What's the news?
Subaru is going to make an Impreza Sport Hybrid model, for sale in Japan. No word on whether it will come here yet, but it's an intriguing car nonetheless.
Exterior
The Impreza Sport Hybrid has some unique features, including a 'strongly contoured' front end that is exclusive to the hybrid model, side sills, a rear roof spoiler, LED lamps at the back and tyres that are slightly wider than on the petrol equivalent - at 215/50 R17, instead of 205/50 R17 - to achieve the best balance between grip and fuel economy. There are six colours to choose from: Ice Silver metallic, Crystal Black silica, Crystal White pearl, Deep Sea Blue pearl, Quartz Blue pearl and Venetian Red pearl. The red and the white are cost options in Japan.
Interior
Inside, it's a blue theme, as that's one of the colours that appears to be the accepted norm for electric cars. So there are blue accents in the dash, while top-spec models feature 'Ultrasuede' seats with blue stitching. Piano black panels and metallic trim complete the visuals, while the front seats are powered. Additionally, Subaru has focused on comfort and quiet; the Hybrid uses hydraulic engine mounts and has enhanced sound insulation/absorption materials to keep the cabin serene, while the drivetrain's improved weight balance couples with friction control dampers to provide the smoothest possible ride.
Mechanicals
Following on from the XV Hybrid, for the Impreza Sport Hybrid a 2.0-litre boxer four petrol motor up front is linked to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) housing an electric motor. The battery pack for this is located under the boot floor. Drive is sent to all wheels, thanks to Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system, while brake recuperation and petrol engine regeneration of the battery see a best fuel economy return of 4.2 litres/100km (62.3mpg).
Anything else?
Anything else?
On sale from July 10 in Japan, Subaru expects to sell 500 units of the Impreza Sport Hybrid a month. There are two trim grades, Hybrid 2.0i Eyesight and the Hybrid 2.0i-S Eyesight. Eyesight, by the way, allows co-ordinated control of the hybrid system and Adaptive Cruise Control to enable an 'Eco-Cruise Control' function, which improves fuel consumption to its best.