Subaru Impreza departs from traditional sportiness

Since Subaru began production of the Impreza in 1992, three and a half million have hit the road on world roads and 250 on European roads. Of course, all this time it has constantly evolved and developed, but still always with an emphasis on sportiness. Already in the fourth generation, in line with general trends, it began to turn into more safety and comfort at the expense of sportiness, which has become especially noticeable in the current fifth generation with an emphasis on the third generation Eyesight comprehensive security system available in all equipment levels.

We already know this from Levorg, but it works in a similar way to human vision, based on a stereo camera under the top edge of the windshield. Subaru says its system is one of the most efficient, which is also backed up by numbers showing that it contributed to a 2010 percent reduction in road accidents between 2014 and 61.

The increased safety is provided not only by the Eyesight system, but also by Subaru's new global platform. In particular, they strengthened the areas in front of the passenger compartment and behind the rear doors, reduced the vehicle's center of gravity by five millimeters and achieved 40 percent better dissipation of destructive energy through the use of super-hard steel plates and design changes. They also reinforced both axles and, by attaching stabilizers directly to the underbody, reduced body tilt by 50%, which is mainly reflected in improved handling and overall ride performance. The brakes are also significantly improved, giving a feeling of greater linearity with less idle brake pedal travel.

Unfortunately, the departure from the sportiness of the new Impreza is also reflected in the under-the-bonnet offering, where only the combination of a 1,6-liter boxer petrol four-cylinder with sequential combustion chambers and Lineartronic CVT is available. of course combined with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive. At a press conference, they said that it would be possible to get an Impreza with a more powerful two-liter engine, but only by special order and, of course, with an appropriate waiting period.

With the new platform, the Impreza is also sleeker and larger in all directions, which is also reflected in the larger cabin – most notably the 26mm increase in rear seat passenger legroom – and the larger trunk. The current regulations also optimize the driver's workplace with a multi-function steering wheel and an eight-inch center display, improve seat ergonomics and enhance visibility of the car's environment.

The new Subaru Impreza arrived in Slovenia at the end of November. Three sets of equipment are offered and prices range from 19.900 € 1.6 for the base version 26.490i Pure to 1.6 € for the fully equipped 20i Style Navi version. The importer expects to sell XNUMX new Imprez next year.

text: Matija Janežić · photo: Subaru