Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Winter 2010/2011 | Page 24

IMPREZA Selected highlights: • Sporty 4- or 5-door models • iPod®/USB audio integration and Bluetooth® connectivity • 60/40-split flat-folding seats for fun on the go • Sunroof 2011 SUBARU IMPREZA: Efficiency, fun and frivolity First introduced to the Canadian market for the 1993 model year, the Subaru Impreza is now in its third incarnation and it’s better than ever. Introduced in 2007, the latest generation of the Impreza has since undergone some minor revisions that combine to make this compact car one of the best deals on the road today. Available in 4-door or 5-door body styles, this potent little number offers plenty of fun behind the wheel, along with the confidence of Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD and the power and performance of the SUBARU BOXER engine. All versions receive a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that is tuned for a winning combination of performance and efficiency; engine output is rated at 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The low centre of gravity of the horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine also helps out by giving the Impreza sharp handling characteristics. This sets the stage for the fully independent suspension system that makes this Subaru a joy to drive along perfect winding roads, over brutal potholes and across anything in between. In other news, last year’s edition was named Best Mid-Compact Car by the Automotive Lease Guide, an award honouring the Impreza for its strong residual value. The car also earned a Top Safety Pick1 by the IIHS and three 5-star ratings2 from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). For 2011, the Impreza is now available with a Convenience Package that includes more options, such as Bluetooth hands-free calling, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, MediaHub for iPod/USB audio integration and Bluetooth streaming audio. To sum up, then, the Subaru Impreza is an even more intriguing entry into the compact car segment and a serious competitor in the bang-for-your-buck sweepstakes. 24 |