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Media Information April 5, 2007

All-new Impreza unveiled

The all-new 2008 Impreza has been unveiled at the New York Motor Show, revealing a change of emphasis for Subaru’s iconic small car.

The five-door hatch is moving up market with a more stylish design to appeal more to woman buyers and break into the important European hatch market.

Larger than the current car, the new Impreza will offer more comfort, safety and features while retaining the trademark handling and performance.

Like all new Subaru’s it will feature Symmetrical All Wheel Drive making it unique in the small car segment in New Zealand.

The existing generation Impreza received a host of international safety awards including the prestigious IIHS US Top Safety Pick Gold in 2006 for front, side and rear impact. The new vehicle will further build on this with a host of new safety features that are expected to lead the small car class in New Zealand.

“Our current Impreza sales are running at more than 90 percent hatches of the total volume,” said Chris Rickards, the General Manager of Subaru of New Zealand.

“More than 60 percent of Impreza purchases are either made by women or influenced by women. Increasingly we are finding women seeking style and performance as well as safety in their new car purchase.”

“This third generation Subaru Impreza is a huge leap forward in the key areas of design, engineering, safety and quality. Again Subaru has provided us with a car that allows us to present a very convincing package particularly in terms of quality and value for money.”

It is a similar story in many other markets; so worldwide Subaru is planning to build on that trend.

However the high performance models, which have gained Impreza such a loyal following, have not been forgotten.

A WRX model will be available at the time of the launch and the STI model will follow early in 2008.

The Imprezas displayed in New York are U.S. specification-only but give some pointers as to what New Zealand may expect.

The U.S. Impreza WRX is lighter than the current version while producing more torque at lower revs, resulting in smoother power delivery, improved drivability, fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The U.S. WRX produces maximum torque 800 rpm earlier than the current car.

High-tension steel is used at key structural points on all Imprezas, enhancing rigidity and ride comfort.

The longer wheelbase aids ride and chassis dynamics, improves interior space and reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The Boxer engine in the new Impreza also sits lower in the chassis, further lowering the centre of gravity.

Naturally aspirated engines in New Zealand Imprezas will differ from U.S. versions.

All Imprezas feature new double-wishbone rear suspension. There’s less intrusion into the cargo area, producing a wider and deeper luggage compartment. The suspension also reduces noise and vibration levels producing a smoother, quieter ride.

Inside, Impreza has a sweeping twin-cockpit design with aluminium-style highlights.

Headroom is improved and shoulder room is also up five centimetres.

Doors open wider for easier entry and exit while rear seat legroom is also significantly improved.

Framed windows are introduced on Impreza, also enhancing body rigidity and reducing noise levels.

Like all New Zealand new Subaru’s, the 2008 Impreza will feature DataDot security and engine immobilisers across the range, as well as alarms and deadlocks in the higher specification models – making theft extremely difficult.

The yet to be revealed new generation Impreza WRX STI will have much greater external and internal differentiation from the WRX, with performance credentials comparable to some of the world's best premium performance brands.

And Subaru will use the new Impreza to lead its assault on the World Rally Championship, where it has already made a commitment to continue competing until at least 2010.

The all-new 2008 Impreza will be launched in New Zealand in September. Initially it will only be available as a hatch. Sedan models will follow later in the car’s life cycle.

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