Subaru says it has introduced more cabin space and greater refinement to the small car class in the all-new Impreza range of hatches and sedans. Robert Barry reports on his first impressions.
The launch of the previous Impreza generation was a sumptuous affair held overnight in Queenstown because Subaru wanted to show its symmetrical all-wheel-drive and the performance of the naturally aspirated and turbo-charged boxer engines in a challenging environment.
Now, more than five years later, the whole political and economic environment has changed completely, and so too has the all-new fourth generation of Impreza.
The previous Impreza had a naughty and sporty air about it, but noise, vibration and harshness, particularly from the engine and suspension, were intrusive, and the less than frugal fuel consumption, particularly from the automatic transmission was also an issue for fleet users.
The new model has addressed all of those matters, and while the Impreza remains an all-wheel drive vehicle, i’s fuel consumption is much improved thanks to an all-new 2-litre horizontally opposed boxer engine which can be mated to a 6-speed transmission or Subaru’s own Lineartronic CVT transmission (SLT).
All the 2-litre FB-series naturally aspirated engines in the Impreza range meet Euro V emission standards, which is due to a dual active valve control system that provides performance and efficiency gains, with an 18 percent reduction in piston weight, and a 20 percent reduction in connecting rod weight for major low and mid-range torque improvements.
This has translated into more punch available earlier in the rev range – also an issue with the previous model, which suffered a paucity of torque at low revs – drivers would have to rev the engine to get the car moving, which didn’t do much for fuel economy. That, thankfully, is no longer necessary in the new car.
Subaru says the SLT-equipped Impreza consumes 6.8L/100km in the combined cycle, a 22 percent improvement over the previous 4-speed auto, while the 6-speed manual Impreza gets 7.1L/100km, which is 20 percent better than the previous 5-speed transmission.
Subaru also says its emission reductions are even more impressive, the SLT Impreza producing 157g/km C02, while the 6-speed manual model produces 164g/km. For fleets which have a strict emissions policy as part of their procurement process, these figures are a compelling proposition.
Managing director of Subaru New Zealand Wallace Dumper says he expects the Impreza sedan will be attractive to fleet and private buyers looking to downsize from a mid-size or large sedan, because the space and value proposition is so compelling.
“Those people who have driven our previous generation of Legacy and Outback that are after a comparable sized car inside will be pleasantly surprised at the generous space on offer in these new models,”
he says.
Four grades of specification are offered in both hatch and sedan variants, being 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S and 2.0i-SL, and all grades are offered with both transmissions.
The 2.0i comes with auto start/stop, paddle shift (SLT-only), steering wheel audio and cruise controls, climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB connection, multi-function display (fuel efficiency, temperature and clock), body coloured wing mirrors and door handles.
Next up, the 2.0i-L adds a multi-function display with reversing camera, dual zone climate control air conditioning, chrome front grill, 16 inch alloy wheels, centre console box with sliding armrest, leather trim steering wheel/gear shift, rear privacy glass and front fog lights.
The 2.0i-S adds to the “L” an upgraded speedometer, upholstery and trim, alloy pedals, chrome-type front foglight surrounds, chromed door handle inserts, indicators in wing-mirrors, chromed foglight surround and rear garnish (sedan-only), side skirts and 17 inch alloy wheels.
In addition to the “S” model the range-topping 2.0i-SL offers satellite navigation, electric sunroof, leather trim and a powered driver’s seat.
The price-pointed 2.0i has been specified in particular with the fleet buyer in mind.
Driving impressions
Noise, vibration and harshness, even on challenging rural road surfaces, are hugely improved, and both the new Impreza sedan and hatch proved quiet and comfortable on the launch drive.
Both variants are noticeably bigger inside the cabin thanks to much better packaging, but the sporty handling and confident roadholding that the Impreza is well known for has been retained.
All of the cars provided on the launch drive were equipped with the SLT transmission, which does work very well in tandem with the new engine, and acceleration away from rest is brisk, while unlike some CVT transmissions there isn’t the high-pitched whine when the accelerator pedal is pressed to the metal when overtaking.
Ride quality is very good and the 2.0i had the best ride of them all as it is shod with 16 inch steel wheels and higher profile tyres, while the 2.0i-L has 16 inch alloy wheels and the 2.0i-S and 2.0i-SL have 17 inch alloy wheels with lower profile tyres that produced a bit more bump and thump into the cabin over corrugations.
As an all-round package the new Impreza has matured considerably from before and Subaru should expect more conquest sales in both fleet and private markets.
