2012 Subaru Impreza Unveiled

April 21,2011

Subaru has taken the wraps off its all-new Impreza compact car at the New York International Auto Show. The Impreza, more renowned for its hotted-up WRX and WRX STI versions bows in not with performance but with fuel efficiency in mind.

Whether this is welcome news for diehard Subie fans, we’ll have to wait until summer as the Impreza goes on sale in the North American market by then. Of course, we know you can’t wait that long, so here’s the skinny on the all-new Impreza.

During the development phase for the 2012 Impreza, Subaru engineers put fuel efficiency first and foremost but without compromising the previous generation’s fun to drive characteristic. This led designers to create a much more aerodynamic body, lightening the overall weight of the car and adding a CVT (Lineartronic) transmission.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza contains some design elements of the Legacy sedan from the front facia to the bulging but cut-off wheel arches. However, because engineers wanted to improve the Impreza’s co-efficiency of drag (cd), from the side and 3/4th view, it looks somewhat like a Honda Civic as well. The addition of the A-pillar port window and a raked windshield (extended by 200 mm) are clear that Subaru designers wanted to make the Impreza as slippery as possible.

Sitting on the same platform as the current-gen Impreza, the 2012 model benefits from a 25 mm increase in wheelbase. this translates to better space for the rear occupants. At the same time, both the 4-door and 5-door versions have bigger trunks than before with the 4-door being able to swallow four golf bags now. 60/40 split-folding rear seats are still standard equipment.

Powering the all-new Impreza is Subaru’s newest generation Boxer 4-cylinder engine. First seen in the 2011 Forester, the new engine generates a commendable 148 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque. Using a longer stroke this time around, Subaru engineers are able to achieve peak torque at just 4,200 rpm. The Impreza is made available with a CVT transmission or a 5-speed manual. An electric power steering system completes the fuel efficiency package.

The MacPherson Strut/Double Wishbone suspension has been re-tweaked for the 2012 Impreza which includes pillow-ball type bushings for the rear suspension lifted straight from the WRX STI in order to improve high-speed stability.

The 2012 Subaru Impreza is expected to arrive in Philippine shores late this year according to sources within Motor Image Pilipinas.

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