What's the news?
Subaru is bringing the Impreza back to the UK from the 1st May. Favourable exchange rates and customer demand mean a small number of hatchbacks will be available with prices starting at £17,495. The current model has been on sale in Japan and the USA since 2012.
Exterior
With 'hawk eye' headlamps and a hexagonal grille the Impreza carries the latest Subaru family look. The windscreen pillars are placed further towards the front of the car for a sleeker look and the wheel arches have been made prominent 'to emphasise its All-Wheel Drive character'.
Interior
Inside, the emphasis is on practicality with durable, high-quality materials and good visibility. The doors have been made wider and the seats have been raised to increase the feeling of spaciousness. In addition the switches and controls have been designed to be as clear as possible, plus there is a multi-function display on top of the centre console.
Mechanicals
Just one engine will be offered, a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol unit combined with either a five-speed manual gearbox or the 'Lineartronic' automatic transmission. Power is 114hp, which is transmitted through a symmetrical all-wheel drive system. Subaru claims 0-60mph in 12.3 seconds with a top speed of 114mph. With the manual transmission the Impreza manages 44.1mpg on the combined cycle and has CO2 emissions of 147g/km; those figures improve to 46.3mpg and 140g/km with the automatic gearbox.
Anything else?
UK market Imprezas will come in one trim level that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and a reversing camera. Options include leather upholstery and a Pioneer satellite navigation system.
John Lambert - 24 Mar 2014
