compared to the
outgoing model. The better straight-line stability makes the new Impreza more
relaxing to drive on the motorway with the company also claiming to improve
dramatically the agility of the whole construction.
Both the sedan and the hatch models will
be available initially with the company’s revised 2.0-litre boxer petrol engine
which now makes 152hp (vs 148hp before). Subaru added direct fuel injection and
made other smaller revisions to boost both the performance and drivability. As
before, Subaru will offer a CVT Lineartronic transmission which offers seven
preselected ratios in manual mode in higher trims.
Sport models will come equipped with
Active Torque Vectoring, exclusive suspension setup and 18-inch alloy wheels
and aim to become the handling benchmark in their segment. Other exclusive
features include LED daytime running lights (DRL), black-finish front grille,
body-color rocker panels and turn signal side mirrors. The Impreza Sport Hatch
features gloss black rear gate trim with the Sedan getting a rear spoiler.
The Starlink infotainment system offers
the latest in connectivity and digital music playing, with Subaru to offer
Safety and Security Connected Services as one of the most affordable telematics
options in the market, including SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside
Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications,
Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts, Stolen Vehicle Recovery
Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn
and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.
