2012 Subaru Impreza Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Subaru Impreza from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

Subaru Impreza is a small-medium car imported from Japan and one that has a well-deserved reputation for long life and high resale ratings. Subarus in general give the feeling they are designed by people who are more interested in engineering and driving than in marketing and over-the-top styling. Ride and handling

Subaru's latest Impreza has been to fuel school where it has jumped from the rear of the class to close to the front row. The new model drinks much less than its predecessors.VALUEThe sedan and hatch are the same price and available in three trim levels, all well equipped. They are the 2.0i at $23,990 (CVT 26,490), the 2.0i-L $26,990 (CVT $29,490) and the 2.0i-S CVT $31,490.Standard fittings include seven airbags, stability control, all-wheel drive, five-star crash rating, automatic airconditioning, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connection and a multi-function display.The 2.0i-L adds a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded display, fog lights, rear privacy glass, and a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shift. The 2.0i-S adds 17-inch alloy wheels, alloy pedals, upgraded speedometer and trim, side skirts and indicators in the mirrors.A $3000 option pack on the 2.0i-L adds satellite navigation and a sunroof and a $4000 option pack on the 2.0i-S adds satellite navigation, a sunroof, leather trim and a power driver's seat.ENGINEThe six-speed manual version sips just 7.1l/100km, a 20 per cent improvement, and the new constantly variable transmission version, a first for the Impreza, does even better at 6.8l/100km or 22 per cent less.These gains are even more impressive considering the Impreza is the only model in the small car class to come with the security of all-wheel drive. The savings come from a more efficient version of the 2.0-litre boxer engine, taller gearing, engine stop/start on idle and electric power steering.Output from the new longer stroke engine is unchanged at 110kW and 196Nm with peak power coming in at 6200rpm (200rpm lower) and peak torque at 4200rpm (1000rpm higher).Subaru says this gives the engine more pull in the low and middle speed ranges, but that's not how it feels in the manual version, which needs 2500-3000rpm in hand to respond mid-range despite having six speeds instead of five. Now in its fourth generation, the new model is all about refinement and adding new features with no change in prices.DESIGNStyling is bolder and more distinctive than its predecessor with sharper lines, more prominent grille and bulging wheel arches. The interior layout and trim is more upmarket with soft touch surfaces, classy and logical main instruments and centre stack and a host of storage bins and pockets.Thinner inner door skins also improve elbow room and the larger door openings and lower sills improve access. With no change in length, width, weight or turning circle, the new model is a fraction lower than its predecessor and has a 25mm longer wheelbase which brings a welcome boost to rear seat hip, shoulder and leg room.DRIVEThe engine sounds busy in the lower gears although it does settle down to cruise quietly on the open road. The gear shift remains ``notchy'' and there is minimal space between the clutch and left foot rest. The CVT is better and well worth the extra $2500.It feels livelier, is more seamless in its mid-range response and is overall nicer to drive. Even the characteristic slurring inherent in a CVT is well disguised in normal use, flaring mostly under hard acceleration or in steep terrain. On the move, the Impreza feels solid and secure thanks to the stiffer and stronger yet lighter body.Re-tuning the suspension has further elevated the handling and grip and refined the ride which is at the top of its class in compliance and quietness over a wide range of surfaces. Electric power steering is a little remote initially but sharpens up as steering lock is applied.

The Impreza range has been a success story for Subaru over its 19-year life. But while the hot WRX and STI variants won plenty of young fans, that crowd has never really warmed to the more suburban end of the range.Those mainstream models have now been separated from the performance strand, given some updated restyling and a new focus on performance and fuel economy. The automatic sedan tested here is still on the conservative side of design, but has enough street appeal to give it a better chance among the hard-fought field of close to 20 rivals in the small car showroom.VALUEThe Subaru Impreza 2.0i is $23,990 with the six-speed manual and $26,490 as tested here with the Lineartronic CVT. At this entry spec level you still get six speaker iPod/USB audio, Bluetooth, cruise, climate-control airconditiong, and a 4.3-in multifunction display trip computer. That's a good equipment list, but the steel wheels with covers still say 'base model'.But still, the Impreza stacks up well against a lot of the competition. The Mazda3 -- Australia's 2011 best-selling car -- in Neo spec at $22,330 is the main rival, although you would have to go to the new Skyactiv drivetrains to match the Impreza's fuel economy.The class leader -- and 2010 Carsguide Car of the Year -- is the Volkswagen Polo, and for $21,490 you can get a 77TSI five-door hatch in Comfortline spec with a 1.2-litre turbo engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission.Toyota's enduring Corolla Ascent at $22,990 also matches close on equipment but with a weaker engine, an aged four-speed auto and style so sleep-inducing it's a danger to surrounding traffic. Mitsubishi's Lancer is a dependable alternative, at $24,190 for Activ spec. But it's getting on a bit and desperately in need of a makeover.The Holden Cruze CD will set you back $25,040 with similar spec, and with a smaller but slightly more powerful turbo engine and six-speed sports automatic, but with a dreary interior.DESIGNAfter a few years in the doldrums, the Impreza has finally returned to some individuality. Nothing extreme to startle the horses, mind you, and more of an evolution than a revolution. It borrows a lot from the Subaru Liberty around the nose -- but that's not a bad thing.And together with pronounced character creases along the sides and over the wheel arches, and a fresh take on light clusters and accents, the Impreza looks notably more interesting than the previous model.The sedan gets a big 460-litre boot, and the only disappointment in that area is the space-saver spare in a space that could easily take a full-size one. That decision's been made on cost and fuel economy weight-trimming, but there'll be few Aussie drivers who wouldn't prefer a proper spare if asked.TECHNOLOGYThe Impreza sedan tested gets a new 2.0 litre four-cylinder flat -- or 'boxer' -- engine, developing 110kW at 6200rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4200rpm, with a little more low-speed torque on tap than in the previous model.The four-speed auto has been binned, and the engine outputs now get to all four wheels via a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) -- basically a box without gears, relying on bands to change through a continuous range of gear ratios. You can force changes with the manual mode, flicking the paddle-shifters on the steering wheel.The CVT and the addition of stop-start technology are behind the official fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km, which Subaru says is an improvement of 22 per cent.SAFETYThe Impreza gets a five-star crash rating, with a safety list that includes seven airbags, stability and traction controls and anti-lock brakes with helpers for panic stops and to distribute varying force to each wheel to counter uneven loads.DRIVINGRide quality is excllent and the sedan cabin is roomy and comfortable, with more space particularly for rear passenger legs. Moving the A-pillar forward and adding a quarter panel to the door improves visibility -- although we couldn't help wishing this base model also had the next level's reversing camera.You can feel a tad of the extra low-rev torque on take-off, but it's not huge and this is not set up to be a performance leader. The drivetrain is angled more at laid-back than laying rubber, and the aim is to keep the fuel figure low. Impatience with the CVT undermines that if you fall into the habit of using the paddles for changes -- which had us finish a mixed run at 8.9L/100km, destroying Subaru's hard work on improving economy.The CVT can be hesitant, but otherwise is much more refined than you'd expect -- and its low drone not as noticeable as in rivals. But coupled with the larger body, it doesn't really wring any sparkle out of the engine.The steering wheel sends accurate instructions and returns decent feedback, and the Impreza gets through corners happily with little body roll until it's pushed beyond normal behaviour. And with Subaru's signature all-wheel drive system taking care of business, the Impreza never feels anything but confidently stable on the road.VERDICTIt looks better, feels solid and gives the impression of good quality -- a bit more than a base model would suggest. A comfortable and calm little sedan that won't wreck your wallet at the checkout or the servo.

Separating the Impreza from the WRX might turn out to be the smartest move yet by Subaru. Rather than being a stripper version of the high-performance WRX, the Impreza deserves to stand on its own merits.In its fourth incarnation, the Impreza finally has the style, refinement and value to attract the middle ground away from the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.VALUEWe tested the new Impreza 2.0iL hatch with CVT ($29,490) which sits toward the upper end of the Impreza model range. The outgoing Impreza range was priced from $21,490 to $28,490, while the new range goes from $23,990 to $31,490 with a new drivetrain, improved features and better fuel economy to justify the price rise.Standard features in this model include 16-inch steel wheels, dual-zone climate control aircon, Bluetooth phone and audio link to the USB-compatible six-speaker sound system, trip computer, front fog lights, leather trim steering wheel and gear knob, and rearview camera. You can add a satnav and sunroof in a pack for $3000, which seems a bit excessive. But Subaru gets ticks for value by not charging for pearl or metallic paint and for its good resale.TECHNOLOGYA new 2.0-litre version of Subaru's trademark boxer engine, new transmissions, improved aerodynamics and electric power steering drop fuel economy to below 7.0L/100km, a claimed 20 per cent improvement. The engine has the same power and torque as before but now has a longer stroke for more torque at lower revs, which translates to better acceleration.All Imprezas now get stop-start fuel-saving system, which the company claims will reduce fuel consumption by up to 5 per cent. Most of the savings are in stop-start city traffic where this car can expect to do most of its driving, anyway.The improved CVT also increases economy by 22 per cent over the outdated four-speed auto. The cabin seems to exude technology with a screen in the centre of the instruments, one in the centre stack and a third on the dashboard. The larger multi-function display has up to eight displays, which can be personalised to show a range of useful information and even send you a happy birthday message.The upgraded audio also has USB, MP3 and iPhone connectivity while the optional satnav system has voice control and predictive text when entering an address. It will even offer you a more economical route to save on fuel and CO2 emissions. All-wheel-drive is, of course, standard.DESIGNThe designers have listened to the critics and smartened up the styling both inside and out and used better quality plastics in the cabin for an overall smarter look. Outside, the windscreen is steeper, the bodywork more sculpted, the headlights sharper and more defined and the hatch just looks spunkier than before.Inside, legroom has increased with higher front seats that have scalloped-out seat backs. Access to the rear is also improved by wider-opening doors with more foot room. Storage bins abound with door pockets that fit a water bottle and an A4 folder or laptop.The centre console has a handy clip-holder for a notebook and a pen.The cargo areas is flat with a low-loading lip and flat-folding rear seats.SAFETYAll Subarus get five stars for safety with seven airbags, stability control and ABS and this model adds a rearview camera which overcomes the compromising rear hatch visibility problem. Visibility up front is good with thinner front pillars, higher front seats and door mirrors that are 20 per cent bigger.DRIVINGIt looks solid and feels solid when you open and shut the doors, but it drives like a much lighter car. That's probably because the body and chassis are 20kg lighter. It also has to do with the typically light steering feel, snappy throttle response, a 10 per cent stiffer chassis and its low centre of gravity, which is 504mm from the ground, comparing favourably with the Porsche Cayman S at 485mm. Around town it flicks neatly through corners, parks without fuss and sprints smartly off the line in the traffic light derby. Out on the open road, we appreciate its stability and its quiet cabin which is approaching Camry levels of hush, although those bigger door mirrors do add some wind noise. The soft interior plastic surfaces and firmer controls, such as the new door handles, give the hatch a feeling of quality. This is one of the best CVTs around, being smooth, responsive and seamless.VERDICTThe Impreza is a step forward in quality, economy and safety that will appeal to a wider market than just Subaru loyalists.

Subaru’s fourth generation Impreza, in sedan or hatchback form, presents well.The front, with its hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights, sets the tone for a modern sporty small sedan/hatch, The flanks of the car are more functional than fashionable, but the styling is rescued at the rear, especially in the hatch, with a neat looking array of lights and neat spoiler.DESIGNSubaru’s designers have managed to come up with an aerodynamic shape, with a 0.31 (sedan), 0.33 (hatch) co-efficient of drag. Helping this slippery shape are foglights that aid air flow along the car’s flanks, a large aero enhancing undertray and mudguards and flaps that trim the air ahead of the rear wheels.Cabin soft furnishings are upmarket, including soft-touch dashboard surrounds and seat covers. Homely, yet with the formality of a maiden aunt’s sitting room.Comfy seating for five is achieved by there being more shoulder width and rear seat leg room than in the previous model. As is the case with almost all cars it’s better if three of the five are of the child variety, but there good space for a pair of adults back there.Storage areas include a glovebox that can take the equivalent of 16 compact discs and a centre tray big enough for nine CDs, while the sliding console box between the front seats in the 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S has capacity for 13 CDs, USB and AUX terminals, and 12-volt power.The golfer is under no handicap with the Impreza’s 340-litre hatch cargo area capable of carrying three golf bags, while the sedan’s 460-litre boot can fit four. The hatch security blind can be stored neatly out of the way under the cargo area floor.In front of the console is a dual drink holder, while the front door pockets also have space for a bottle. In the back, the centre armrest has dual drink holders.TECHNOLOGYA new generation four-cylinder boxer engine weighs in with its own fuel efficiencies. Putting out 110 kW of power at 6200 rpm and 196 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm, the long-stroke design delivers a 10 per cent improvement in grunt. The new Dual Active Valve Control System boosts performance and efficiency. Euro 5 compliance makes this the cleanest petrol engine in the Subaru stable.The result is fuel consumption claims of 7.1 litres per hundred kilometres (manual) and 6.8 litres (CVT) on the combined urban / highway cycle. We used 7.4 litres per hundred kilometres on mixed town and motorway driving in the CVT hatch. So the claims are pretty close to reality, which isn’t always the case.A multi-function display in the Impreza 2.0i includes a fuel efficiency indicator that includes current and average efficiency and distance travelled. Linked to Auto Start-Stop, it shows length of time the engine is stopped and cumulative time stopped. If the driver prefers, he or she can blank it out.The premium MFD in Impreza 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S is straight off the computer game shelf, displaying screens to monitor the fuel efficiency of the driver’s style. At journey’s end, there’s an on-screen evaluation of their day’s driving, comparing it with a previous drive.The MFD is linked to Auto Start-Stop to show engine stop time and the amount of fuel conserved while stopped. Of course, the less fuel is used the fewer emissions are emitted by the Subaru.The premium MFD also shows reverse camera images.It is inevitable that somebody has to pay the piper for these lessons in responsible ‘drinking’ and that is the driver who likes responsive power delivery in a car. The Impreza manual can be coaxed to do better, the CVT gives the driver good control over by way of preset ratios. Our choice would be the manual, then again we do fall into the keen-driver category.DRIVINGA major contributor to the new Subaru Impreza’s frugality is an Auto Start-Stop system that stops the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights. In CVT vehicles the engine stops 0.5 seconds after the car halts. When the brake is released, the engine starts after 0.35 seconds. In the six-speed manual Imprecate restarts after the clutch pedal is pressed.Studies have shown that cars may be stopped up to 30 per cent of travel time, particularly in rush hour, so savings can be considerable. It takes a while to get used to the fact that the engine has appeared to have stalled, but drivers who stick with the system rather than switching if off, report they do get used to the feeling.VERDICTSubaru has long prided itself on occupant safety so it comes as no surprise that the latest generation has won a five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). It has an Acceptable rating for pedestrian safety from the same organisation. Every Impreza model has seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, while Impreza 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S run to a reversing camera.

The tale of Subaru Impreza is like ugly duckling meets groundhog day.Repeatedly, it's styling has swung from pretty to pretty awful, drop dead gorgeous to drop kick.Honestly, Subaru has got it right this time - really right - and now I'm scared that the next model is going to look like a chewed suitcase. So a message to Subaru - just don't play with it.The sedan is now a balanced car in terms of style, has a neat nose and an interior - and particularly the dash - that is almost perfect, has soft-feel materials, is streets ahead of most rivals and belies the car's sub-$24,000 entry price.Even the engine is better, performance is good and fuel economy is back among the pack after previously having a reputation of being something of a lush.VALUEReally good. It's only when you stack the Impreza 2.0i up against similarly-priced rivals - Mazda3, Holden Cruze and Toyota Corolla - that you see it equals them on most things, wins on some but gives very little ground away. The fact it's all-wheel drive, now has a spacious interior and boot, has loads of features - Bluetooth, six speaker iPod/USB audio, cruise and a trip computer - for the price makes it close to a bargain. Not much point in up-speccing here because the lower priced Impreza models have it all.DESIGNAfter two - and more - years, finally a shape that looks good in your driveway. Impreza takes the good bits of big-sister Liberty but discards the slab-side look in favour of deep side glass, crease lines through the doors and eyebrows raised over the wheelarches.As mentioned, the soft-feel dash is light-years away from the previous Impreza's hard-plastic, satin-black finish that, at best, cheapened the car. The boot is big - again - and though there's a space-saver wheel, there's room for a real one. So why isn't there a real one there?TECHNOLOGYThe 2-litre engine appears to be the same but is a long-stroke version as Subaru aims to lift low-speed torque and reduce fuel consumption - both long-standing sticking points with its flat-four mill. With a modest 110kW/196Nm it works and is now on par with rivals. Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.8 L/100km which thrashes most rivals (see comparison box).The four-speed auto has gone in favour of a CVT auto - effectively a gearbox without gears so it's smooth and fuel efficient - which is great but needs a tweak, while the all-wheel drive remains the Impreza's core advantage.SAFETYNo surprises that this is a five-star car when crashed. It gets seven airbags. all the electronic brake aids, has all-wheel drive for extra safety but that space-saver spare shouldn't be there.DRIVINGA manual gearbox would show up the difference more but there's definitely more grunt of the mark than before. That makes driving the new Impreza a lot easier. The CVT auto has a great improvement on the previous wide-spaced four-cog auto. But it can sometimes ``hunt'' while cruising and show some initial hesitation when accelerating. It needs a bit of tweaking but in the overall scheme, still works well.One major change is the stance of the Impreza. It feels far more confident on the road, corners with more accuracy than before and the ride comfort - thanks in part to very comfortable seats - is excellent. It drives like a more expensive car and the engine - while a few more kiloWatts wouldn't hurt - is more than adequate for its target market.VERDICTIt's now amongst a (very small) handful of base model, small sedan cars that I'd consider buying. I actually disliked returning it to Subaru.

Subaru's fourth generation Impreza has finally arrived, but it's an evolution rather than revolution. Subaru continues to persist with its flat four boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive combo as the backbone of the car, with a heavy emphasis on safety. But we wonder whether punters are looking for something more, given the unexpected success of the pumped up XV off road version of the hatch that was launched recently. There hasn't been as much traffic through showrooms since the launch of the original Forester back in 97. Subaru sees the car as an alternative to the front-wheel drive "clones" that comprise the segment.Competitors include the Mazda3, Civic and Corolla. Market research has identified fuel economy as the prime feature for which buyers are looking and the investment in this is apparent, but at what cost?VALUEThe model designations are different this time around. R, RX and RS have been replaced with 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S. The 2.0i kicks off from $23,990, but the CVT will cost you another $2500.The 2.0i-L is $26,990 and the 2.0i-S which only comes with the CVT is $31.490 - all prices exclude on-road costs.DESIGNNever been a big fan of the Impreza's styling and can't say I'm overly impressed with this one either. But they say styling is a personal thing.TECHNOLOGYThird generation FB boxer engine. It's the same basic engine as in Forester, but with the addition of dual valve timing. Produces 110kW of power and 196Nm of torque, exactly the same as before. The design is different with a longer stroke and narrower bore to achieve better economy.Gets a timing chain this time around which means no more expensive timing belt services. The crusty old five speed manual and four speed automatic have been replaced with a six speed manual and six speed CVT. The big news is the arrival of the CVT in this model and the big gains in fuel economy that it brings. It's expected to account for 80 per cent of sales and is certainly a quantum leap forward from the old four-speed slush box, but not everyone cares for them because of their zoom like quality.CVTs or continuously variable transmissions are designed to find the perfect balance between power and economy in all situations. It also has a six speed manual mode and Subaru has thrown in change paddles to make the most of it.PERFORMANCELeisurely. The CVT is the pick in this department.  0-100km/h for the CVT is 10.5 secs and for the manual 11.1 secs. That's better than the previous auto, but not nearly as quick as the old five-speed manual at 9.6 and, in the broader context - not that quick at all. Although the new engine has the same output as before, maximum torque is produced at 4200 instead of 3200 revs which can't help matters.FUEL SAVINGSTakes standard unleaded. Subaru is claiming 6.8 litres/100km for the CVT and 7.1 for the six speed manual. That's a 22 per cent improvement over the previous auto and a 20 per cent improvement for the manual. That's on paper anyway because we saw nothing like this during the drive program. The CVT returned 8.2 litres/100km and the manual, 9.0 litres/100km - nothing like what it should be getting. This was however over a rather short drive route and we look forward to taking it for a longer drive.AUTO START/STOPAll models are also fitted with auto start/stop which shuts the engine down at traffic lights to save fuel and reduce pollution. Subaru says studies have shown that cars may be stopped for 30 per cent of the time, so there are big gains to be had in this area.If you don't like it, you can simply disable the function. When the engine is stopped, things like the airconditioining, navigation and audio systems run on auxiliary power. But if the system is overloaded it won't shut down.SAFETYScores a full five stars for safety, with not six but seven airbags this time around including a driver's kneebag to protect the lower legs in an accident.THE PACKAGEHas the same exterior dimensions as the previous model but sits 10mm lower, has a 20mm wider track and 25mm longer wheelbase.Body 10kg lighter, but 25 per cent stiffer. Has more room inside too, with more rear legroom, and more elbow and shoulder room.The seats are more comfortable and the ride quality is very good, apart from the occasional intrusion of tyre noise on coarse bitumen. Surfaces are soft touch. Instruments are conservatively laid out but large and generally easy to use with an updated more extensive trip computer. Sadly no digital speedo in sight and still no one touch blinkers for lane changing.DRIVINGIt's more refined that's for sure, with a lower centre of gravity and hugs the road like a thoroughbred. It's quieter inside too. But and it's a big BUT, you really have to push this car hard to get it moving, especially the manual with it's tall gearing. The result not unexpectedly is poor economy which was reflected in the figures we got. Pulling away for the first time in the manual it felt lifeless, the change could be more precise and it doesn't like to be hurried between gears. The car really doesn't start to get mobile until you have 4-5000 revs on the tacho.The CVT in comparison doesn't have to work as hard and is the pick as far as we're concerned. It also feels more responsive to the throttle. But it's noisy and muffles the sporty note of the boxer engine which  is one of the car's main attractions.WRX?That's another story and another car as it turns out. The WRX hasn't been an Impreza for the last two years, but a standalone model that will continue to evolve in an entirely different direction. The word is we won't be seeing a new Rex until at least 2014.YOU GET $2000 worth of all-wheel drive for free as part of the price for a start. The audio system has six speakers, with iPod, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. All models get Bluetooth phone connection, with steering wheel phone, audio and cruise controls, climate air, USB input and multi-function display with distance to empty. 2.0i-L adds alloys, reversing camera, premium multi-function display, dual climate, sliding centre console, some leather bits, privacy glass and fog lights.2.0i-S adds upgraded speedo, upholstery and trim, alloy pedals, chrome fog surrounds, chrome door handle inserts, wing mirror indicators, side skirts and larger alloys.YOU DON'T GETNo alloys for 2.0i, just 16inch steels with hubcaps, and no full size spare for any of them. No leather unless you buy an option pack, no mention or parking sensors and satnav costs an arm and a leg (packaged with sunroof as $3000 option).VERDICTIt's quieter, more refined, roomier inside and better equipped than ever before and all for the same price. And Subaru has managed to pull off the impossible by making its boxer, all-wheel drive mainstay the class leader in fuel economy with a Green Guide rating that's almost as good as a Prius. Who said it couldn't be done? But it's not enough to be fuel efficient. It needs to be fun to drive too and sadly it falls dangerously short of this mark. 

Greener, leaner and not a turbo air intake in sight - Subaru has launched its Impreza small car range in Australia. The fourth incarnation of the all-wheel drive small car is aimed at the higher end of the small car market but has held it's pricetag to the same level as the previous incarnation.The unchanged asking price has been retained despite upgraded drivetrain, improved features list and better fuel economy (which the brand says debunks the claim of all-wheel drive being thirsty), which will no doubt help Subaru resurrect its sales volumes after a challenging 2011. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says the new Impreza will attract new customers but should retain existing Impreza owners."These new customers will come along with our loyal Impreza owners, we've sold more than 144,000 Imprezas and the customers are a loyal bunch who will openly embrace the multitude of changes," he says.VALUEDespite not dwelling in the bargain basement, the value equation is strong, with the all-wheel drive entry-level car priced from $23,990 for the 2.0i manual sedan and hatch, heading up to $26,490 for the CVT model. Standard fare includes the stop-start fuel saving system, 16in steel wheels, climate control (dual-zone on the mid-spec L and flagship S), Bluetooth phone and audio link to the USB-compatible six-speaker sound system and trip computer.The L middle child is priced from $26,990 for the six-speed manual or the CVT slides in at $29,490 - the extra cash buys a reversing camera, 16in alloy wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lights. The flagship S is a CVT-only proposition, priced from $31,490, but comes with upgraded instruments and extra chrome trim bits, alloy pedals, side skirts and 17in alloy wheels. Option packs for the L and S comprise satnav and a sunroof for $3000, or the S alone can be upped to include satnav, sunroof, leather trim and power-adjustable driver's seat for $4000.TECHNOLOGYThe new Suby small car has the upgraded flat-four boxer engine with a longer stroke, which when combined with the variable valve system and the stop-start fuel saver system (which is on manual and CVT models and can re-start the engine between 0.2 and -35 of a second) has kept outputs unchanged at 110kW and 196Nm, but with 25 per cent better fuel economy.The CVT is hooked up to all four wheels via an electronically-controlled system that can run up to 95 per cent front-wheel drive, or the six-speed manual models use the long-serving all-wheel drive system with a mechanical centre Limited Slip Differential (LSD), split 50/50. The CVT claims 6.8 litres per 100km (a 22 per cent improvement) and the manual drinks a claimed 7.1 l/100km, 20 per cent better than the superseded model.DESIGNThe new Impreza is 4580mm long (4415mm for the hatch), 1740mm wide, sitting on a 2645mm wheelbase (up 25mm) and 1465mm tall, a 10mm drop. The nose is dominated by the new "hawkeye" headlights and has a less surprised look on its face than the Outback and Liberty models. The A-pillar's base has been brought forward 200mm and the C-pillar has also been slanted on more of an angle.Subaru says there is more interior space without much increase on overall vehicle size, with a 340 litre boot in the rump of the hatch (up from 301 litres); the sedan's 460 litre boot has also grown, up from 420 litres. The aerodynamic package has also contributed to the reduced fuel use, including underbody aero panels to reduce drag.The cabin redesign has also taken the childseat anchor points from the roof - where they intruded on loadspace and restricted rear vision - and put them down behind the rear seats.SAFETYSubaru says the five-star safety rating from NCAP remains thanks to seven airbags - dual front, side, curtain and one for the driver's knee - as well as body strength derived from construction topped by high-strength steel in the sills and B-pillar. There's also the inherent active safety and grip from all-wheel drive, as well as stability and traction control, anti-lock brakles, and the added safety of a reversing camera on the L and S models.DRIVINGMany will say about time, and plenty of those will earn their money within Subaru dealers. The new car is not an unattractive machine, certainly less polarising than its larger siblings.The first few minutes behind the wheel immediately suggests three things - it's quiet, the CVT (which the brand believes will be 80 per cent of the sales) suffers a little less "flaring" and the engine is tuned for economy. It's flexible but leisurely, and needs revs if you need to do something in a hurry - but the payoff is sub-9 fuel economy during the launch drive, which was through suburban traffic and into the Adelaide Hills, not terrain renowned for producing the best fuel economy figures. The hills roads also showed the work on the chassis has payed off for Subaru - the ride quality barely touches firm but the body control is good and handling is composed, it all bodes well for the next WRX.The CVT feels a little more direct than some 'boxes of the same type, while the six-speed manual is notchy but not a bad gearbox with which to swap cogs. The seats were comfortable and not completely without support, but the rear seating area was pleasantly surprising for its head and legroom. Bootspace is better than average, as is the features list.VERDICTIt's been a long hard slog for Subaru recently and the Impreza is a car for which the dealers have been crying out. The supply-constrained 700 per month sales target should not be hard for the company to achieve - it's a capable machine that is sharply-priced.

You can be forgiven for confusion about the Subaru Impreza XV.The Impreza RX used to be a wagonesque variant of the Impreza that sold only about 100 a month until supply ran out in June because of production issues caused by the March 11 tsunami in Japan. But the new Subaru XV -- Subaru's seventh model -- has dropped the Impreza tag and has morphed into a small SUV. It is still based on the new-generation Impreza, but as Subaru Australia marketing boss Andrew Caie says, the two cars are "like chalk and cheese"."They are two separate categories, two totally separate cars and separate customers," he says. While the Impreza RX was considered a small car, this new model is described as a sub-compact SUV, smaller than a Forester, but bigger than a small hatch. The RX will arrive in Australia in January and will be followed in late February by the new Impreza four-door sedan and five-door hatch."The timing is everything to do with the tsunami," Caie says. "Our timings have been moved around about four times." The Impreza and XV will be the first Subarus with stop-start technology that switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. They also feature new transmissions and a new engine.VALUECaie isn't talking pricing at the moment, except to say that both the Impreza and XV will be competitive. "Prices will be as low as they possibly can be," he says. "We're trying to put as much value into them as possible. It's not about being the first one to the bottom in pricing."The current Impreza range starts at $21,490 and goes to $28,490, excluding WRX and WRX STI which are now separate sportier models with their own build program. The previous Impreza RX sold for $25,990. The closest competitors for the XV are the Mitsubishi ASX (from $25,990) and Nissan Dualis (from $24,990). Both new Subaru models come in three models: 2.0i, L and S.Even the base models come with Bluetooth while the L adds satnav and the S adds leather seats, heated in the front. Rear view camera, fog lights and a sunroof are optional on the L and S Impreza but are standard on all XVs.SAFETYSubaru Australia boss Nick Senior reminds us that they were the first company in Australia to have five-star safety across its range. "You can't be reactive in safety. You have to be proactive and we traditionally have been," he says. The new Impreza and XV come with seven airbags, including full-length curtain airbags and a knee bag for the driver.Neither has been crash tested yet, but Subaru product GM Akihide Takeuchi expects that they will retain their five-star ratings. Other improvements in safety concentrate on improving visibility: The front seats have been raised, the A pillar has been narrowed and the door mirrors are 20 per cent larger. The body and chassis are 20kg lighter but are also 10 per cent stiffer and therefore safer, Takeuchi says.TECHNOLOGYThe Impreza will be the first small car in Australia to have auto stop-start across the range (except for the two hybrid models) while the XV will be the first compact SUV with the fuel-saving technology. Subaru quotes fuel savings of 5 per cent from the technology, but those are in-house figures and not Australian standards. "It will debunk the theory that all-wheel-drive cars aren't fuel efficient," says Takeuchi.Stop-start technology automatically switches off the engine in 0.5 seconds when the car is stopped and restarts in 0.35 seconds when the brake pedal is released. Together with the new two-litre boxer engine, new transmissions, improved aerodynamics and electric power steering, fuel economy has been increased 20 per cent to less than seven litres per 100km, Takeuchi says.The engine has the same power and torque as before but now has longer pistons for more torque at lower revs which translates to increased acceleration. The five-speed manual has been upgraded to six speeds with a taller top gear that reduces engine revs from 3000rpm at 100km/h to less than 2500rpm, which is not only more economical, but also quieter. Subaru customers will be pleased to see the inadequate and outdated four-speed auto replaced by a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters for six steps with wider ratios.Inside, the Impreza and XV abound with screens: one in the centre of the instruments, one in the centre stack and a third on the dashboard. The larger multi-function display has up to eight displays which can be personalised to show a range of useful and fun information and can even send you a happy birthday message.The upgraded audio also has USB, MP3 and iPhone connectivity and there is a new satnav system with voice control and predictive text when entering an address. It will even offer you a more economical route to save on fuel and CO2 emissions. Like all Subarus, they both come with symmetrical all-wheel drive.DESIGNTakeuchi says the cars have been designed from customer feedback wanting a sleeker exterior and more luxurious interior with more soft-touch surfaces and quality controls. The windscreen is raked, the bodywork more sculptured and muscular, and the headlights are sharper and more defined. The XV has high ground clearance of 220mm (same as the Forester), but has a lower body height than most compact SUVs for a rakish, sporty crossover look.Impreza is now 25mm longer in the wheelbase but the overall length remains the same which means interior legroom is improved. The higher front seats in the Impreza also allow rear passengers more legroom while both models have scalloped out the backs of the front seats for better knee room.Subaru has lowered the roof of the Impreza by 10mm, but the door sills have been dropped 30mm to allow easier access. The front door hinges have been slanted three degrees forward so the top of the door is further away from the car which allows more room to get in and out in tight carpark situations. The rear doorway also has a deeper access area.The interior feels more airy with the thinner A pillars and the horizontal lines across the dashboard. Door thickness has also been reduced for more shoulder and elbow room. Storage bins abound in both models with door pockets that fit a water bottle and an A4 folder or laptop.The centre console has a clever clip holder for a notebook and a pen so they don't rattle around. The cargo area is flat with a low loading lip and flat-folding rear seats. Underneath is a space-saver tyre, wide enough in the XV to still permit towing for a short distance. There are 10 exterior colours for both models, but the XV gets the special Tangerine Orange Pearl. Subaru is one of the few companies that doesn't charge extra for metallic or pearlescent paint.DRIVINGThe new cars were launched last weekend at the Fuji Heavy Industries Subaru research and development centre and proving ground at Kuzu in central Japan. It's a hilly area surrounded by forests inhabited by black bears, so Subaru is not concerned about spies taking photos of their cars in testing.We were only allowed two laps in each car on the high-speed bowl and three laps of a shorter twisty and bumpy circuit. About 12km in all. Not a thorough workout by any means, but enough to draw initial impressions.The soft interior plastic surfaces and firmer controls, such as the new door handles, give the cars a feeling of quality. However, the thinner dors feel a little flimsy when closing. Cargo space in the XV is disappointing, but similar to its sub-compact SUV competitors.On the road, they run quiet and smooth thanks to the new transmissions, but the wind noise from the larger door mirrors is increased. The frisky Impreza feels light and more flickable while the XV lumbers into corners, changes direction too slowly and over mid-corner bumps it hit the bumps stops several times and the tyre scrubbed the inside of the wheel arches.Takeuchi says the secret to the Impreza's deft handling is its low centre of gravity which is 504mm from the ground, comparing favourably with the Porsche Cayman S at 485mm. The CVT is smooth, responsive and seamless, but works best when used in manual mode with the paddle shifters, while the six-speed manual is a little notchy and it can be difficult to quickly engage third or fifth gears.VERDICTImpreza is another small step forward in quality, economy and safety that will appeal to the Subaru loyalists. Price may determine whether it wins new fans. Meanwhile Subaru taps into one of the fastest-growing sectors of the showroom with the handsome new XV. It is a modern design with sound technologies. Takeuchi says it is an urban adventurer whose owners are "living in the suburbs and are looking for new adventures".SUBARU IMPREZA and XVOn sale: January (RX), February (Impreza)Prices: from about $22,000Warranty: 3yrs/iunlimited kmService: 12,500km, biannualEngine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder boxer, 110kW/196NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, CVTEcomomy: 6.9L/100km to 7.3L/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, stability control, ABS.