There are times when the important things aren’t always the most obvious things you notice.
A case in point is the all-new 2012Subaru Impreza, which was introduced at the New York International Auto Show in four-door and five-door compact models.
It clearly has been restyled,looking sharper with a more muscular, active profile, it isn’t radically different from the most recent model. But there are important things going on underthe surface. According to Subaru, the Impreza’s all-new powertrain offers a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy, more room, more refinement, and even better handling.
Powered by an all-new 148-hp 2.0-liter Boxer engine, the 2012 Impreza comes with a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or the second-generation Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission). “The 2012 Impreza will offer the highest fuel economy of any all-wheel drive car in America, with projected EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Every 2012 Impreza is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive,” a Subaru news release says.
“Offered in base, Premium, Sport Premium, Limited and Sport Limited models, the 2012 Impreza conveys a bolder, more confident design that emphasizes its sporty roots and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive performance. In profile, the 2012 Impreza draws focus to its wheels with powerful arches, a theme that debuted on the 2010 Subaru Legacy,” the news release said.
The neww Impreza has a longer wheelbase, and the door, roof trim and front seats have been redesigned too, making form ore passenger anbd cargo room. The wheelbase grows to 104.1 inches compared to 103.2 in the outgoing model. Vehicle length and width remain the same as before for both sedan and five-door models, but because of those redesigned door panels, there’s more hip and shoulder room.
“Rear seat passengers gain nearly two inches of legroom,” the news release said. “ Sedan trunk room and five-door cargo room are both increased, and the five-door now provides a completely flat load floor with the standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded.”
The windshield is more raked than in the previous Impreza, with the bottom of the A-pillar moved 7.9 inches forward, allowing for a front door opening nearly five inches longer for easier entry/exit. Higher hip points and a lower, flatter instrument panel, along with larger side mirrors, contribute to better visibility from within the cabin.
Inside, you’ll see that Subaru has really been concentrating on soft touch materials all around,including dashboard, center console armrest, and door trim, and now you’ll be able to fit larger plastic drink bottles andbig maps inside the various door pockets. And don’t worry about your Ipods and such–there’s plenty of compartments and cubbies for those things.
“The new 2.0-liter Boxer engine feels even more responsive than the 2.5-liter engine it replaces, thanks to lighter vehicle weight – and especially when equipped with the new CVT, a quieter and more compact version of the CVT that debuted in the 2010 Legacy and Outback® models. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Impreza Premium, Sport and Limited models with the CVT also feature a 6-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters, which allow the driver to control the transmission via six pre-set ratios,” the news release says.
All Impreza models for 2012 are equipped as standard with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control functions. Likewise, all 2012 Impreza models are equipped with a standard 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system.
Standard comfort and available amenities are increased across the Impreza line for 2012. The base model features a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows, door locks and side mirrors, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, outside temperature gauge, a multi-function display with fuel economy information, remote keyless entry system, security system with engine immobilizer, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield wipers and a low windshield washer fluid warning light. Even carpeted floormats, often an option in many cars, are standard equipment in all 2012 Impreza models.
Impreza Premium models add 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio and Bluetooth® control switches, a rear stabilizer bar for crisper handling, adjustable console armrest, body-color exterior mirrors and chrome interior door handles. The standard audio system in the Premium models features Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), iPod® control capability, USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and six speakers. An optional All-Weather Package adds heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.
A power moonroof and a navigation system are available for the Premium models. The new navigation system includes a 6.1-inch touch screen LCD display, voice control, iTunes® tagging, SMS text messaging capability, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic (both XM services require subscriptions). Updated map data can be downloaded to a personal computer and then transferred into the system via secure digital (SD) card.
The Impreza Sport Premium is a five-door model that combines standard 17-inch alloy wheels and the All-Weather Package with fog lights, roof rails, unique seat fabric and rocker panel spoilers.
Topping the 2012 Impreza range, the Limited and Sport Limited (five-door only) models have standard features that include leather seating, the All-Weather Package and Alloy Wheel Package. A further audio upgrade (above the Premium) features a 4.3-inch display screen and standard HD Radio. The navigation system and power moonroof are options.
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