What's the news?
Subaru unveiled the new Impreza saloon and five-door hatchback at the New York Auto Show this week. Initial details relate to the American market and this is the first Impreza to be assembled at Subaru's factory in Indiana. Right-hand drive cars are likely to come from Japan and it is expected that only the five-door model will be sold in Europe.
The Impreza employs a new 'Global Platform', which will be used for crossover and SUV models too. This is said to offer significantly enhanced safety, ride comfort and agility, thanks to a 70 per cent increase in torsional rigidity and a lower centre of gravity.
Mechanicals
Power for the American market comes from a 2.0-litre, direct injection flat-four petrol engine that develops 153hp. Drive goes to all four wheels through a new Lineartronic CVT automatic with seven-speed manual mode. European market cars will almost certainly come with Subaru's boxer diesel and the option of a manual gearbox.
Anything else?
Subaru has given the Impreza plenty of safety equipment including a new automatic braking system for reversing. Sensors in the bumper detect obstacles and the system alerts the driver; if no action is taken the system applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of the collision. Subaru also offers its 'EyeSight' safety package that includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.