Subaru debut new Impreza in New York

Subaru has introduced the four-and-five door models of the all-new 2012 Impreza at the New York International Auto Show. In addition to a revised look, the new Impreza also receives Subaru’s new third generation Boxer engine and a CVT gearbox.

With a design focus on improving fuel efficiency and exhaust performance, Subaru’s new 2.0 litre horizontally-opposed Boxer was the logical choice of engine. Subaru claim this now puts the Impreza at the top of its class in terms of fuel consumption among AWD vehicles in the US; with the new model achieving 36 mpg during highway driving. Power output will be 148 hp and 196 Nm of torque, which is said to offer improved acceleration over the previous 2.5 litre engine, although official figures have not been released.

Both transmission options for the new Impreza have also been upgraded with the 5-speed manual receiving optimized ratios, while the out-dated 4-speed automatic now becomes a 6-speed Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a paddle shift mode.

The reviewed exterior design of the Impreza now appears to be trying for a more muscular look with sharper lines, hawk eye headlights and a hexagon grille. On the inside, refinement appears to have improved vastly with the use of higher quality materials and a revised instrument panel which is styled horizontally. Seating security is also enhanced with higher front seat hip points and 60mm higher backrests.  

Extended dimensions have also led to increased interior room; the A-pillar has been extended 200 mm forwards and the wheelbase has been enlarged by 25 mm. Both models feature 60:40 split folding rear seats with the 4-door able to house four golf bags in the trunk. The 5-door can only fit three.

The new Impreza’s release into the US market is planned for later this year, while the manufacturer has not confirmed when other global markets will receive the model.