Posted in car review

SUBARU IMPREZA

 Published Date: 08/22/2020
Subaru Impreza

Past Subaru Impreza models have been great head tuners, noisemakers and rally champions. They have won heart of both the old and the young. They have occupied every space from bedroom walls, calendars and parking lots and have become a must have accessory for the middle income society.

Subaru WRX STI

Now the noise making teenager has now grown to become a mature quiet and roomy adult. It has now looses it youthful characteristics to the better performing WRX STI Subaru launched this year. Don’t turn your head just yet because the new Impreza is out, marking the fourth generation in the car’s history. The previous Impreza was not a huge hit like the previous models thanks to its compact design and the complicated systems it came with.

Eagle eyed headlights
The new one has a new front design with the Subaru badge sitting at the centre of its new hexagonal grille. It also has new hawk-eye headlights and a range of new 15-inch wheel cover and 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs. The combinations of numerous design elements give the Subaru Impreza a sportier exterior stance.

Subaru Impreza Hatchback

They also offer the driver and passengers a more commanding view of the road. The windscreen is more raked than in the previous model, with the bottom of the A-pillar moved 7.9 inches forward. This allows for a front door opening that is nearly five inches longer for easier entry/exit. It also now built on a longer wheelbase giving it an overall roomer interior than the outgoing model.

Mature looking design
Under the bonnet is an all new 4 cylinder 1.6 litre Boxer petrol engine. Married to it will be a choice of two gear box systems. There is a new five-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT which comes with paddle shifters and six predetermined shift points. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) version delivers a smooth linear acceleration. The engine has a total output of 148hp. It consumes 7 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers covered.  
Rear view
The new Impreza handles better courtesy of strengthened suspension components in front and rear and new hydraulic engine mounts to damp out vibration. The new model keeps its double-wishbone rear suspension which now features new components to improve ride quality and stability. But the overall champion is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive found in all Subaru models.

Distinctly styled wheels

There are now two variations each for a particular model. In models equipped with the five-speed manual, the Continuous AWD system distributes power to the front and rear wheels. The system is intelligent enough to know which wheel requires the power at any given time. This reduces slippage and keeps the car balanced on the road.

Rear of the 5 door hatchback

Subaru Impreza models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature the Active Torque Split AWD version that uses a continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control power distribution in response to driving conditions. Complementing the safety benefits of the AWD system, the new Subaru Impreza will also come as standard with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC) a system which combines stability and traction control functions. Others are ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system.

Front cockpit
The roomy feeling is visible in the interior of the car. Rear seat passengers gain nearly two inches of legroom, thanks to both the longer wheelbase and a new, scalloped-style front seat backrest redesign. The re-designed interior trim and front seats has led to gains in passenger and cargo room. In the 5-door hatchback there is increased luggage space (finally they have solved the Impreza’s long time problem) which is further boosted with the option of the foldable rear. It is now easier to load and unload heavy objects, thanks to the removal of a stepped section under the opening.

Comfortable and spacious rear

The cargo area cover can now be stored under the cargo floor, as in the Forester. The front seats have a higher seatbacks, increased lumbar support and cushions that more effectively distribute pressure. There are also enough places to store plastic drink bottles and numerous compartments located in and around the centre console hold all manner of personal items, such as phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

Available as a sedan or hatchback
As in the case of the WRX STI the Impreza is also available as a 5-door hatchback and a 4 door Saloon. The all new Impreza  will be available from Subaru Kenya soon.