Is Subaru in good shape? (retrospection)

What Bulgaria wrote 20 years ag piese auto online.

Is Subaru in good shape? (retrospection)

New front and more power – the new Impreza emphasizes sportiness

It's not easy for the Impreza - only fourth in sales, behind the Forester, Justy Legacy. In order to change this, Subaru has made a facelift of the model, the engines are now more powerful. The goal is to emphasize the sporty character of the model, however, the road Impreza served as the basis for the development of one of the most successful rally models.

First step – the look. At the front, the Impreza has acquired the new Subaru face, while at the rear almost nothing has changed. Second step – more power for the Impreza, which is mainly available with two-wheel drive. The base model with 95 hp is dropped, replaced by the Impreza 2.0 R with a two-liter gasoline engine. The four-cylinder boxer has a power of 118 kW/160 hp. Agility is the main advantage of this DOHC unit with variable valve timing. It picks up speed lightning fast, if necessary up to 7500 rpm, and the traction is sufficient all the time. At low and medium speeds, the torque development is very good, but not stunning – just like with the previous two-liter unit with 125 hp. For this reason, the differences in acceleration are insignificant, the maximum speed has increased from 192 to 203 km/h.

Higher power, higher speed, but also a 400 euro higher price

As an alternative to the improved five-speed gearbox, a new version of the four-speed automatic is also available. The gearshift is now more comfortable and smooth, but it takes a lot of temperament. In terms of equipment levels, there is a choice between Active (20,800 euros) and Comfort (22,300 euros), with an additional 1,300 euros for the automatic gearbox.

Next up is the 2.5 WRX with a turbocharged petrol engine and 169kW/230hp, which replaces the 2.0 WRX. The progress here is mainly in the increased torque values, achieved at lower revs. The top speed is 230 km/h and the price is from 31,000 euros.

The top model of Impreza is the WRX STI with an impressive front apron and a “two-story” rear spoiler. The powerful, menacing-sounding 280-horsepower turbo engine provides acceleration to 100 km in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 255 km/h. The price is 40,900 euros, without ESP, but with powerful Brembo brakes. Without a doubt, the new Impreza is truly sporty, but has it become more beautiful?

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

New front and more power – the new Impreza emphasizes sportiness

It's not easy for the Impreza - only fourth in sales, behind the Forester, Justy Legacy