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Impressive new Rex


Impressive new Rex

Author: Trent NikolicDate: 21 April 2011

Faithful Subaru fans have extremely high expectations whenever a new vehicle is released. They won’t be disappointed this time.

Subaru has just unveiled a new Impreza at the New York Motor Show with a number of highlights straight off the bat. There’s a dynamic, stylish new design, numerous major technical innovations, seriously impressive fuel efficiency gains and refined interiors featuring more premium soft touch finishes and computerised information displays. There’s a lot to like about this new Impreza.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, is understandably excited and positive about the new vehicle.

“New Impreza is the product of an exciting new design direction for Subaru that will be reflected in a whole family of future vehicles,” he said at its release.

“It’s also a massive technological leap, with an incredibly lean petrol engine, new generation Lineartronic CVT transmission and some other exciting technologies that we’ll reveal on Australian spec versions over the coming months.

"Inside, new Impreza takes Subaru interiors to a new level of refinement, with classy soft-touch plastics and a fantastic new computerised dashboard display. And as you’d expect with Subaru, there’s a full safety suite that we’re confident will maintain our five-star safety rating right across the range,” Senior said. 

The new Impreza stands out too, in a segment of the market that is dominated by FWD machines. While cheap and easy to manufacture, there’s no comparison between AWD and FWD in regards to grip, balance and the often overlooked driving experience. This is where Subaru is looking to capitalise in the crowded segment.

“All-Wheel Drive is not only a great active safety feature, it also brings the drive alive,” Senior said. “There’s been a huge amount of work on handling and ride, and I believe dynamically, it will be the best small car on the market. We’ve also improved our infotainment to attract a younger audience.”

As you can see by these early photos, the exterior has been redesigned and is more angular and muscular. The interior has also taken a contemporary step forward as well. Wider opening doors make entry and exit easier, thin A-pillars provide much greater visibility, even the exterior rear vision mirrors have been redesigned and repositioned to provide better visibility.

While the main focus of the new interior is on premium fit and finish, and a more luxurious feel along with more technology, the small increase in wheelbase has delivered a genuine increase inside the cabin. There’s more leg room, and more hip and shoulder room too, further evidence that Subaru knows how to cleverly package a vehicle to get the maximum out of a small package.

We’re not sure of exactly which spec we will get Down Under, but U.S. Impreza premium models get more amenities, including alloy wheels, steering wheel audio and Bluetooth control switches and adjustable console armrest.

The Premium models also cater to the latest demand for versatile and easy-to-use infotainment technology. The standard audio system in premium U.S. models features Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, iPod® control capability, USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and six speakers. This spec level could be indicative of what we will eventually get here in Australia.

The 2012 Impreza will be powered by an all-new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine, with the choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or the new Lineartronic CVT as Subaru is calling it.

The new engine will generate 110kW and 196Nm and is reportedly quicker than the outgoing model it replaces. There are a range of internal technologies used in the new engine series to reduce friction, heat build up and inefficiency to get the most out of the engine without sacrificing life cycle or economy. We’ll get exact power numbers and ADR fuel figures to you as soon as they are available.

Choose the efficient CVT and you’ll have constantly variable ratios at your disposal as well as the option to shift ‘manually’ with a set spread of ratios throughout the band.

While not our favourite gearbox option, the Subaru version of the CVT as seen in Liberty and Outback from 2010, is one of the better options out there. And you can’t argue with the fuel numbers either.

There’s a lot to like about the new style, but safety is, as you’d expect, a big part of the story as well. Front seat side impact airbags and side curtain airbags are standard. There is additional head protection now for passengers both front and rear. All 2012 Imprezas will now receive a driver’s knee airbag as well.

Driving wise, all 2012 models will come equppied with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) which is a combination of stability and traction controls. Four wheel ABS is also standard with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist.

The new Impreza promises to be an exciting model from a company that has long been respected for producing quality driving machines. We’ll get a First Drive to you as soon as they are available to test in Australia.

 

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