Leek Life May/June 2014 | Page 44

MOTORING Dressed to ‘Impreza’ .. Subaru . bring back iconic new model ubaru UK is to bring the Impreza back to the UK, with the latest model going on sale on 1st May. The new model will be limited to one, nonturbo engine and one trim level with a choice of transmissions. The new 1.6-litre Impreza RC will be priced from £17,495 (on-the-road) for fivespeed manual models and from £18,995 for models fitted with Subaru’s Lineartronic transmission. The Impreza will be the only car in the C-segment to offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard on every model. A combination of a more favourable exchange rate and persistent customer demand has led to the decision to make the Impreza available again in the UK market in small volumes, and will offer an interesting and price competitive alternative to much more established competition in the highly competitive C-segment. The latest Impreza has been enjoying significant sales success in both its home market of Japan and in the US since its launch in 2012. S 44 Leek Life May/June 2014 Since its introduction to the global market in 1992, the Impreza has become the most famous of Subaru model names, with the brand’s high-tech Symmetrical AWD system and four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engines core to the car’s road-going abilities and appeal. The new Impreza retains these attributes, featuring a new-generation 1.6-litre Boxer petrol engine, the latest version of Subaru’s hallmark AllWheel Drive as standard equipment, and an impressive range of safety and fuel efficiency aids. The UK model will come in RC specification, and customers will benefit from high levels of standard equipment to improve convenience. This includes automatic on/off headlamps and rainsensing windscreen wipers, front fog lamps, power-folding heated door mirrors with LED turn signals, windscreen wiper de-icer system, 16-inch alloy wheels, tyre repair kit and daytime running lights. For occupant comfort, every Impreza is equipped with dual-zone air-conditioning, rear passenger heating and ventilation ducts, six-way manually-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, two 12V power outlets, USB and aux-in jacks, and a reversing camera. Optional equipment to upgrade further includes leather seating and a Pioneer satellite navigation system. Three exterior colours will be available: Satin White, Ice Silver and Quartz Blue.