It was only yesterday that we brought you a first look at the redevelopment of Subaru’s Impreza Sedan and Hatchback from its world premiere at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, and now the first video of both the four-door sedan and five-door has turned up, and we do appreciate the fast delivery time.
However, the saloon still looks like the Legacy, not that it’s a bad thing, while the hatchback... well, at least it’s practical, so it should sell well. It seems that all the magic of the concept was lost in translation, but Subaru’s new product boasts a roomier passenger area despite the fact that exterior dimensions remain the same.
Mechanically, the base U.S. models feature Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and the third generation 2.0-liter boxer engine, mated either to a 5-speed manual, either to the new Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The unit produces 148 horsepower (22 less than the outgoing model’s 2.5-liter unit) and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque,but the smaller engine achieved a preliminary in-house fuel consumption rating of 36 mpg (6.5 liters/100 km), a record for an AWD car in the US market.
Subaru says the exterior design follows the “Smart & Classy” concept, while highlights include the hexagon grille with spread wings in the center, “hawk eye” headlights and bulged wheel arches, with the latter being a indication for the all-wheel drive capability.
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