Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza
Subaru
aka	{{{aka}}}
Production	1992–present
Class	{{{Class}}}
Body Style	2-door coupe (1992-2000) 4-door sedan (1992-2023) 5-door hatchback (2008-present) 5-door station wagon (1992-2008)
Length	{{{Length}}}
Width	{{{Width}}}
Height	{{{Height}}}
Wheelbase	{{{Wheelbase}}}
Weight	{{{Weight}}}
Transmission	Lineartronic CVT 8-speed Lineartronic CVT (Sport, RS)
Engine	2.0L H4 (petrol) 2.5L H4 (petrol)
Power	{{{Power}}}
Similar	Subaru Crosstrek
Designer	{{{Designer}}}

The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that was first introduced by Subaru in 1992. The Impreza was Subaru's entry into the small-car market segment in the Japanese, U.S., European and other world markets.

"Impreza" is a coined word, deriving from an originally Italian word, impresa, meaning a badge or motto. In Polish, "Impreza" also means to celebrate, or party.

See Autopedia's comprehensive Subaru Impreza Review.

Recent Changes

• For 2011, Subaru has facelifted the WRX with a widebody fascia inspired by the STI. Besides the body kit, the front and rear tracks have been widened by 1.5 inches and the car also gets firmer rear subframe bushings. The changes, however, penalize the car with an extra 33 lb in weight.[1]

• The current Impreza platform was first introduced for the model year 2002, and though it has gone through some exterior updates, it has remained largely the same. This holds true for the 2006 model as well, which received a new front fascia that included a redesigned grille and new headlights. Mechanical improvements include a slightly more powerful engine and the addition of some safety options on the base 2.5i model.

Styles and Major Options

In the United States, the Impreza comes available in four major trims: the 2.5i, the WRX, WRX TR, and WRX STI. This page focuses on non-sport models; to find out more information on the WRX STI, please visit our comprehensive Subaru Impreza WRX STI page.

As for the other trims, both the 2.5i and the WRX are available in both sedan and wagon form, while the WRX TR is not. While the base 2.5i is equipped with a 2.5L 173hp engine and a choice between automatic or manual transmission, the WRX models are powered by a 2.5L 230hp engine and only manual transmission is available. More options become standard from one trim to the next, but all are equipped with all wheel drive, as are all Subaru models. Some of the standout features for each trim include:

Impreza 2.5i

• 2.5L 173hp H-4 engine
• Sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension
• 16" alloy wheels
• Sport-design front seats
• Antitheft security system

Impreza WRX TR Adds to or replaces 2.5i list with:

• 2.5L 230hp H-4 engine
• 17" allow wheels
• MOMO leather steering wheel
• Ignition disable

Impreza WRX Adds to or replaces WRX TR list with:

• Cargo concealed storage
• Automatic air conditioning
• Premium 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with in-dash 6-CD changer
• Graphic Equalizer

The only real difference between the wagon models and their sedan counterparts are minor, outside the added cargo space.

Pricing

Add more fields as necessary.

MODEL Trims
Base Sedan	Base Hatchback	Premium Sedan	Premium Hatchback	Limited Sedan	Limited Hatchback
MSRP
$25,495	$25,495	$27,995	$27,995	$28,995	$28,995
Invoice
$Price1	$Price2	$Price3	$Price4	$Price5	$Price6

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages for the Subaru Impreza are as follows:

Trim
Trim1	Trim2	Trim3	Trim4
MPG
c/h	c/h	c/h	c/h

For Subaru Imprezas sold in Australia, fuel consumptions for every model are displayed in the Green Vehicle Guide.

Engine and Transmission

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance

Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.

If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability

Consumer Reports states that, for the Subaru Impreza, "reliability has been excellent."

Safety

Safety tests performed by the NHTSA earned the Impreza high ratings. For rollover, side-impact, and driver front-impact crash tests, the Impreza received 4-Star ratings, and for passenger front-impact tests, it received a 5-Star rating.

Photos

2008 Subaru Impreza

Colors

Colors for the Impreza will vary by trim, and a complete list can be found at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available combinations are:

Exterior

• Aspen White
• Crystal Gray Metallic
• Regal Blue Pearl
• Steel Gray Metallic

Interior

• Beige
• Off Black

Main Competitors

• Nissan Micra
• Hyundai Getz
• Mitsubishi Colt
• Toyota Yaris
• Honda Fit/Jazz
• Tata Indica
• Hyundai i20
• Chevrolet Aveo
• Mitsubishi Lancer

Interior

This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfort and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.

Resale Values

According to Kelley Blue Book, "the Impreza may cost more than similarly-equipped front-wheel-drive competitors, but both the wagon and sedan hold excellent five-year resale values. The Impreza is expected to retain a higher resale value than the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Mitsubishi Lancer, while falling just a few percentage points shy of the resale values held by the Toyota Matrix and Honda Civic."

<MODEL> Year
Year X	Year X-2	Year X-3	Year X-4
Resale Value
$	$	$	$

Criticisms

• "The Impreza is stingy when it comes to rear-seat legroom... If budget is a factor in your buying decision, you won't find much to like about the Impreza's $19,000 base price." - Kelley Blue Book
• "Low-rent interior plastics." - Motor Trend
• "[The WRX's suspension] setup foregoes comfort in its quest for unmatched performance." - Edmunds.com
• The Subaru Impreza has the highest fuel consumption of any small passenger car sold in Australia with the combined fuel consumption for an automatic sedan using 8.9L/100km (26 mpg).
• "WRX only has 230 bhp, hatch still looks better" - motioncars.com

Sixth generation (2022)

The sixth generation Impreza was revealed on November 17, 2022 at the 2022 LA Auto Show being based on the outgoing model. The sedan was discontinued, along with the manual transmission, leaving the hatchback and the Lineartronic CVT as the only options. The Impreza became more upmarket with standard Subaru EyeSight and automatic emergency braking. The dual-pinion steering rack from the WRX was also added. For the first time since 2005, Subaru has revived the 2.5 RS model which makes 182 hp (136 kW) and 241 N⋅m (178 lbf⋅ft) of torque. The Sport model will have a 2.0L engine which makes 152 hp (113 kW) and 197 N⋅m (145 lbf⋅ft) of torque.

Fifth generation (GK, GT; 2016)

Subaru unveiled the fifth generation 2017 model year Impreza sedan and hatchback at the New York International Auto Show in March 2016. The fifth generation is the first model based on the new Subaru Global Platform, which will be the base for all future Subaru models.

Japanese domestic market models went on sale on 13 October 2016 at Subaru dealerships, while the new Impreza entered the core North American and Australian markets for the company in December 2016. In Japan, the new Impreza outsold its monthly sales target of 2,500 units by more than fourfold, with 11,050 orders. According to Subaru, demand from customers in the Japanese domestic market switching from other brands was notable, representing 51% of all orders, indicating that the Impreza was attracting a wider range of customers there. North American models are produced for the first time at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana, while the Crosstrek continues to be produced in Japan. Models for markets outside of North America continue to be produced in Japan. SIA also produces the North American-market Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy, and will produce the three-row Ascent crossover previewed by the Viziv 7 concept from the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show in 2018.

The new Subaru Global Platform underpins both sedan and hatch versions of the Impreza. This new platform has an increased rigidity of 70% to 100% over the outgoing model and a lower centre of gravity by 5 mm (0.2 inches). 95% of this new Impreza is all-new compared to the fourth generation. The suspension has been set up for better comfort, while Active Torque Vectoring in some models improves dynamics. The car is longer and wider than the old one, with a longer wheelbase. Much of the increase in wheelbase was used to improve front and rear-seat legroom; in the United States, Subaru now boasts that the new Impreza has category-leading passenger room.

Powering the new Subaru Impreza is a revised version of the FB20 2.0 litre direct-injection boxer-four. This engine is sold in all markets except Europe, where it came available in its hybrid variant ("e-Boxer") in March 2020. A 1.6 litre engine continues to be available in Europe and in the Japanese domestic market. With around 80% of parts revamped, the engine produces 152 hp, four more than before. Subaru's Lineartronic CVT was also improved with enhanced ratio coverage, and a 5-speed manual transmission continues to be available. The changes made to the Impreza's 2.0L engine are supposed to offer slightly improved acceleration and flexibility of power delivery. Although the engine is 152 hp, some auto reviewers feel that the new Impreza continues to fall short in power when compared to competitors from other brands. Some competing compact sedans such as the Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra are sold with optional engines offering 200 hp or more. Subaru has rated the new Impreza in the US market (with 2.0L engine) an EPA-estimated 28 miles per US gallon (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg‑imp) city /38 miles per US gallon (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg‑imp) highway. As with the previous generation Impreza, Subaru's Symmetrical AWD is standard in all markets except Japan, where it is optional.

Subaru's EyeSight suite of active safety functions is available, as is a new infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the North American and Australian market models, CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims. The North American model Impreza Limited is also offered with a power driver's seat for the first time in the model's history. Although not present in the North American model, the new Impreza is also the first car ever produced by a Japanese brand to include a pedestrian protection airbag as standard. The new Impreza earned a record high safety score under the Japan New Car Assessment Program and earned top safety marks from the Euro NCAP in 2017.

At the car's introduction in 2016, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award. This win gives Subaru only its second ever COTY trophy and its first victory since the Legacy B4 won 13 years ago.

Subaru XV/Crosstrek

Main article: Subaru Crosstrek

The new Subaru XV (or Crosstrek for the North American market) was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2017. Like the Impreza, the XV/Crosstrek has moved to the Subaru Global Platform. Minimum ground clearance is 220 mm (8.7 in) and like its predecessor, matte black cladding has been added to each side to add a "rugged flavor", creating "a dynamic form expressing all the enjoyment to be expected from a crossover vehicle".

Fourth generation (GJ, GP; 2011)

Four-door sedan or five-door hatchback versions of the fourth-generation Impreza were unveiled in 2011 at the New York International Auto Show. The car went on sale in late 2011 as a 2012 model year. There is also a bigger station wagon with different bodywork, called the Subaru Levorg. It was first shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale in April 2014.

Early US models include a choice of a 2.0-liter DOHC (148 hp) engine, five-speed manual or Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifting six-speed manual mode. Trim package included base 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, and 2.0i Limited.

Japan models went on sale on 20 December 2011. a choice of four-door sedan (as Impreza G4) or five-door hatchback body (as Impreza Sport), 1.6-liter DOHC FB16 (1.6i, 1.6i-L) or 2.0-liter DOHC FB20 (2.0i, 2.0i EyeSight, 2.0i-S, 2.0i-S EyeSight), five-speed manual or Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The smaller 1.6-liter engine is offered in Japan so as to reduce the annual Japanese road tax obligation.

Remaining nearly the same size as the previous series, the new model is lighter and more fuel efficient, plus is claimed to be better packaged. The 2012 Impreza received longer wheelbase that provides more interior room for passengers. The Impreza hatchback rear head-and-legroom is impressive; two adults can ride in the back of the Impreza with comfort. Whereas, in the hatchback, the rear 65/35 split seatbacks fold down, offering 52.4 cu. ft. of cargo space.

Higher quality materials are fitted throughout the interior, and due to its larger exterior dimensions as defined by Japanese government regulations, the Impreza is an upmarket product in Japan. It is now almost exactly the same dimensions as the first and second Subaru Legacy (1990–1999). The 2015–2016 models had an updated grille, bumper, side mirrors and increased sound deadening.

The third generation high-performance WRX variants continued in production until new versions were released in early 2014. In 2014, Subaru decided to move away from marketing the WRX and WRX STI under the Impreza name. The WRX and WRX STI are performance trims of the Impreza with higher output engines, firmer suspension, larger brakes, slightly resculpted body panels, lowered ride height and larger intakes. Subaru had promised to completely move the WRX and STi off the Impreza chassis and body to create a standalone model, but they instead chose to simply alter the Impreza's body, and chassis and remove the Impreza name. Subaru decided to not produce a WRX or WRX STi wagon as had been previously offered. The wagon made up approximately 50 percent of US WRX and WRX STI sales.

In addition to the regular models, Subaru also offered the Impreza Sport Hatchback in the Premium and Limited trim levels. The so-called American Impreza Sport (not to be confused with the JDM regular hatchback with the same name) has the rugged style with side spoilers, roof rack, different style alloys, and availability of two-tone colors. However it also has the normal ground clearance, unlike the new XV. For the Premium model grade, buyers can choose 5 speed manual or Lineartronic CVT, while the Limited is only available with CVT.

EyeSight consists of two cameras with one on each side of the interior rear view mirror, that use human like stereoscopic vision to judge distances and generally keep tabs on the driver. The system can help maintain a safe distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a wake up call when traffic lights change, and even keeps an eye out for pedestrians. Autonomous cruise control system has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid. This feature is initially available only in Japan, but was expanded to US models of other vehicles, beginning with 2013 Legacy and Outback models.

In 2013, the Impreza won the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. In 2014, the car won the National Business Review Sports Car of the year award in New Zealand.

Subaru XV/Crosstrek

Main article: Subaru Crosstrek

Like its predecessor, the fourth generation Impreza is also available with crossover-styled model. However, instead of the third generation where it was badged the Impreza XV or the Outback Sport, it is now called the Subaru XV. In North America, it was named the Subaru XV Crosstrek until 2015 when it was changed to Subaru Crosstrek. In Japan, it remained to be called the Subaru Impreza XV. This model debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It went on sale in Japan in September 2012 and in the United States during the 2012 New York International Auto Show. It made its Southeast Asian debut in 2012 Indonesia International Motor Show.

Subaru WRX (VA)

Main article: Subaru WRX

For the VA series WRX released in 2014 for the 2015 model year, Subaru took a different approach with the model when compared to past generations. This time, the Impreza name was dropped in all markets in which the new model is named simply as the WRX, as had been the case in North America with the previous model, while in Japan it was sold as the WRX S4. The body design also took a stronger departure from the Impreza donor model than in the past. The general WRX profile/silhouette was carried over from the Impreza, as were the front doors, trunk lid, and interior. However, the entire front end bodywork plus the rear quarter panels were unique to the WRX. The rear doors received a subtle reskin with an upwards kink and revised character line, but retained an otherwise identical shape.

Third generation (GE, GV, GH, GR; 2007)

Subaru revealed the third generation Impreza at the New York Auto Show on 2 April 2007—both the standard naturally aspirated Impreza and turbocharged WRX versions were revealed. The third generation of the high performance WRX STI debuted in October 2007. Initially, the new Impreza was offered as a five-door hatchback (designated GH), with the four-door sedan (designated GE) introduced in 2008. This generation also saw the discontinuation of the wagon, replaced by a new 5-door hatchback body style. The wide-body variants of the hatchback and sedan are labelled GR and GV, respectively. Dimensionally, this version is wider by 55 mm (2.2 in) and increases track by approximately 38 millimetres (1.5 in) to 1,530 / 1,540 mm (60.2 / 60.6 in) (F/R). Although first adopted by the STI, the wide-body platform was later utilized by the standard WRX range.

The third series of the Impreza is slightly longer, wider and offers a longer wheelbase. Two Subaru traditions were discontinued with the new model: the parking light switch atop the steering column is no longer present, and for the first time the windows have frames to improve noise, vibration, and harshness levels. Subaru made an effort to control the weight of the new chassis. Despite the increase in size, stiffness, and safety equipment, the car's weight is similar to the previous generation. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear features a new double wishbone suspension.

Flat-four gasoline engines in the naturally aspirated tune comprised a 1.5-liter EL15 producing 80 kW (107 hp), the 2.0-liter EJ20 with 110 kW (148 hp) and 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft), and the 2.5-liter EJ25 with 127 kW (170 hp). Turbocharged versions of the two latter engines were fitted to the WRX and WRX STI versions as discussed later. Subaru introduced a flat-four diesel engine, designated EE20 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Sales began in several European countries from early 2009, with the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine of 112 kW (150 hp). Two models are available as of July 2009, 2.0 TD and 2.0 TD Sport.

In the Japanese domestic market the range comprised the 1.5-liter 15S, plus the 2.0-liter 20S and turbocharged S-GT, both using the 2.0-liter engine. Japanese dealers retailed the hatchback initially, with the sedan body variant arriving in autumn 2008 as the Impreza Anesis. This generation represented the first time that the Impreza was no longer in compliance with Japanese government regulations concerning exterior dimensions. Japanese specification models are fitted with an engine start button.

Subaru Australia released the third generation hatchback in September 2007. Naturally aspirated 2.0-liter versions fell under the R, RX and RS trims, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter reserved for the WRX. The sedan body style came later in 2008, paralleling the hatchbacks's model range.

North America received only the 2.5-liter models. Released to the United States market for the 2008 model year, the model range consists of the 2.5i, the turbocharged WRX, and the Outback Sport that Subaru marketed as a separate model line. The naturally aspirated models are electronically limited from surpassing 190 km/h (120 mph). For 2009, a new 2.5i GT trim arrived to the market with the turbocharged 167 kW; 227 PS (224 hp) engine from the 2008 model WRX (this 2009 WRX received a boost in power). While automatic transmission was not available with the WRX, the 2.5i GT did gain an optional four-speed automatic. In the Canadian market, the base Impreza 2.5i received upgrades for the 2009 model year, including rear disc brakes, electronic stability control, and body-colored door handles—features previously only found on the 2.5i Sport and more expensive trims.

In Israel, the Impreza is denoted as the B3, and three styles are offered: the B3 1.5, with a 1.5-liter engine, the B3 2.0 and the B3 2.0 Sport, both with the 2.0-liter engine. Four-door and five-door models are available for each engine type, ranging from the basic R class, to the medium RX and top RXI class.

Indonesian-specification versions were initially only available as the hatchback style, with the sedan arriving in 2011. The 1.5 R and 2.0 R could be ordered with a dual-range five-speed manual, or four-speed automatic transmission. However, in Singapore and Thailand, the Impreza 1.5 R, 2.0 R, and 2.5 WRX are also offered as four-door sedan. The WRX STI trim in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines can be ordered with the dual-range six-speed manual, or five-speed automatic if the WRX STI A-Line is available.

Safety of the car has been increased with range wide inclusion of electronic stability control as standard in many markets. When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US crash-tested the five-door Impreza, the organization granted the Impreza the highest ranking available. ANCAP in Australia tested the Impreza where it scored 34.66 out of 37 points, or the full five-star rating in the occupant safety crash test; the Impreza also scored a four-star pedestrian safety test.

The Impreza range received a facelift in late 2009 for the 2010 model year, gaining a new grille insert.

Second Generation (2002-2008)

Subaru introduced the so-called "New Age" Impreza to the world market in 2001. The second generation Impreza was intended to be larger, safer, stiffer, more refined, and more responsive. For many enthusiasts, the changes in the new car made it less desirable because it was heavier and slower with less of a raw edge to it. The WRX Sedan had a 20mm wider track than its predecessor to aid handling, while the wagon remained the same. The coupe model was no longer available. The ovoid headlamp "bug-eyed" styling of the New Age Impreza was polarizing, but the improvements to the car brought greater mainstream acceptance.

In the United States, release of the basic 227 hp 2.0 L turbocharged Impreza, the WRX, did not occur until the 2002 model year, and the Impreza WRX STi was delayed until the 2004 model year; furthermore, the US version of the STi includes various departures from the Japanese and European counterparts (such as a turbocharged 2.5 L EJ25 engine in the US, rather than the twin-scroll turbo 2.0 L engine sold elsewhere). All 2006 American Imprezas use the 2.5 L EJ25 engine.

Some customers' and the press' negative reaction to the New Age Impreza's styling forced Subaru to facelift the car by 2003, with more conventional, squarer headlamps. All 2006 Imprezas, including the performance models, have been redesigned again with the controversial "jet intake and wings" grille first debuted on the Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV, along with new headlights, taillights, and bumpers. Opinion on this style is split, but is generally regarded as better applied on the Impreza than the Tribeca.

Models offered in Australia in 2005 included the GX (2.0 L engine, this model has become the baseline Impreza in Australia), RV (2.0 L engine, styled for active lifestyles), RS (2.5 L engine, sport model) along with the WRX and STi version thereof. The RX model has been abandoned in Australia, and its position in the Impreza line-up has been subsumed by the GX (which had formerly been a sparsely outfitted budget model).

In late 2005 a new range was released; including the entry-level 2.0i (formerly GX), RV, 2.0R (formerly RS), WRX and WRX STi models. The 2.0R changed from a 2.5 L engine to a slightly more powerful 2.0 L engine; while the turbocharged WRX changed from a 2.0 L engine to a 2.5 L engine. The automatic transmission was dropped from the WRX despite the popularity of the sports shift automatic in other Subarus such as the Outback. Side airbags were added as standard across the range.

First Generation/Origins (1993-2001)

Introduced in November 1992, the Impreza was offered in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive versions and as a four-door sedan/saloon or five-door station wagon/estate. In late 1995, a two-door coupe was introduced. The Impreza, like all Subaru-built cars, was equipped with a flat engine, a distinguishing Subaru characteristic. Initial engine choices included 1.5L and 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines as well as the turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L engine. The basic turbocharged motor, the EJ20, produced from 240 to 280PS in Japanese market WRX trim depending on model and year. Outside Japan, the turbocharged model was initially rated at 211PS (208 hp) and known variously as the Turbo 2000, GT, GT Turbo, or WRX.

In 1994, Subaru introduced Subaru Tecnica International (STi) versions of the Impreza in the Japanese and European markets. These models were upgraded from the WRX in many categories, including blueprinted performance-tuned engines, transmissions, and suspensions. The STi versions of the Impreza were immensely successful in rallies and popular among street racers. The first STi models featured higher power ratings than the WRX, while later versions of both WRX and STi were rated at 280PS due to the Japanese manufacturers' informal agreements around power ratings. Its top speed was electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph) and it had a 0–100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. RA (race altered) versions of the WRX and STi were also available in the Japanese market. Targeted for race and rally, the RA versions featured reduced soundproofing, manual windows, no air conditioning, and added desirable features such as more robust engines, driver controlled center differentials, and shorter gearing.

Special editions of the Impreza were very common in Japan and Europe, many coinciding with a significant World Rally Championship victory. These editions included the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B, the latter still considered by many to be the ultimate Impreza of all time with its wide arched rally style body.

The Impreza received an external facelift for the 1997 model year, followed by an interior redesign in 1998.

North American markets never received a turbocharged version of the first generation Impreza. To cater to enthusiasts' demands, the 2.5RS performance model was introduced in 1998. A 2.5 L DOHC engine was fitted into the coupe body, with larger 16" gold five-spoke wheels. The 1999 model switched to the "Phase II" SOHC version of the same engine which featured a slightly higher peak torque and retained the same wheel design, but in silver. 2001 and 2002 2.5RS models became available in sedan form with more options and higher production numbers.

The Outback Sport model was introduced in 1995 as an updated L Sport Wagon. Subaru found success with this model and that of the larger Legacy-based Outback. It offered similar ride height changes, body colors and trim levels to the larger model.

Motorsports

File:Subaru Monte-Carlo 2005.jpg

Stephane Sarrazin driving a Subaru Impreza WRC on the Monte Carlo Rally

The Impreza chassis rose to prominence in rally racing more effectively than Subaru's previous contenders. Prior to the introduction of the Impreza into WRC in 1993, Subaru had fielded its larger mid-size Legacy for rally purposes. However, as rally competition shifted toward smaller and lighter chassis, Subaru needed a smaller and faster car—a role in which the Impreza was immediately successful and in which the Impreza continues to compete effectively, albeit in more powerful versions than were initially introduced. To jumpstart its rally efforts, Subaru had initially teamed with Prodrive in 1989, a very successful partnership that has lasted to this day. Prodrive also provided input during the Impreza's development to help it become a better rally car.

After winning its first World Rally Championship event in the Legacy at Rally New Zealand, Ari Vatanen finished second in the debut rally of the new WRC Impreza. Carlos Sainz brought the Impreza its inaugural victory in the 1994 Acropolis Rally.

The Impreza brought Subaru three consecutive WRC titles (1995–7) and a driver's championship for Colin McRae in 1995, the late Richard Burns in 2001, and Petter Solberg in 2003. While its rivals have come and gone, Subaru and the Impreza have remained one of the only consistent contenders in WRC during the last 13 years.

Main Article: Subaru Impreza WRC

Derivations

Subaru used the Impreza chassis for the mechanical underpinnings of the Forester, a small SUV designed to compete in the segment comprising the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape; also, as a result of GM's investment in Fuji Heavy Industries and ownership of Saab, the hatchback—or Impreza Wagon—formed the basis of the Saab 9-2X released in 2004 (given the tongue-in-cheek moniker "Saabaru").

Worldwide

• In the UK, the All new 2008 Subaru Impreza is priced cheaper than the outgoing model. The WRX will cost £19,995 (€29,595 / $40,475) which is £1,102 (€1,628 / $2,230) €18,465 / $25,292) cheaper the previous-gen WRX.[2]

Awards

• Car of the Year - Wheels Magazine, 2000
• Car and Driver Magazine named the North American market WRX to its prestigious 10-best list in 2002, with a follow-up performance in 2003.
• 2002 Automobile of the Year - Automobile Magazine, January 2002
• 2004 RACV Australia's Best Sports Car Under $57,000 (Subaru Impreza WRX)
• 2004 RACV Australia's Best Mid-size Car Under $28,000
• 2008 "Philippine Car Of The Year" (Subaru Impreza WRX STI)[3]

See also

• Subaru Impreza WRX STI

External links

Official sites

• Subaru of Japan Web site
• Subaru Australia
• Origin of the name "Impreza"
• Subaru Impreza 22B (Japanese, Subaru STi website)
• Subaru World Rally Team

News and References

• New York Preview: Subaru WRX goes widebody for 2011
• 2011 Subaru WRX: Wider Is Better
• 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan and Hatch Revamped with Wide-Body Designs
• Subaru introduces WRX Club Spec 10 for Australia

Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums

• Subaru Videos
• Subaru STI Forum Subaru STI Forum
• Subaru Legacy Forum Subaru Legacy Forum
• Subaru Tribeca Forum Subaru Tribeca Forum
• Southern California Subaru Owners Club Southern California Subaru Owners Club
• Mainely Subarus Maine Subaru Enthusiast Car Club
• Subaru Impreza RS Owners Club
• Scoobynet Subaru Impreza Forums
• Cars101 Subaru Technical Archives
• Club WRX
• Subaru Impreza FAQ covering classic models up to year 2000
• Subaru Impreza owners across the globe, advice, tips, news
• i-Club.com
• NASIOC North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club
• Impreza Drivers Club Norway
• ScoobyMods Subaru Modification Library
• Last Ditch Racing Maine Based Performance Rally Racing Team
• Maine Forest Rally
• Maine Subaru Group Maine Subaru Owners and Enthusiasts
• AWDPirates.net
• Subaru Serpentine Belt (Repair Video)

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