The all-new Subaru Impreza 4-door and 5-door models (U.S. specifications) premiered at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The new Impreza has been designed with an interior that provides even more comfort to all passengers while having the same body size as previous models. The bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended 200 mm toward the front and the wheelbase enlarged by 25 mm. The redesigned door structure widens the interior and increases shoulder and elbow space without altering the vehicle overall length and width. Extra foot room is added to the rear seats. The door opening dimensions have been enlarged to vastly improve the ease of entering and exiting of the vehicle.
The vehicle is equipped with a lowered instrument panel and window sills, and the front quarter windows have been moved forward in order to improve the driver’s field of vision and sense of spaciousness. The 4-door model has enough trunk space to accommodate four golf bags. The vehicle interior can be widely extended through to the trunk with 60:40 split folding rear seats installed as standard. The 5-door model has enough cargo capacity to accommodate three golf bags or a large baby stroller. The tail end of the roof has been redesigned and the floor lowered and flattened to improve storage capacity of the trunk and the 60:40 split folding rear seats make this space easily accessible.
The third generation Subaru Boxer engine, which was introduced last year with a totally new design, is installed in all models. Along with the usual merits that horizontally-opposed engines inherently possess, this engine has improved fuel efficiency and exhaust performance. Together with the adoption of the new Lineartronic (CVT), a lightweight body, and excellent aerodynamic performance, this vehicle has reached the top class of fuel consumption among AWD vehicles in the US (36 miles per gallon during highway driving).
A new design was implemented with a bore/stroke ratio that is more advantageous for fuel efficiency. The stroke has been lengthened without altering the overall engine width when compared with the previous generation. The adoption of a compact combustion chamber, cooled EGR, and the optimization of intake ports and valves has also improved combustion efficiency. In regards to specifications for the existing 2.5-liter engines, the catalyst has been reduced by approximately 30% while maintaining the same exhaust gas cleaning performance. Both environmental friendliness and regular-use mid-low range torque have been improved due to the adoption of a longer stroke and dual AVCS. This engine offers better accelerating performance than the existing 2.5-liter engine, and its superior response gives the driver a feeling of instant acceleration, especially when the accelerator is lightly depressed.
Making use of the inherent advantages of Chain-driven CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) such as lightness, compactness, superior fuel efficiency, and a wide ratio coverage, Subaru has successfully developed a new CVT for the new Impreza for improved environmental friendliness and drivability. A paddle shifting 6-speed manual mode with excellent shifting response is included that can provide a thrilling driving experience that even exceeds sports AT vehicles.
This chassis provides steady handling performance with a linear response and driveability with a secure feeling while absorbing any road surface irregularities. Improvements in the rigidity of certain important areas and setting optimization allow both comfortable driving and lively handling. In all, this design achieves top-level danger avoidance performance. Highly responsive front and rear damper valves are used to improve overall vehicle response. Vibrations are also kept under control with a highly rigid cross member design, allowing improved driving stability and comfort. A strut-type front suspension has been adopted and the stabilizer diameter is also increased to improve driving stability. Double wishbone rear suspension is used and the lateral link external bush has been changed to a pillow ball type in order to improve stability when traveling in a straight line. In the North American market for the first time, Subaru has developed pinion-assist type electric power steering. As well as improving fuel efficiency, this smooth motor control allows a natural steering feel. All models are equipped with newly designed low rolling resistance tires as standard. Manual transmission models come equipped with incline start assist where braking force is maintained even after releasing the brake pedal in order to aid hill starting.
