Look Hard: Subaru Impreza (2007)

November 28,2007

The Subaru Impreza is considered as one of the modern icons of motoring. Though the name is coined, the Italian derivative, impresa means feat or achievement—and the Impreza has no lack of it. When it first launched in 1993, this compact car made itself different by being the only one to offer a boxer configuration as opposed to an inline configuration. For a technologically-oriented company like Subaru, sticking to this layout meant they can minimize body roll thanks to a lower center of gravity. It also provided perfect vibration mitigation (eliminating the need for a counter-rotating balance shaft) and reduced torque steer since the front drive shafts are of equal lengths. With an illustrious motorsports history that followed, the Subaru Impreza soon became as desirable as a European exotic.

In 2007, the third generation Impreza has finally reached our shores, and from the get-go, its looking pretty radical compared to its forbearers. From the outside, the most obvious change is the five-door hatchback body. It looks clean with its sweeping single curved roofline that terminates to an aerodynamic rear spoiler. The uniquely styled front end continues to play on Subaru’s aircraft heritage with the ‘spread wing’ design at the top of a widened grille. There are some playful touches such as the clear rear lens (with LED tail lamps), curved front fog lamp, a chrome embellishment that flows into the bumper and an aggressive lower spoiler.

Inside, the all-new Impreza emphasizes comfort and space. Despite the shortened body (compared to the previous model), the wheelbase grew by 50 mm translating to much more leg room. The sweeping “twin cockpit” design embraces the front occupants and the brushed aluminum inserts flow into the center stack The center console shape adds to the airiness of the cockpit design aided by sculpted door panels and a higher roofline. Overall, the new Impreza gains 100 millimeters more shoulder room than before. A re-designed double wishbone rear suspension also allows for a wider luggage compartment than before that accommodates two golf bags. An auxiliary audio input coupled with a high-fidelity 10-speaker system makes it to the standard features list for the first time. Also new on the Impreza are framed windows. Though Subaru diehards may not like it, it does translate to a much more rigid body as well as a quieter interior.

For the first time in the Philippines, the Subaru Impreza is being offered with a non-turbo engine. Priced at a very affordable and reasonable P 1,140,000 for the automatic (the manual is pegged at P 1,060,000), this 2.0-liter flat-4 cranks out 150 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque—easily making it class competitive. Of course, this wouldn’t be an Impreza without a turbocharged engine, and the legendary 2.5-liter flat-4 continues on pushing out 230 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. The sole transmission choice is a 5-speed manual. The 2.5 WRX sells for P 1,750,000.

The impressive drivetrain is backed up by a commendable array of standard features. Aside from those mentioned, all Imprezas receive HID headlamps, a leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel, front sport bucket seats, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, all power amenities (including power folding mirrors) and 205/50 R 17 tires. The 2.5 WRX gets an additional functional hood scoop, and Optitron gauges.

The brand-new Impreza is sure to catapult Subaru into the Philippine mainstream, enabling it to battle with the big boys. It will be available in a dizzying array of nine colors: Dark Gray Metallic, WR Blue Mica, Obsidian Black, Spark Silver Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Newport Blue Pearl, Topaz Gold Metallic and Lightning Red.

By Ulysses Ang

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