Increased ride height, a fresh new look and extra features are turning attention to Subaru's newest Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive variant, the Impreza XV.
Riding 30 mm higher than other normally aspirated Imprezas, XV is aimed at a younger "go your own way" audience.
It adds a new grille, front and rear bumpers, roof rails, rear spoiler and protective moulded wheel arch extensions that highlight its fun theme.
Carrying on the spirit of its predecessor Impreza Sportswagon and RV, Subaru's newest small car variant also includes fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and an
exhaust pipe cover.
Inside, sports bucket seats with mocha accents distinguish Impreza XV from other variants.
It is Bluetooth enabled* and has an iPod compatible USB connection in the front centre console, linking to the 10-speaker AM/FM/MP3/CD stereo system.
It also has climate control air conditioning and leather trim steering wheel, handbrake and gear stick.
To optimise handling, suspension is tuned to complement the increased ground clearance. Changes are applied to stabilisers, spring rates, damping force and rear
subframe bushes.
Impreza XV is priced from $27,490 Manufacturer's List Price (MLP)** for the fivespeed manual and $29,490 for the four-speed automatic.
A factory fitted sunroof is available for an additional $1500 MLP.
Unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show, Impreza XV is available in:
- Obsidian Black
- Satin White
- Spark Silver
- Dark Grey
- Camellia Red
Impreza XV is powered by the 2.0 litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine shared with the Impreza R, RX and RS.
Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "The Impreza XV continues Subaru's reputation for innovation.
"In this case we've extended the 'crossover' concept, using one of the most agile, dynamic hatchbacks on the market.
"By using Impreza hatch as the donor car, Subaru has created a vehicle that enables people to mix five day a week commuting with an active weekend adventure lifestyle.
"For five days a week you have a Subaru hatchback with all its inherent strengths – All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, five-star safety, outstanding road holding, ride and handling qualities, with a long and detailed list of standard equipment.
"Then on non-week days you have a vehicle to explore and exploit your lifestyle and recreation pursuits.
"That's possible with the extra ground clearance. Matched with SUV 'cues' the Impreza XV is an exciting new direction for the hatch market.
"Current Impreza is already our best-selling generation of the car and XV will only add to that success, appealing to customers looking for something that stands out and represents a fun package, all with the essential Subaru ingredients of great engineering, safety and retained value."
* Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc., and is used under license. System operation ability is subject to individual's phone Bluetooth specification.
** Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited's Manufacturer's List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.
ABOUT SUBARU
Every Subaru sold in Australia features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a horizontally opposed Boxer engine, standard Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic
stability program, and a five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The result - driving
confidence.