Description
Subaru introduced the third generation of the Impreza at the New York Auto Show, and it was a shock for everybody since it was no longer a three-box sedan.
Subaru finally decided to give more money to the design department when it started to work on the third-generation Impreza. Gone were the bug-eye and the weird design language, which nobody understood. But being a hatchback also had its drawbacks, most notorious being that it wasn't usual for the Impreza. For Subaru fans, it was a shock.
The design was, obviously, the biggest step forward. At the front, the hawkeye-style headlights and the narrow grille flanked by chromed trims looked so much better than the bland-looking styling of its predecessor. But it looked so tamed, not aggressive as before. From its sides, the curved upper windows' line emerged into the C-pillar into a descending shape, something that reminded of the Mazda3. But the biggest drawback was the new doors with regular frames for windows. Subaru claimed that it had to do that for the sake of safety.
Inside, the cabin featured curved lines on the dashboard and an integrated infotainment system atop the center stack. Depending on the version, the center console was occupied by gearstick lever, low-range lever, and the manual handbrake. One of the advantages of being a hatchback was the split-folding rear bench that expanded the trunk from 11.3 cu-ft (320 liters) up to 44.4 cu-ft (1,257 liters).
Under the hood, apart from the STI version, the carmaker installed a choice of four engines. The biggest novelty was a 2.0-liter turbodiesel flat-four. For the naturally aspirated engines, Subaru provided a two-speed transfer case with high- and low-range.
Press Release
Fuji Heavy Industries Inc. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced the unveiling of its all new Subaru Impreza (U.S. specifications) at the New York International Auto Show, which will be held from April 6 through 15. (Press days : April 4 and 5) The third-generation Impreza will hit the market around the world starting this summer.
Developed around the product concept of new, more refined designs for comfort, the latest Impreza incorporates sophisticated styling and rich interior design, roominess and space, and outstanding comfort and utility, while offering a pleasant and safe ride enhanced by Subaru Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) with the Horizontally-Opposed engine.
Advanced core mechanism
The new Impreza showcases a redesigned chassis, body construction and drivetrain, as well as substantially improved overall performance, under the theme "Only Subaru can deliver such attractive performance and values."1 It also provides a pleasant ride with ease of handling and integrates performance with advanced safety and environmental considerations.
FHI recently set forth a new theme for Subaru cars that stipulates Subaru's goal: Subaru offers a comfortable, pleasant drive for the driver and passengers; provides peace of mind and reliability; and extends convenience, utility and functionality.
Chassis
The newly designed double-wishbone rear suspension effectively absorbs shocks from road surfaces, ensuring high levels of ride comfort and agile handling.
The lower center of gravity, enabled by the Boxer engine, has been enhanced by mounting the engine slightly lower in the chassis, thereby further improving stability.
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), available on a wider grade range of the Impreza lineup, increases active safety.
