Kevin
, 04:12 PM
All-New Design Includes More Spacious and Refined Interior
TORONTO, July 26 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today launched the
all-new 2008 Impreza, with an all-new design and more spacious interior. The
2008 Impreza 2.5i, 2.5i Sport Package and turbo-charged WRX will all be
offered in both sedan and 5-door body styles, with a choice of 5-speed manual
or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with
SPORTSHIFT(TM).
The new Impreza, each of which is equipped with Subaru's outstanding
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System delivers enhanced handling, performance and
safety. Side curtain airbags are now standard across the lineup, and the added
safety of Vehicle Dynamics Control has been added to the extensive list of
equipment - standard on the 2.5i Sport Package and WRX.
The 2008 Impreza 2.5i and 2.5i Sport Package are built on a new platform
with a wheelbase that is 9.5 cm (3.7 inches) longer, for a total of 262 cm
(103.1 inches) for improved ride, interior space and utility. A new
double-wishbone rear suspension replaces the previous strut-type configuration
which allows for increased cargo area as well as improving ride
characteristics.
Advanced New Chassis
The new Impreza chassis is designed for improved rigidity and ride
comfort with the addition of high-tension steel at key structural points. The
new design results in a lower overall weight for the body while the longer
wheelbase allows for improved ride dynamics, more interior room and reduced
levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
To improve handling even more, the engine is positioned even lower in the
chassis for a lower centre of gravity. The new chassis also improves
crashworthiness and the stiffer platform results in crisper handling. Every
2008 Impreza now features quick-responding steering adapted from the WRX
performance model, with 2.8 turns lock-to-lock and a tight 11.8 metre (34.8
foot) turning circle.
Every Impreza is also equipped with 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
New Suspension Design Increases Cargo Space
Impreza's all-new double-wishbone rear suspension provides improved ride
refinement and decreased road noise for a quieter cabin. At the same time, its
compact layout intrudes much less into the cargo area, providing a wider and
deeper luggage compartment. On the new 5-door models, the wide and flat load
floor can accommodate two Tour-sized golf bags with the rear seats in the
upright position.
In the Impreza sedan, which is 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) longer than the
previous sedan and 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) longer than the new 5-door model, the
extra space provides for a larger, deeper trunk that will take three
Tour-sized golf bags. On all Impreza models, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat
boosts cargo capacity and convenience even further.
Elegant New Exterior Design
The new Impreza features a fresh new design that, on 5-door models, is
distinguished by a sweeping roofline curve that flows into the aerodynamic
rear spoiler. The front view centres on Subaru's new spread-wing logo design
at the top of the wider grille which evokes the company's aircraft heritage.
An aggressive lower spoiler enhances the design's sporty character.
The 5-door Impreza also uses a distinctive character line that sweeps
upward at the rear. The short rear overhang, new clear tail lamp lenses and a
vertical chrome bar combine to integrate the side character line into the rear
view.
The 4-door sedans, which are unique to the North American market, have an
improved road presence with a wider and sharper front design developing into a
crisp side body crease. In addition to red tail lamp lenses, the rear of the
sedan has a unique chrome strip that visually widens the tail. The sedan also
uses dual tailpipe outlets, one per side, where the 5-door is equipped with a
single, larger outlet.
Rich Interior Design
There is a new emphasis on comfort and spaciousness inside every new
Impreza. New materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade
interior plastics increase the feeling of quality. The flowing twin-****pit
design uses aluminum-look inserts that flow visually into the centre stack.
The centre console shape enhances the sense of airiness, supported by the
sculpted door panels and improved headroom. Each door panel houses a molded
recess that can accommodate a 750 ml (24-oz) soft drink bottle as well as
loose items.
New framed side windows contribute to improved body rigidity as well as
reducing interior noise as a result of better sealing. Although the interior
is the same width as the previous Impreza, the 2008 model has more hip and
shoulder room. Larger door openings make it easier to get in and out, and the
rear doors open to a full 75 degrees, improving access to the rear seat. The
longer wheelbase has enabled more rear seat legroom, and the rear seatback
angles recline for improved rear comfort.
User-Friendly Technology
The 2008 Impreza is pre-wired for XM(R) and SIRIUS (R) satellite radio
and both the standard and optional audio systems feature the Radio Data
System, which can display a variety of information, including song titles and
artists.
The headlights-off-with-ignition feature is a traditional Subaru
convenience that can help preserve battery life, and the 2008 Impreza is
equipped with several important new conveniences. On models with the 5-speed
manual transmission, Hill Holder Incline Start Assist is standard on the 2.5i
Sport Package and WRX models to help prevent vehicle roll-back.
Imprezas equipped with the optional automatic transmission are pre-wired
for a remote-starting system (dealer-installed option). Hood support with dual
gas struts eliminates the need for a prop-rod.
Impreza 2.5i Sport Package
The optional Sport Package adds an extra level of performance to the
well-equipped Impreza 2.5i, with Vehicle Dynamics Control, solid rear disc
brakes, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles,
multi-reflector halogen fog lamps, windshield wiper/de-ice, and heated front
seats.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio system controls,
and the premium sound system includes an in-dash 6-CD changer, auxiliary audio
input, tweeters and upgraded speakers.
For models equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the
Sport Package also includes Subaru's Hill Holder System, which prevents
roll-back when starting on an incline.
For 5-door models, the Sport Package also includes aerodynamic
body-coloured side ground effects, a rear underbody diffuser, and a
retractable cargo cover.
Improved Torque, Better Fuel Economy
The Impreza's 2.5-litre normally aspirated BOXER engine has been refined
for 2008 to improve performance, drivability and economy. The engine delivers
170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, still among
the most powerful in the segment. A new intake port design helps improve low-
and mid-range torque as well as fuel efficiency. A new catalyst system offers
improved emissions performance.
Even Higher Levels of Safety
Impreza is built using the proven Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame
body structure with front and rear crumple zones. The Impreza incorporates
3-point seatbelts for all seats (height-adjustable for outboard positions),
active front seat head restraints, and front seatbelts with electrically
triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters.
As a result, Subaru expects that the 2008 Impreza will meet or exceed the
stellar crashworthiness of the previous model, which earned the highest
accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS
named Impreza a Top Safety Pick in the small car segment when Impreza achieved
the highest rating - Good - in frontal offset, side and rear impact tests.
All 2008 Imprezas are equipped with standard side-curtain airbags. The
Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) provides side curtain airbags and
a driver's side front airbag that deploys according to the driver's proximity
to the steering wheel.
The passenger side front airbag deploys according to information received
from a sensor module that determines if the passenger seat is occupied and the
weight of the occupant (whether a child or adult). An airbag indicator light
is located on the dashboard.
Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
The foundation of every Subaru is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Driving
System. Although more and more manufacturers are adding all-wheel drive,
Subaru has been the industry leader in this safety technology since it
introduced the first four-wheel-drive passenger cars over 30 years ago and
automatic full-time All-Wheel Drive in 1987. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is
standard equipment on every Subaru sold in Canada.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a system that includes Subaru's BOXER
engine and a full-time power distribution system that lowers the centre of
gravity for exceptional handling precision.
The Impreza 2.5i and Sport Package models equipped with the 5-speed
manual transmission use a viscous-coupled locking centre differential that
splits power 50/50 front and rear, transferring more power to the wheels with
the best traction when slippage is detected.
When fitted with the 4-speed direct control automatic transmission,
Impreza 2.5i and Sport Package models manage power distribution based on
acceleration, deceleration and available traction through an electronically
managed, continuously variable transfer clutch. The active system
automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip whenever
slippage is detected. Control logic in this AWD system enhances stability by
monitoring individual wheel speeds and reacting quickly to loss of traction.
This control logic also helps improve tight corner braking, reducing oversteer
and understeer to provide a stable, neutral handling response.
The 2008 Impreza's automatic transmissions are also newly equipped with
Subaru's SPORTSHIFT(TM) technology that can operate in either economy or sport
modes and allows 'manual' gear selection when desired.
TORONTO, July 26 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today launched the
all-new 2008 Impreza, with an all-new design and more spacious interior. The
2008 Impreza 2.5i, 2.5i Sport Package and turbo-charged WRX will all be
offered in both sedan and 5-door body styles, with a choice of 5-speed manual
or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with
SPORTSHIFT(TM).
The new Impreza, each of which is equipped with Subaru's outstanding
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System delivers enhanced handling, performance and
safety. Side curtain airbags are now standard across the lineup, and the added
safety of Vehicle Dynamics Control has been added to the extensive list of
equipment - standard on the 2.5i Sport Package and WRX.
The 2008 Impreza 2.5i and 2.5i Sport Package are built on a new platform
with a wheelbase that is 9.5 cm (3.7 inches) longer, for a total of 262 cm
(103.1 inches) for improved ride, interior space and utility. A new
double-wishbone rear suspension replaces the previous strut-type configuration
which allows for increased cargo area as well as improving ride
characteristics.
Advanced New Chassis
The new Impreza chassis is designed for improved rigidity and ride
comfort with the addition of high-tension steel at key structural points. The
new design results in a lower overall weight for the body while the longer
wheelbase allows for improved ride dynamics, more interior room and reduced
levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
To improve handling even more, the engine is positioned even lower in the
chassis for a lower centre of gravity. The new chassis also improves
crashworthiness and the stiffer platform results in crisper handling. Every
2008 Impreza now features quick-responding steering adapted from the WRX
performance model, with 2.8 turns lock-to-lock and a tight 11.8 metre (34.8
foot) turning circle.
Every Impreza is also equipped with 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
New Suspension Design Increases Cargo Space
Impreza's all-new double-wishbone rear suspension provides improved ride
refinement and decreased road noise for a quieter cabin. At the same time, its
compact layout intrudes much less into the cargo area, providing a wider and
deeper luggage compartment. On the new 5-door models, the wide and flat load
floor can accommodate two Tour-sized golf bags with the rear seats in the
upright position.
In the Impreza sedan, which is 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) longer than the
previous sedan and 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) longer than the new 5-door model, the
extra space provides for a larger, deeper trunk that will take three
Tour-sized golf bags. On all Impreza models, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat
boosts cargo capacity and convenience even further.
Elegant New Exterior Design
The new Impreza features a fresh new design that, on 5-door models, is
distinguished by a sweeping roofline curve that flows into the aerodynamic
rear spoiler. The front view centres on Subaru's new spread-wing logo design
at the top of the wider grille which evokes the company's aircraft heritage.
An aggressive lower spoiler enhances the design's sporty character.
The 5-door Impreza also uses a distinctive character line that sweeps
upward at the rear. The short rear overhang, new clear tail lamp lenses and a
vertical chrome bar combine to integrate the side character line into the rear
view.
The 4-door sedans, which are unique to the North American market, have an
improved road presence with a wider and sharper front design developing into a
crisp side body crease. In addition to red tail lamp lenses, the rear of the
sedan has a unique chrome strip that visually widens the tail. The sedan also
uses dual tailpipe outlets, one per side, where the 5-door is equipped with a
single, larger outlet.
Rich Interior Design
There is a new emphasis on comfort and spaciousness inside every new
Impreza. New materials, including double-stitched fabrics and high-grade
interior plastics increase the feeling of quality. The flowing twin-****pit
design uses aluminum-look inserts that flow visually into the centre stack.
The centre console shape enhances the sense of airiness, supported by the
sculpted door panels and improved headroom. Each door panel houses a molded
recess that can accommodate a 750 ml (24-oz) soft drink bottle as well as
loose items.
New framed side windows contribute to improved body rigidity as well as
reducing interior noise as a result of better sealing. Although the interior
is the same width as the previous Impreza, the 2008 model has more hip and
shoulder room. Larger door openings make it easier to get in and out, and the
rear doors open to a full 75 degrees, improving access to the rear seat. The
longer wheelbase has enabled more rear seat legroom, and the rear seatback
angles recline for improved rear comfort.
User-Friendly Technology
The 2008 Impreza is pre-wired for XM(R) and SIRIUS (R) satellite radio
and both the standard and optional audio systems feature the Radio Data
System, which can display a variety of information, including song titles and
artists.
The headlights-off-with-ignition feature is a traditional Subaru
convenience that can help preserve battery life, and the 2008 Impreza is
equipped with several important new conveniences. On models with the 5-speed
manual transmission, Hill Holder Incline Start Assist is standard on the 2.5i
Sport Package and WRX models to help prevent vehicle roll-back.
Imprezas equipped with the optional automatic transmission are pre-wired
for a remote-starting system (dealer-installed option). Hood support with dual
gas struts eliminates the need for a prop-rod.
Impreza 2.5i Sport Package
The optional Sport Package adds an extra level of performance to the
well-equipped Impreza 2.5i, with Vehicle Dynamics Control, solid rear disc
brakes, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles,
multi-reflector halogen fog lamps, windshield wiper/de-ice, and heated front
seats.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio system controls,
and the premium sound system includes an in-dash 6-CD changer, auxiliary audio
input, tweeters and upgraded speakers.
For models equipped with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the
Sport Package also includes Subaru's Hill Holder System, which prevents
roll-back when starting on an incline.
For 5-door models, the Sport Package also includes aerodynamic
body-coloured side ground effects, a rear underbody diffuser, and a
retractable cargo cover.
Improved Torque, Better Fuel Economy
The Impreza's 2.5-litre normally aspirated BOXER engine has been refined
for 2008 to improve performance, drivability and economy. The engine delivers
170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, still among
the most powerful in the segment. A new intake port design helps improve low-
and mid-range torque as well as fuel efficiency. A new catalyst system offers
improved emissions performance.
Even Higher Levels of Safety
Impreza is built using the proven Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame
body structure with front and rear crumple zones. The Impreza incorporates
3-point seatbelts for all seats (height-adjustable for outboard positions),
active front seat head restraints, and front seatbelts with electrically
triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters.
As a result, Subaru expects that the 2008 Impreza will meet or exceed the
stellar crashworthiness of the previous model, which earned the highest
accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS
named Impreza a Top Safety Pick in the small car segment when Impreza achieved
the highest rating - Good - in frontal offset, side and rear impact tests.
All 2008 Imprezas are equipped with standard side-curtain airbags. The
Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) provides side curtain airbags and
a driver's side front airbag that deploys according to the driver's proximity
to the steering wheel.
The passenger side front airbag deploys according to information received
from a sensor module that determines if the passenger seat is occupied and the
weight of the occupant (whether a child or adult). An airbag indicator light
is located on the dashboard.
Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
The foundation of every Subaru is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Driving
System. Although more and more manufacturers are adding all-wheel drive,
Subaru has been the industry leader in this safety technology since it
introduced the first four-wheel-drive passenger cars over 30 years ago and
automatic full-time All-Wheel Drive in 1987. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is
standard equipment on every Subaru sold in Canada.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a system that includes Subaru's BOXER
engine and a full-time power distribution system that lowers the centre of
gravity for exceptional handling precision.
The Impreza 2.5i and Sport Package models equipped with the 5-speed
manual transmission use a viscous-coupled locking centre differential that
splits power 50/50 front and rear, transferring more power to the wheels with
the best traction when slippage is detected.
When fitted with the 4-speed direct control automatic transmission,
Impreza 2.5i and Sport Package models manage power distribution based on
acceleration, deceleration and available traction through an electronically
managed, continuously variable transfer clutch. The active system
automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip whenever
slippage is detected. Control logic in this AWD system enhances stability by
monitoring individual wheel speeds and reacting quickly to loss of traction.
This control logic also helps improve tight corner braking, reducing oversteer
and understeer to provide a stable, neutral handling response.
The 2008 Impreza's automatic transmissions are also newly equipped with
Subaru's SPORTSHIFT(TM) technology that can operate in either economy or sport
modes and allows 'manual' gear selection when desired.