Subaru has expanded its new generation All-Wheel Drive Impreza range with the addition of naturally aspirated sedan versions.

Pricing of equivalent Impreza sedans and hatches is identical, giving customers a direct choice between their preferred body style.

The Impreza R, RX and RS sedans complement the existing hatch variants and share the same outstanding safety – an independent five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). 

Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system is standard on all models.

Impreza sales year-to-date are up 12.5 per cent, averaging more than 1000 a month, despite the lack of a sedan option – until now.

Subaru Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: "Impreza is one of Australia's fastest-growing models of 2008.

"We can only see that improving with the addition of the naturally aspirated sedan versions.

"It is hugely encouraging that the sales mix of Impreza hatch has been fairly equal across the three variants, compared with the previous generation's bias towards the entry-level cars.

"We predict the sedans will add around 200 Impreza sales per month."

Mr Senior said Subaru's consistent All-Wheel Drive safety message combined with quality engineering, a long list of standard features, impressive whole-of-life costs and good resale value, is proving a winner with customers. 

"In addition, the Impreza's economy, low running costs and reliability has attracted new followers to the brand in recent times," he added.

Impreza sedan is 35 mm higher and the wheelbase 95 mm longer than the superseded version, providing extra head and legroom.

The boot is 45 mm longer, with more useable space thanks to the double wishbone rear suspension.

For the first time, Impreza sedan also gets a split/fold rear seat for even greater cargo carrying flexibility.

Impreza RS sedan is differentiated externally by a 17-inch alloy wheels, a mesh sports grille, boot lid spoiler, tail pipe covers, rear diffuser, sports body kit and badging, while Impreza RX adds 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights over Impreza R.

Inside, Impreza RS features sports bucket seats, rear privacy glass and different cloth trim.

Both Impreza RX and RS add six-stack CD player with 10 speakers, climate control air conditioning and leather-bound steering wheel with audio controls and leather gearshift.

All naturally aspirated variants offer the choice of five speed manual and four speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmissions.

The turbocharged Impreza WRX sedan is due for launch in December.

Later this year new options will be introduced for Impreza RX and RS variants.

Impreza RX will be available with an optional sunroof, while Impreza RS variants will offer a leather trim plus sunroof package.

Subaru retailers are now taking orders for these vehicles. 

Impreza MY09 sedan and hatch pricing:
These are retail recommended prices and do not include dealer and statutory charges.

Options:
Satellite navigation (RS) - $2990