Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Autumn 2007 | Page 20

PREVIEW

Massive change, inside and out
In developing the new Impreza, the Subaru design team closely
considered the evolution versus revolution question – before coming
down firmly on the side of revolution. Even a passing glance at the
Impreza 4-door and 5-door reveals a shape that is both powerful
and groundbreaking.
The 5-door is the sportier of the two, designed for the streets
of Japan, intended for any stretch of road containing the slightest
hint of a bend. The sweeping single curve roofline flows seamlessly
to an aerodynamic rear spoiler. The rear overhang is cropped and
sweeps upward, giving the Impreza an unmistakably agile look. The
wide front grille with the Subaru wing motif indicates an aggressive,
all-business approach. And a fierce lower front spoiler sends the
sporting nature of the design deep into the stratosphere.
On the other hand, the 4-door is the more subtle design.
Produced exclusively for the North American market, this Impreza
shares the same mighty front spoiler, wide-mouthed front grille and
piercing headlights. The main difference between the two models
is, of course, the presence of a trunk. But the essential DNA of the
Subaru Impreza – the inherent quality of engineering, the legendary
Japanese reliability – remains the same, regardless of body style.
The interior of the 2008 Impreza has also been heavily revised to
offer more versatility and value. As a result of a longer wheelbase,
there’s more interior room; specifically, more rear legroom and more
front head- and shoulder-room. The trunk in the 4-door and the
cargo area in the 5-door are also larger, and are easily accessible
via the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats.
The driving environment has been changed as well; it now
features a sweeping twin-cockpit design that gets the blood racing
and puts all the controls within easy reach. To complement all these
changes, the materials used for the interior are higher-end, offering
more style and a more refined tactile quality. All things considered,
it appears that the Subaru design team has left no stone unturned
when it comes to the new Impreza.

Impreza WRX 5-door

20

More efficient, more thoughtful power delivery
On the surface of it, the two engines available on the 2008 Subaru
Impreza might seem like carryovers from last year. But upon
closer inspection, both SUBARU BOXER engines – the naturallyaspirated, 2.5-litre 4-cylinder and the turbocharged, 2.5-litre
4-cylinder – now benefit from more green thinking and advanced
engine technologies.
The naturally-aspirated engine, which powers the Subaru
Impreza 2.5i, delivers improved low- and mid-range torque
courtesy of i-Active Valve Lift. This system uses two-piece valvelifters that work separately at low rpm and together at high rpm.
The net effect is not only improved torque, but also greater
top-end power, better fuel efficiency and improved emissions
standards. This engine generates 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft
of torque, creating powerful and efficient motivation for the driving
enthusiast in you.
The turbocharged engine, as found in the Subaru Impreza WRX,
benefits from Active Valve Control. This system varies the timing of
the intake valves throughout the rev range to ensure that maximum
performance, outstanding fuel economy and low emissions are
achieved under all driving conditions. With 224 horsepower and
226 lb-ft of torque on tap, this high-spinning turbo is just what the
doctor ordered – if the doctor had a need for speed, that is.
Putting the power to the ground
On the topic of power delivery, the other notable change for the
new Impreza is the optional 4-speed Electronic Direct Control
Automatic Transmission with SPORTSHIFT™ (4EAT SS). This
transmission maintains a 60/40 front/rear torque split under normal
driving conditions, producing controlled and predictable handling.
Under hard acceleration, the transmission automatically varies
the torque split to 50/50 for maximum traction and stability.
The SPORTSHIFT™ feature enables the driver to select gears
manually, making a sporty driving experience even more exhilarating.
The 4EAT SS is optional on the Subaru Impreza 2.5i and WRX.
Both versions of the new Impreza come standard with a
slick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission (5MT). With this 5MT,
the AWD system maintains a constant 50/50 front/rear torque
split to enhance stability, traction, safety and
fun at all times. This transmission
features a short-stroke feel that
rewards the driver with
quick, precise and
progressive shifts.