Subaru reveals price, features of the all-new Impreza

Subaru has launched the all-new Impreza at the Singapore Motor Show. The fifth-generation all-new Impreza is the first Subaru model that uses the new Subaru Global Platform, which will be the new architecture for all future Subaru models. The new platform has already earned the all-new Impreza the 2016-2017 Japan Car of the Year award which was announced last December.

Last Thursday, Motor Image Group, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Singapore and the ASEAN region unveiled the all-new Subaru Impreza at the Singapore Motor Show at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Center. Motor Image is the distributor for Subaru in nine countries including the Philippine market.  

“The All-New Subaru Impreza features the new Subaru Global Platform that is engineered to make a new type of driving possible. With a host of improvements to its interior, styling, handling performance and an improved CVT transmission, the new Impreza is set to be the first to pave the way for the next generation of Subaru vehicles to deliver a superior driving experience like no other,” said Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd. (TCIL). Prior to joining TCIL’s board of directors in July 2009, Tan was Group Chief Executive of wholly-owned subsidiary Motor Image Group (MIG). Currently, MIG’s Subaru sales and distribution network operates in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Southern China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

During the 4-day motor show, visitors to the Subaru booth saw the full Subaru model line-up including the all-new Impreza variants, and once again got to see UK precision driver and Guinness record holder Russ Swift as he performed his numerous record-breaking stunts using the all-new Impreza and other Subaru models. The motor show also raffled off a brand-new Subaru Impreza 4-door 1.6i-S valued at S$65,600, without COE.

Drivers of the all-new Impreza look forward to driving these cars with confidence with Subaru’s boxer engine, all-wheel drive system and other safety features like the Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) and Steering Responsive Headlights. The boxer engine design, which Subaru is known for offers a lower center of gravity that gives better handling than traditional upright engines and the all-wheel drive system gives better control specially during unfavorable road conditions.

Here are five things to know about the all-new Impreza:

Price – According to Tan, they will only have one variant introduced in the Philippine market for now, unless there is a clamor for more variants. “We can always bring in more variants if we have to, but according to our study, we will initially bring in the top 2 liter full option variant.” Said Tan. “The price? It will be Php1,380,000 for a 2.0i-S 4-door top end variant,”  he added.

Platform – This is the first model that uses the new Subaru Global Platform which will be the basis of all other models. The new generation platform features improved active/passive safety, comfort and performance thanks to better chassis rigidity, more efficient direct injection engine, improved CVT transmission and weight distribution.

Performance – The new chassis of the all-new Impreza is 50% more rigid thanks to a specially designed glue for the welded joints and despite having the same weight as its previous generation model, designers traded this off with a stiffer chassis and better dampening materials, offering improved handling and cabin comfort. Its newly designed engine is matched with an improved CVT transmission that offers better output and fuel efficiency.

Powerplant – The new platform will continue to use Subaru’s core technologies such as the boxer engine and all-wheel drive system but in addition, it is now adaptable not only to gasoline engines but also to hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, electric cars, and other types of alternative power units, thus making it future-proof for the next generation of Subaru vehicles.

Place – Motor Image plans to introduce the all-new Impreza in the Philippines at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) slated on March 30 to April 2, 2017. Subaru fans can also look forward to Russ Swift coming back to Manila to perform in the all-new Impreza together with the other Subaru models. 

Subaru looks into these unique features that ensures drivers of the all-new Impreza will enjoy an elevated driving experience, with significantly less vibration and noise and precise control over the vehicle at all times. To prove this, members of the media were invited to a test drive on a closed course with various types of road surfaces and simulated tracks, and comparing it with other vehicles of the same class. These cars were subjected to simulated rough roads, wet and slippery surfaces and fast lane changes to show the handling prowess of the all-new Impreza.

Visually, the wider and lower stance of the new generation Impreza looks appealing with its extended fender flares, hexagonal grille and iconic Subaru C-Shaped headlights. And with the full option trim that will be offered by Motor Image in the Philippine market, buyers can look forward to a plush interior design and sporty interior and a new 8.0-inch touch-screen display for the infotainment system.  Its new cabin design also complements well with its audio system thanks to better acoustics. In other markets, the all-new Impreza comes in 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S with both available in 4-Door and 5-Door platforms.