Subaru's new generation constant All-Wheel Drive Impreza has arrived in Australia offering a class-leading level of style, safety and engineering refinement in a premium hatchback package.

Impreza has achieved a maximum five-star rating for occupant protection in crashworthiness testing by the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and the highest possible four-star pedestrian rating.

This makes it the first locally tested Australian specification vehicle to achieve the ultimate double star rating.

Subaru's safety commitment is underlined by the introduction of Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) across the Impreza range.

Every Impreza is significantly lighter, yet stronger, than its equivalent predecessor, enhancing both fuel efficiency and safety.

At a time when most small cars are getting heavier, weight savings of up to 48 kilograms have been achieved – yet new Impreza has one of the strongest safety stories in its class.

This again highlights that Subaru is a world-leading manufacturer of vehicles that always balance driving enjoyment with safety.

Despite added specification, engineering and safety, pricing has decreased by up to $950 on some variants while increasing a maximum of $50 on others.

Impreza WRX pricing starts from $39,990 recommended retail price – effectively a $450 saving over the superseded hatch.

Impreza's interior space is greater, yet exterior length is less.

SPORTSHIFT transmissions are standard in all automatic naturally aspirated (NA) Imprezas.

A new Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) 2.0 litre NA engine offers significant improvements in power (+20 per cent) and torque (+7 per cent) over the SOHC engine used in superseded 2.0i and RV, plus fuel efficiency and emission gains.

It is also offers 5.3 per cent more torque than the 2.0 DOHC engine used in superseded 2.0R.

The sophisticated new Impreza WRX's turbocharged engine has considerably smoother torque delivery from lower revs, for significant gains in drivability.

Every Impreza engine meets strict European STEP4 emission standards.

WRX offers substance with style - a refined equation of high technology, performance and comfort, appealing to a broader audience than ever before.

Engine enhancements combine with lighter vehicle weight to produce performance gains in all Imprezas.

Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension optimizes Impreza's renowned constant AWD handling, while reducing cargo area intrusion, to produce a wider load carrying space with easier access.

Among new generation Impreza highlights:

• Elegant new hatchback design – mesh grille for Australian spec RS and WRX
• Lighter yet stronger – weight savings up to 48 kg
• Vehicle Dynamics Control – class leading safety
• 2.0 litre DOHC naturally aspirated engines - 20 per cent more power, 7 per cent more torque than superseded 2.0 SOHC; 5.3 per cent more torque than superseded 2.0 DOHC
• Turbo engine torque kicks in 800 rpm earlier for enhanced drivability
• All engines more fuel efficient
• SPORTSHIFT transmissions for all automatic Imprezas
• Active Valve Control System – all engines
• Euro STEP4 emission compliant
• Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension for optimum ride and handling
• Framed doors for enhanced safety and NVH
• Larger cabin, shorter body – 4415 mm v 4465 mm previously
• Wider cargo area
• Significant improvements in NVH
• Height and telescopic adjustable steering in all Imprezas
• Hill Start Assist (manual variants) – forward and reverse
• Rear diffuser on RS and WRX for added aerodynamic efficiency

Subaru is offering four Imprezas: R, RX, RS, plus the turbocharged WRX manual.

Vast improvements have been achieved with Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) in all Imprezas.

The introduction of framed doors has further refined Impreza's solidity while also contributing to major reductions in NVH.

The stiffer chassis enhances drivability and safety, which Subaru maintains as key priorities.

Subaru's commitment to the Australian market has again been underlined by extensive local testing of Impreza to ensure optimum set-up for our unique road conditions.

Excellent drivability reflects the many hours spent by FHI and Subaru Australia engineers optimizing each variant for our market.

Despite a 95 mm longer wheelbase, Impreza's external length is actually 50 mm shorter – contributing to both its excellent dynamics and spacious cabin.

Cleverly, Impreza offers greater interior space despite its shorter overall length. Cabin dimensions are increased in the key areas of head, leg and shoulder room.

Ergonomic advances mean all key controls are within easy reach of the driver. Impreza RX, RS and WRX have steering-wheel audio buttons. Cruise control buttons are standard across the range.

Access to Impreza is easier, with wider opening rear doors, while front and rear seat cushions are extended for better support. The rear seat back is reclined a further three degrees for greater comfort.

Further improving Impreza's safety, engines sit 10 mm lower in the chassis, reducing the centre of gravity, benefiting road holding and reducing the risk of vehicle roll-over.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "This is a watershed car for Subaru.

"Five-star occupant safety, four-star pedestrian safety, VDC, or electronic stability control across the range; it meets all European STEP 4 emission standards, it has a much larger interior, including a massive lift in legroom and it's lighter, yet stronger.

"This is the car that forever will re-define and shape the small car class.

"This is the car that tells all competitors: don't come to the table unless you tick all these boxes.

"All of this in a package that in real terms is thousands of dollars less than the model it replaces.

"The new Impreza is safe and fun."

He added: "Impreza is elegant and sophisticated but also adds superior sporty handling and the confidence of standard AWD.

"Combine that with great specification lists and we're confident it presents a compelling case not only for small car buyers, but for medium and large-car buyers looking for a comprehensively equipped alternative.

"WRX retains its award-winning performance credentials but delivers them through a far more mature and sophisticated premium package that we are convinced will broaden its appeal.

"An increasing majority of new WRX buyers are professional people seeking a car that combines a degree of subtle style with an outstanding chassis and engine package. This car delivers on both fronts."

On pricing, Mr Senior said: "Any Impreza makes a convincing package. All variants have added significant specification, including engineering and safety. Yet in some instances, they have dropped $950 and in others have risen a maximum of $50. WRX hatch pricing is down $450 to $39,990.

"It means any Impreza is impossible to ignore in the price versus specification equation, representing tremendous value for our customers."

Sedan versions of Impreza will not be launched in Australia until next year. The new Impreza WRX STI will be launched in early 2008.

Exterior

Impreza is an all-new hatchback design featuring a distinctive shoulder line that merges with the front fenders to produce a wholly integrated look.

The body is 50mm shorter than the superseded car while the wheelbase has increased by 95mm. It is also 10mm taller. Width is increased by 45 mm to 1740 mm.

A character line runs between the front and rear doors while clear headlight lenses and rear LED lights with metallic highlights distinguish the premium look.

The rear brake lights aid energy efficiency, consuming only 6.7 Watts on each side, compared with 21 W on conventional light bulbs. This contributes to a fuel saving of around 1.0 per cent on automatic transmission Imprezas.

Every Impreza has a rear spoiler with integrated brake light. Computer-aided design and wind tunnel testing have produced a design that allows virtually zero lift, refines high speed stability and reduces the car's co-efficient of drag around 7.0 per cent. Reduced wind resistance improves fuel efficiency around 1.0 per cent when travelling at 100 km/h.

Radio reception is enhanced by the use of a rear roof-mounted aerial to minimize interference.

Large wing mirrors aid safety when manoeuvering.

All Imprezas have new wheel designs. Impreza R has 16-inch steel wheels with covers, RX has 16-inch 12-spoke alloys, RS 17-inch seven-spoke alloys and WRX 17-inch 10-spoke alloys.

Naturally aspirated Imprezas have projector-type halogen headlights for excellent visibility.

Impreza WRX features Xenon self-levelling headlights with pop-out power jet washers.

RS and WRX also add a sports body kit including re-profiled sills and front bumper lip spoilers plus rear diffuser for added aerodynamic efficiency.

The WRX intercooler air intake is integrated into the bonnet to provide optimum cooling efficiency.

Wide-spray washer nozzles optimize windscreen wiper performance. Low vibration wipers feature a design that hides components and makes them visibly smaller than conventional types.

Colours

All variants:
Obsidian black pearl
Satin white pearl
Spark silver metallic (new)
Lightning red (new)

Impreza R, RX and RS:
Steel silver metallic (new)
Dark gray metallic (new)
Topaz gold metallic (new)
Newport blue pearl

Impreza WRX:
WR blue mica

Interior

Impreza offers greater interior space cleverly packaged in a shorter body.

Premium plastics and seat materials are used in Impreza's dual cockpit-style cabin, where shoulder and legroom are improved.

Rear headroom is up 3 mm, front shoulder room 41 mm and rear shoulder room 5 mm.

Brushed alloy-style door and dashboard highlights underline the sophisticated look.

All controls are easily reachable by the driver, including steering wheel cruise control, plus audio buttons in some variants.

An external temperature gauge in the dashboard centre is visible to all occupants.

Impreza's doors open wider for easier access while the sculpted door panels aid the impression of spaciousness, and seat cushions are extended for improved comfort and leg support.

The rear doors open 75 degrees (60 mm wider) while rear seatbacks have been reclined a further three degrees to 26 degrees to improve comfort.

Distance between front and rear seats is extended 65 mm to maximize legroom.

Double layered door seals and redesigned weather strips improve window sealing and temperature insulation, for improved air conditioning performance and noise reduction.

All steering wheels are height and reach adjustable to ensure the optimum driving position.

The cargo area is wider, offering greater useable space, partly due to no suspension strut intrusion and a deeper floor. Cargo area width is up 123 mm to 1067 mm.

The cargo door features gas dampers that sit between the pillars and door frame, removing obstruction for loading or unloading.

A 60/40 split/fold rear seat optimizes cargo area flexibility.

Double stitched seat fabrics underline the car's quality feel while every door includes a cup holder.

Impreza R and RX are available with a choice of ivory or black interior trim.

Manual air conditioning is standard on Impreza R, while RX, RS and WRX get climate control.

Maximum air conditioning airflow volume has increased by around 10 per cent. This also reduces engine load. Combined with air conditioner compressor weight reduction, fuel economy is enhanced.

Dust proof filters are used on all Impreza air conditioners.

A sub-cooled compressor is also used, reducing the quantity of coolant and enhancing cooling performance.

Impreza WRX adds electroluminescent gauges and alloy pedals, while both RS and WRX have sports bucket seats and privacy glass on rear passenger and back windows.

Steering wheel diameter is reduced from 385 to 375 mm, for easier handling.

If lights are left on with the key in the ignition, a buzzer sounds when the driver's door opens. Lights now stay on until the key is removed (they previously turned off when the ignition was switched off).

For enhanced visibility in rain, if the rear wiper is set to intermittent when reversing, it automatically changes to continuous mode. The rear wiper is also speed sensitive.

All Imprezas have large centre console boxes with capacity for seven compact disc cases, plus a 12-volt power outlet.

Front and rear passenger doors feature bottle holders, with two additional cup holders also in the front centre console.

Engineering

Impreza is built on a new chassis that has enabled a stronger body design and sophisticated suspension.

All Imprezas are lighter, while using high tensile steel at key structural points to enhance rigidity, safety and ride comfort.

Weight reduction has been achieved in several areas, including elimination of the sub-frame and simplification of the body side structure, saving around 20 kg, while enhancing safety.

Bumper thickness is reduced by around 10 per cent. The bumpers also feature a new beam, improving impact absorption and lessening pedestrian injury.

Design of body joints has been reviewed to optimize strength, while use of high tensile steel plate avoids excessive increase in rigidity.

Introduction of framed windows on all Imprezas aids NVH and safety via increased body rigidity.

Every automatic Impreza features standard SPORTSHIFT.

The four-speed automatic provides excellent shifting quality, fuel economy and weight reduction.

The intelligent SPORTSHIFT system takes into account cornering, braking and acceleration rate in making optimum gear selection and constant All-Wheel Drive torque split.

Engines

All Impreza engines offer improved torque curves for better off-the-mark acceleration and overall drivability across the operating range, while meeting stringent Euro STEP4 emission standards.

Engines sit 10 mm lower in the engine bay, producing a lower centre of gravity for safety and balance benefits plus noise reduction.

Naturally aspirated Imprezas have a new four-cylinder 2.0 litre DOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine that offers significant improvements in power, torque and economy while reducing emissions.

It features the Active Valve Control System (AVCS).

The NA engine produces 110 kW of power at 6400 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm - a 20 per cent improvement in power and seven per cent in torque over the superseded 2.0 SOHC engine, and a 5.3 per cent torque increase over the previous 2.0 DOHC unit.

Among the many changes are a revised combustion chamber shape and newly designed intake port, for better output, fuel efficiency and exhaust gas performance.

Fuel efficiency is also aided by coolant flow control, a variety of low friction technologies, plus elimination of the secondary air system, with a weight saving of 4 kg.

A newly designed intake manifold benefits engine output together with a tandem catalytic converter layout exhaust system, which also optimizes exhaust gas performance.

Also equipped with AVCS, it produces 169 kW/5200 rpm and 320 Nm/2800 rpm. Peak torque is produced 800 rpm earlier than the previous model. This results in a broader, richer torque curve to improve drivability and fuel efficiency.

WRX engine changes include a new oil pump and tumble generator valve for fuel efficiency gains; new spark plugs for both fuel efficiency and exhaust gas performance benefits, and a new intercooler and turbocharger for better output.

Liquid filled engine mounts also enhance NVH and ride comfort while achieving major weight savings.

All Imprezas have Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).

Gas bonnet struts mean that when it is open between 30 and 50 cm, the struts take over to complete a smooth operation. No prop is needed to hold the bonnet.

Active Valve Control System

Both naturally aspirated and turbocharged Imprezas feature the Active Valve Control System (AVCS), to increase engine power and torque output, while at the same time gaining improvements in fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and idling stability.

By controlling the intake valve timing and lift to suit the engine load and speed conditions, AVCS optimizes the engine volumetric efficiency and combustion process. Active variable valve timing is achieved by rotating the intake camshaft relative to the camshaft sprocket, within a maximum range of 50 crankshaft degrees.

Transmission

Impreza transmissions are refined to match the increase in low to mid-range torque.

The four-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic features active torque split, for optimum grip in all conditions and reduction in torque loss.

The active torque split system constantly monitors the movement of all four wheels plus engine output via the car's onboard LAN system, accurately detecting changes in the road and driving conditions.

Torque distribution to front and rear wheels is delivered smoothly and quickly, to suit driving environment and style so that each wheel always receives optimum power.

In D-range the gear change points have been set to match lower speed, helping improve fuel efficiency.

Impreza five-speed manual transmissions offer improved shift feel, clutch operation and fuel efficiency.

A ball-type key is used for first and second gears while the key groove has been changed within the third and fourth gear sleeves.

A weight saving of 15.0 per cent has been achieved in the propeller shaft, while a new collapsible design also improves safety in heavy collisions. Propeller shaft accuracy is also improved through use of friction welding on the contact surfaces of bearings.

The WRX rear differential is now a conventional-type, benefiting high revving and engine responsiveness. The lighter weight also helps fuel efficiency.

Safety

All Imprezas have a maximum five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and feature standard dual front, side and curtain airbags.

They also have the top four-star rating for pedestrian safety.

Impreza adopts a refined version of Subaru's ring shaped reinforcement system that cocoons the passenger cabin with a series of steel rings. This adds strength and absorbs energy in the event of a collision, reducing the risk of occupant injury.

New Impreza's frame structure negates the need for a subframe, better absorbing energy in collisions.

High tensile materials are used around the cabin for added strength, yet better pedestrian protection during a front end collision.

The layout of the rear frame is set to the height of standard car bumpers, transmitting energy effectively to the frame during a rear end collision. The frame is designed to compress gradually, which is important in cars with a short overhang.

Impreza's steel bonnet frame pattern is revised for better pedestrian protection and energy absorption.

The front bulkhead also features an energy absorbing design while the rear of the bonnet can easily compress to reduce injury.

Safety pedals reduce injury to the driver's lower legs in a heavy frontal collision. They are designed to retract and move down.

Every Impreza has Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) as standard.

The electronic control unit (ECU) uses information from sensors tracking wheel speed, steering position, front/back and lateral (sideways) G force, and yaw rate to monitor forces that could destabilize vehicle running.

In extreme situations, such as when swerving, sideslipping or entering a spin, VDC activates to control each wheel individually, via braking, engine output, and the All-Wheel Drive system. This improves stability by using the car's most stable wheels.

In cases of extreme oversteer, VDC activates, applying brakes to the front and rear outside turning wheels, producing yaw – a force that opposes the oversteering tendency. With understeer, VDC applies brakes to the inside rear wheels to counteract the effect.

Both the VDC and ABS Anti-Lock Braking systems are controlled from the one digital ECU.

VDC is designed for a "driver's vehicle." In normal conditions it is purely a monitoring system, and applies no control.

But near the car's performance limits it gives the driver more control – resulting in safer and more comfortable driving.

Impreza R and RX have active head restraints, which help reduce neck injury in collisions.

Imprezas have two-pot brakes that have been optimized to improve stopping distance over the superseded models. All brakes feature ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist – all linked to the VDC system.

Naturally aspirated Imprezas have 15-inch front brakes, while WRX has 16-inch.

Rear brakes on all Imprezas are increased from 14-inch to 15-inch.

Testing by Fuji Heavy Industries shows WRX stopping in 39.6 metres from 100km/h on a dry road, a 13.7 per cent improvement. It previously took 45.9 m.

On a wet road it now stops in 43.5 m versus 52.7 m previously – a 17.4 per cent improvement.

Braking pedal stroke is revised for improved initial force and control under hard braking. The master cylinder size has increased from 32 mm to 38 mm for an improvement of around 30 per cent in hydraulic pressure.

All manual transmission Imprezas have Hill Start Assist, which prevents the car rolling backwards on a hill while first gear is engaged and the clutch depressed, or forwards when reverse is engaged and the clutch depressed.

As with all Subarus, the flat horizontally opposed boxer engines are designed to go under, rather than into, the cabin in the event of a heavy frontal collision, again minimizing occupant injury.

Bonnet shape and pillars are designed to reduce blind spots and enhance driver visibility.

Suspension

Impreza's new suspension is based on Liberty and has been developed to optimize comfort, stability and driving ease.

The front strut suspension offers high lateral rigidity, improving steering response and cornering stability. Lighter than the previous system, it reduces cabin shock levels over bumps.

All Imprezas have new double-wishbone rear suspension. While enhancing handling, comfort and NVH, this also means less cargo area intrusion.

Security

All Imprezas are equipped with the latest advanced engine immobilisers and DataDot theft protection.

Impreza WRX has only one double-locking barrel lock, located in the driver's door.

It also has an alarm system with ultrasonic sensors, which is armed by using a remote function.

All Imprezas have remote tailgate unlocking too.

Entertainment

Entry level Impreza has a high quality sound system featuring four speakers with AM/FM/CD tuner and MP3/WMA compatibility.

Impreza RX, RS and WRX feature a 10-speaker six-stack in-dash CD system that adds tweeter speakers installed in each door gusset.

An auxiliary terminal is installed in the centre console.

Steering wheel audio controls are standard on Impreza RX, RS and WRX.

Navigation

The optional navigation system available in Impreza RS and WRX features an intuitive seven-inch touch screen display within easy reach of the driver.

While it removes the six-stack CD changer it includes:

• DVD/CD player
• AV input jacks
• WMA/MP3 compatibility
• VGA screen for in-car entertainment
• Bluetooth compatibility

New Impreza model specifications at a glance:

Impreza R:

Safety

• ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Automatic transmission lock-out - need foot on brake, key in ignition "on" position, to release lever
• Brake Assist
• Child seat anchor points including ISO FIX
• Constant All-Wheel Drive
• Curtain airbags – full length
• Dual front airbags
• Dual side airbags
• Four wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear)
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver's seatbelt
• Front adjustable seatbelt anchorage
• Hill Start Assist
• Rear door child lock
• Seatbelt indicator lights – front seats
• Shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals
• Side intrusion bars
• Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
• Vehicle Dynamics Control

Interior

• AM/FM radio, single in-dash CD, MP3/WMA compatible, four speakers
• Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in centre console
• Cargo area light
• Cargo hooks
• Cargo security blind
• Central locking - remote
• Cruise control – steering wheel buttons
• Driver's footrest
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Height adjustable driver's seat
• Immobiliser security system
• Manual air conditioning
• Map lights (2)
• Power steering, mirrors and windows
• Rear illumination instrument display
• Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap
• Seatback pocket (passenger side)
• SPORTSHIFT four-speed automatic transmission option
• Two remote central locking keys
• Vanity mirror
• 60/40 split/fold rear seat
• 12V/120W power jacks

Exterior

• 16-inch steel wheels – spacesaver spare
• Chrome-surround grille
• Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
• Headlights auto off
• Rear roof spoiler with LED brake light
• Rear roof mounted radio antenna
• Rear wiper

Other features

• Auto hatch unlock on key
• DataDot security technology
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
• Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
• 2.0 litre DOHC horizontally opposed boxer engine. 110 kW/6400 rpm, 196 Nm/3200 rpm

Impreza RX adds:

• Six-stack CD with 10 speakers
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Climate control air conditioning
• Front fog lights
• Leather steering wheel with audio controls; leather gearshift

Impreza RS adds (to RX specification):

• Tail pipe cover
• Sports bucket seats
• Sports body kit
• Privacy glass
• Different cloth trim
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Rear diffuser
• Double locking system
• RS badge
• Mesh grille

Impreza WRX adds (to RS specification):

• 2.5 litre turbocharged engine. 169 kW/5200 rpm, 320 Nm/2800 rpm
• Rear Limited Slip Differential
• Electroluminescent gauges
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Self-levelling Xenon headlights with pop-up washers
• Three year Roadside Assist
• Alarm system

Options:

Satellite navigation with (RS and WRX). This option loses in-dash six-CD, replaced by a single DVD/CD.

Impreza MY08 pricing

These are retail recommended prices and do not include dealer and statutory charges.

Impreza R manual (replaces 2.0i) $24,490 (previously $24,440, +$50)
Impreza R SPORTSHIFT automatic $26,490 (previously $26,440, +$50)
Impreza RX manual (replaces RV) $26,490 (previously $26,940, -$450)
Impreza RX SPORTSHIFT automatic $28,490 (previously $28,940, -$450)
Impreza RS manual (replaces 2.0R) $29,490 (previously $30,440, -$950)
Impreza RS SPORTSHIFT automatic $31,490 (previously $32,440, -$950)
Impreza WRX manual $39,990 (previously $40,440, -$450)

Options:

Satellite navigation (RS and WRX) $2990

MY08 Impreza highlights

Value

• Comprehensive specification, yet reduced, maintained or minimal price increases

Exterior

• Elegant new hatchback design

Interior

• Larger cabin, shorter and lighter body
• Wider cargo area
• Significant improvements in NVH
• Premium plastics and cloth trim

Engineering

• Lighter – weight savings of up to 48 kg
• 2.0 litre DOHC naturally aspirated engines - 20 per cent more power, 7 per cent more torque than superseded 2.0 SOHC; 5.3% more torque over previous 2.0 DOHC.
• Turbo engine torque kicks in 800 rpm earlier for enhanced drivability across the operating range
• Active Valve Control System (AVCS), ensures optimum power and torque output
• All engines meet strict Euro STEP4 emission standard
• SPORTSHIFT automatic four-speed transmission
• Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension ensures optimum drivability
• Framed doors for enhanced safety and NVH

Safety

• Vehicle Dynamics Control across the range – class leading safety
• ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety; four-star pedestrian rating
• All-Wheel Drive
• Active head restraints (R and RX)
• Dual front, side and curtain airbags
• Ring-shaped reinforcements around the cabin
• Hill Start Assist