New Subaru Impreza SGT Expected to Impress Malaysians

The latest addition in the Subaru Impreza series – the all new Subaru Impreza S-GT – is a new global car that incorporates three core values: sophisticated styling, useful and convenient packaging, and a rewarding and trustworthy ride.

Developed around the concept of new and more refined designs for comfort plus performance, the third-generation Impreza features streamlined “5-door packaging”, while offering a rewarding and safe ride enhanced by Subaru Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with Horizontally-Opposed engine and newly developed chassis.  In accordance with Subaru’s philosophy, the core mechanism of Subaru Symmetrical AWD with a Boxer engine continues to provide an enjoyable ride with fun to drive handling for the driver, as it integrates performance with advanced safety and environmental considerations.

Developed under the theme, “Providing a fascinating Subaru distinctive value”, the  Impreza has earned worldwide popularity for its agile and sporty performance, compactness, convenience and utility since its debut in 1992.

Impreza’s Development Philosophy
The word Impreza is a coined word, derived from an Italian word, impresa, meaning an emblem or aphorism. The car has upheld the badge, or image, of a sporty, young and agile car based on Subaru core technologies. Impreza is also associated with impression, and Subaru wants this car to project a strong and fresh impression.

Three key words were selected to develop the new Impreza series, based on the concept of a new and more refined design for comfort. While advancing a sporty, safe and reliable drive that the Impreza series have consistently delivered, Subaru has pursued to incorporate a much higher level of comfort and quality in the new model than any in its category.

•     Sporty – a sophisticated design and individual look, with easy handling for the driver

•     Casual – a stress-free comfortable ride with convenient and easy-to-use features

•     Compact – ample, comfortable interior space in a compact body

Major Features
1. Packaging

• By shortening the rear overhang, a streamlined flowing form is obtained while roominess is also secured through the vehicle’s extended height, width and wheelbase.
• The all-new double-wishbone rear suspension makes room for a wider and deeper luggage compartment, improving the utility of the car. The wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour size golf bags or five carry-on bags.
• The driver’s seat lifter and tilt steering that allow flexible adjustments for drivers are equipped as standard on all models. Telescopic steering is also equipped on the S-GT model.
• The height of the front wipers is lowered to achieve better visibility over the front hood for the driver.
• Rear quarter glasses and rear gate glass shape is designed for the better, safety visibility.
• Larger door openings afford improved ingress and egress, and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access.

2. Design

  a) Exterior design

• A flowing line from the tip of the front hood through the rear window, as well as the short rear overhang, highlight the agility of the car.
• Sweeping character lines on both sides and well calculated panel curves reflect light and shadow in harmony.
• Impreza’s sporty image is stressed in the S-GT model by projected front fenders and rear quarters; standard roof-mounted spoilers that house LED brake lights; and LED rear combination lamps that comprise brake lights, directional lights and back lights.
• The 3-dimensional design of the projector headlamps expresses functionality.
• Nine exterior colors are available.

  b) Interior design

• Aluminum-look insets in the center panels through door trim add a sporty feel and airiness to the car.
• The vehicle information display, which constantly shows outside temperature, average mileage and time on the digital clock, as well as a navigation screen and audio display, are placed nearer the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality.
• New urethane materials are used in the front seat cushions to better absorb vibrations during a ride. The driver’s seat incorporates newly developed seatback springs that support the driver’s back and hips to help maintain a comfortable driving position.
• When the ignition key is turned on, the needles of three meters in the instrument panel swing up to their maximums and quickly fall back to their original positions – A Subaru tradition that gives a boost of excitement for the driver starting the car. The instrumental panel also comes with an Info-Eco Indicator that lights up when running on low fuel consumption to encourage mileage-conscious driving.
• Two interior colors are offered on the 15S and 20S models: an ivory tone that accentuates openness and light; and off-black, which highlights both sportiness and elegance. 

3. Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbo engine

• The Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS) hydraulically controls timing in both the intake and exhaust valves, which helps increase combustion efficiency and improve low-end torque, and ensures linearly responsive acceleration to depressed pedal movement.
• The equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system substantially elevates exhaust efficiency through reduced interference between cylinders, which helps deliver optimal torque in various ranges of speed.
• A tumble generated valve (TGV) has been installed in the intake manifold, boosting combustion efficiency by controlling the intake flow. It improves efficiency particularly at the time of engine ignition.
• Also adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is still cool, and it promotes early activation of a catalytic converter.
• A new compact turbine boasts quicker response. After optimization of the shape of its turbine housing, the turbo unit has been greatly improved to deliver ideal output from low speed to high speed ranges.
• A liquid-filled engine mount has been applied to reduce noise levels and improve ride comfort. The weight of the engine mount bracket has been reduced by utilizing plastic material.

4. Transmissions/AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system

• Automatic transmissions have been modified for faster, more accurate, responsive shifts, while fuel economy is improved through reduced friction. AT models come with SPORTSHIFT* mode in which a driver can enjoy manually changing gears.
  * SPORTSHIFT is the registered trademark of Prodrive. Ltd.
• By choosing the AT Select lever and ECO Switch in the AT models, 3 modes of driving are available: Eco; Sport; and Manual.
• The N Control System on AT models automatically shifts the transmission back to neutral from driving positions after the brake pedal is depressed for some time, as when waiting at a traffic light.
• The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on AT models.

5. Chassis / Body

• The lower center of gravity, enabled by the Boxer engine, has been enhanced by mounting the engine front 22 mm lower on the chassis, thereby further improving stability.
• The strut-type front suspension is supported by newly designed front cross members. Employing box-shaped steel tubing, the new cross members further support the suspension, as well as improve crash worthiness.
• Thanks to these high-strength cross members, sub-frame parts have been largely eliminated, making the front floor section much lighter and enabling better handling and improved maneuverability.
• The newly designed double-wishbone rear suspension effectively absorbs shocks from road surfaces, ensuring high levels of ride comfort and agile handling as well as effectively lowering noise levels.
• The brake system employs tie rods for the brake booster, ensuring steady braking and control.
• Streamlined body construction and the extensive use of high-tensile steel, including 590 MPa–level steel for major body frames, the new Impreza has achieved both high body rigidity and a weight reduction of 20 kg.

6. Safety

• Advancing the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure, the new Impreza has realized high levels of safety and crash worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side, or rear impact crashes.
• The new Impreza also boasts low-impact features for pedestrians and other vehicles in collisions.
• All models are equipped with dual SRS airbags.
• A collapsible safety pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk of foot injuries in accidents.

7. Environmental friendly features

• The Impreza utilizes interior materials and glues that release much smaller amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Such VOCs as formaldehyde and toluene, which are believed to cause irritation in the nose and throat, have been largely reduced. VOCs in paints have also been substantially cut down.
• All models come with the Info-ECO mode, and the Info-Eco Indicator on the instrumentation lights up when running on low fuel consumption, encouraging mileage-conscious driving.

8. Comfort and convenience

  a) Air conditioning

• Despite increasing its maximum air output by 10% above the prior model’s level, the AC unit is quieter with lowered airflow and operating noise through the adoption of a sub-cooling type condenser that allows efficient use of the compressor and refrigerant and reduces air resistance inside the unit.
• The new AC unit is designed to consume less energy, contributing to better fuel economy.

  b) Other

• The S-GT is equipped with anti-theft alarm system and immobilizer.
• The model also comes with a hood damper