Subaru's Impreza range has taken on a powerful new appearance for 2006, with engine changes, new models and stand-out styling set to drive it to new success.

The small car with the sporty icon image adds 2.5 litre turbocharged engines to the Impreza WRX and WRX STI and for the first time there is the option of a lively double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 2.0R naturally aspirated version.

Standout developments include a gripping 14 per cent improvement in Impreza WRX STI torque.

WRX STI power and torque are enhanced in all parameters of the engine's operating range.

The Driver Control Centre Differential (DCCD) on WRX STI is refined even further taking its legendary handling to an even higher level.

Fans of the traditional Subaru horizontally opposed Boxer engine sound will also be delighted by exhaust changes that add efficiency to 2.0R, WRX and WRX STI – with the throaty engine note also more prominent.

All Imprezas other than WRX STI introduce side airbags for the first time in addition to the standard dual front airbags.

Impreza's smooth new style offers aerodynamic improvements across the range.

Impreza WRX and WRX STI now share the same smaller aerodynamically efficient turbocharger bonnet scoop.

The Impreza line-up now comprises:

2.0i sedan and hatch
RV hatch
2.0R sedan and hatch
WRX* sedan and hatch
STI* sedan

*(Manual transmission versions-only)

Highlights include:

- New Subaru design theme – aerospace inspired
- 2.5 litre WRX STI produces 206 Kilowatts of power at 5600 rpm (up from 195)
- 14 per cent improvement in STI torque to 392 Newton-metres at 4000 rpm (up from 343)
- WRX STI power and torque improved across the engine operating range
- Smaller more aerodynamically efficient WRX and WRX STI bonnet scoops
- WRX STI engine achieves STEP4 emission standard
- Torque sensing Limited Slip Differential added to renowned STI DCCD, for even better handling in corners
- High Intensity Discharge headlights for WRX and WRX STI with pop-out power jet washers
- Powerful DOHC naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Boxer engine variant with Active Valve Control System (AVCS)
- WRX gearshift refined
- Exhaust diameter increase on 2.0R, WRX and WRX STI
- Electronic Throttle Control on 2.0R, WRX and WRX STI
- New alloy wheel patterns for 2.0R and WRX
- Side airbags on all Imprezas other than WRX STI
- Aerodynamic efficiency gains

While value is added across the range, price changes are minimal.

Impreza 2.0i is priced the same as superseded GX, starting at $23,990 recommended retail price (rrp) while 2.0R matches the previous RS model, from $29,990 rrp.

Impreza RV is unchanged, starting from $26,940 rrp.

Impreza WRX, with its new 2.5 litre engine, High Intensity Discharge headlights, exhaust upgrade and new alloy wheels, rises $1,000, starting at $40,990 rrp.

STI rises just $360 to $56,990 rrp on the back of a raft of technical changes including enhanced power and torque.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "New Impreza maintains our record of offering significant model year enhancements, spearheaded this time by a fantastic new look and engine refinements across the range.

"Many of the performance improvements we see can be directly traced to Subaru's world rally programme, which is constantly used as a testing ground for innovations that eventually filter through to the production cars our customers drive."

Exterior

All Imprezas share the aerospace-inspired new design "language" of Fuji Heavy Industries.

This draws on the company's aviation heritage and has produced a sophisticated three-part mesh grille and new headlights.

The bonnet is extended, with more efficient inlets integrated on Impreza WRX and WRX STI.

For added aerodynamic performance, WRX STI adds an aluminium roof vane. A rear under body diffuser also improves the coefficient of lift by 0.03.

WRX gets new design seven-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.

Impreza 2.0R has a five-spoke 16-inch wheel pattern unique to the model.

WRX and WRX STI have self-levelling gas discharge High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beam headlights, for even clearer light spread at night. They feature pop-out power jet washers.

Rear lights feature contemporary design round lenses.

The re-profiled front bumper includes new compact fog lights for all Imprezas other than WRX STI, which features distinctive fog light covers.

Interior

All Impreza hatch models have two rear cargo area hanger rails and four tie-down points.

Instruments clusters are refined across the range for easier visual recognition.

Engine

Impreza WRX STI

Impreza WRX STI gets a 2.5 litre four-cylinder turbocharged horizontally opposed Boxer engine.

Power is increased significantly in STI from 195 kW to 206 at 5600 rpm.

Torque improves dramatically by 14.2 per cent from 343 Nm to 392 Nm at 4000 rpm.

This produces better low-down and in-gear acceleration. Power is more usable and delivery is smoother.

WRX STI power and torque are improved in all parameters of the engine's operating range.

Power peaks at 5600 rpm versus 6000 previously.

The engine meets stringent European STEP4 emission standards.

Resin liquid filled engine mounts are added to Impreza WRX STI for improved steering stability and ride comfort.

Impreza WRX

Impreza WRX's new 2.5 litre Boxer engine produces 169 kW of power at 5600 rpm and torque improves by 6.6 per cent to 320 Nm at 3600 rpm.

While gear ratios remain the same, the upshot is better torque and in-gear acceleration.

Impreza 2.0R

The DOHC 2.0R engine supersedes the Impreza RS 2.5.

It offers a wider torque band, which translates to a sporty drive.

The 2.0R produces 118 kW of power at 6400 rpm and 186 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm.

As with WRX and WRX STI, the 2.0R has Electronic Throttle Control (ETC). This optimises torque delivery in response to the level of acceleration.

Known as "drive by wire" technology, the throttle control system provides a more linear acceleration/deceleration feeling that corresponds naturally to the driver's expectation.

It is achieved by providing a programmed "relationship" between throttle pedal and throttle valve.

This means the driver's intentions are conveyed from the throttle pedal to the engine electronically rather than via the cable used previously. This provides optimum throttle opening for any given operating condition.

This is a similar concept to the system used in the Subaru World Rally Car.

Drivers feel no difference between the ETC and a traditional throttle control.

The flatter torque curve of the DOHC engine offers greater flexibility in delivering traction across all operating conditions.

All DOHC engine Imprezas now have the Active Valve Control System (AVCS), which electronically adjusts the intake valve timing. This produces optimum power and torque while minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

By controlling the intake valve timing to suit the engine load and speed conditions, AVCS optimises the engine volumetric efficiency and combustion process.

Impreza range

Exhaust

Exhaust diameters is increased from 48.6 mm to 54 mm on Impreza 2.0R, WRX and WRX STI for better flow and engine output, while producing a sportier sound.

Transmission

The renowned Driver Control Centre Differential (DCCD) introduced on Impreza WRX STI for 2005, has been further refined with the addition of a dual mechanical and electronically controlled Limited Slip Active Centre Differential.

The torque-sensitive gear-type LSD operates ahead of the electromagnetic clutch, allowing more linear and responsive torque distribution to front and rear wheels as required, for improved stability.

This helps maintain agility, steering stability, traction and control, particularly when cornering.

The LSD can react continuously and precisely to changes in torque between front and rear wheels. The static torque distribution ratio front to rear is now 41:59, changed from 35:65 for a more neutral balance.

A steering wheel angle sensor has been added, enhancing DCCD control by signalling the driver's intended direction.

Impreza 2.0R automatics have Direct 4AT, for added efficiency.

This eliminates many of the valves and accumulators located in the hydraulic circuits in the transmission.

High frequency linear solenoid control directly regulates main transmission hydraulic pressure. Variable electronic control directly regulates the pressure applied to each of the clutches and brakes in the transmission. The benefits of this include improved shift quality and speed.

For example, if engine load is changed during gearshift, Direct AT can sense this and adjusts hydraulic pressures accordingly.

By removing the valves and accumulators, automatic transmission weight is reduced.

WRX STI's six speed manual transmission features improved gearshift operation, with smoother and more direct changing. This results from use of carbon on fourth, fifth and sixth gear synchronizer rings.

First and third gear synchronisers are now double-coned in all five-speed manual Imprezas, producing a lighter shift feel. Clutch internal operation is also changed from the "pull" to "push" method, with the number of parts reduced. This reduces weight and produces a more direct feel and action. Gearshift stroke is also reduced 10 mm.

Active torque split on automatic naturally aspirated Impreza All-Wheel Drive systems is further refined to ensure optimum engine power to front and back wheels.

Safety

All Imprezas other than WRX STI now have side airbags in addition to the dual front airbags.

Improved front seat cushions minimise the "submarining" effect of a person sliding down a seat in the event of an accident.

Security

For enhanced security, front passenger door keyholes are removed.

Standard features at a glance
Impreza 2.0i:

• ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Adjustable steering column
• Air conditioning – climate control
• Aluminium bonnet
• AM/FM radio with in-dash CD
• Antenna integrated in window
• Cargo area light
• Cargo security blind (hatch only)
• Child seat anchor points
• Cruise control
• Cup holders
• DataDot security
• Driver's footrest
• Dual front SRS airbags
• Dual side head/torso airbags
• Dual front adjustable seatbelt anchorage
• Dual-range transmission (manual hatch)
• Dual trip meters
• Four speaker stereo
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• Fog lamps (front)
• Front adjustable seatbelt anchorage
• Headlights auto off
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Intermittent windscreen wipers
• Lights auto off
• Map lights
• Power steering, windows and mirrors
• Rear door child lock
• Rear spoiler on the hatch
• Rear wiper (hatch)
• Remote central locking, integrated with hazard lights for visual recognition
• Remote fuel lid release
• Roof rails (hatch)
• Side intrusion bars
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Tachometer
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
• Three year unlimited kilometre warranty
• Vanity mirror
• Variable intermittent windscreen wiper control
• 15-inch wheels
• 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat (hatch only)

Impreza 2.0R adds:

• 2.0 DOHC engine - 118 kW of power at 6400 rpm and 186 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm; Active Valve Control System (AVCS)
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Electronic Throttle Control
• Leather steering wheel
• Rear spoiler

Impreza RV adds (to 2.0i specification):

• Duotone exterior colour scheme
• Trim - unique to model
• 16-inch alloy wheels

Impreza WRX adds (to 2.0i specification):

• Aluminium lower suspension arm - sedan only
• Aluminium pedals
• Electronic Throttle Control
• High Intensity Discharge self-levelling headlights with pop-up headlight washers
• Keypad immobiliser alarm system
• Momo signature leather steering wheel
• Rear spoilers for sedan and hatch
• Sports interior and body kit
• Suretrac limited slip torque sensing rear differential
• 2.5 litre turbocharged horizontally opposed Boxer engine
• 4 pot front and 2 pot rear brakes, all discs ventilated
• 17 inch seven-spoke alloy wheels

(Impreza WRX hatch does not include dual range transmission).

Impreza WRX STI additions (to MY06 WRX specification):

• AM/FM radio with six-CD in-dash stacker and cassette
• Brembo brakes 326mm 4-pot front, 316mm 2-pot rear, vacuum assisted
• Fog light aperture covers
• Helical front Limited Slip Differential
• Instrument panel with large centre STI tachometer – driver adjustable rpm warning
• Intercooler waterspray
• Torque sensing rear Limited Slip Differential
• Red stitching on leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever
• Six-speed close ratio manual transmission
• Sports ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Sports body kit
• Sports interior, including bucket seats with STI logo and blue inserts
• STI badging
• STI gearshift surround
• STI large diameter exhaust
• STI logo on intercooler
• 17-inch 10-spoke gold-finish alloy wheels unique to STI

Colours

The Impreza range is available in the following colours:

Aqua blue (not available on RV or STI)
Bright red (not available on STI)
Crystal gray
Evergreen metallic (RV-only)
Obsidian black pearl
Premium silver (not available on RV)
Pure white (not available on RV)
Regal blue (not available on WRX or STI)
WR blue (not available on 2.0i, 2.0R or RV)

All RV variants have duotone paint.

Retail recommended prices