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Subaru Impreza returns to the UK

Subaru UK is to bring the Impreza back to the UK, with the latest model going on sale throughout the network from 1 May.

The new model will be limited to one, non-turbo engine and one trim level with a choice of transmissions. The new 1.6-litre Impreza RC will be priced from £17,495 (on-the-road) for five-speed manual models and from £18,995 for models fitted with Subaru's Lineartronic transmission. The Impreza will be the only car in the C-segment to offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard on every model.

A combination of a more favourable exchange rate and persistent customer demand has led to the decision to make the Impreza available again in the UK market in small volumes, and will offer an interesting and price competitive alternative to much more established competition in the highly competitive C-segment. The latest Impreza has been enjoying significant sales success in both its home market of Japan and in the US since its launch in 2012.

Since its introduction to the global market in 1992, the Impreza has become the most famous of Subaru model names, with the brand's high-tech Symmetrical AWD system and four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engines core to the car's road-going abilities and appeal.

The new Impreza retains these attributes, featuring a new-generation 1.6-litre Boxer petrol engine, the latest version of Subaru's hallmark All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, and an impressive range of safety and fuel efficiency aids.

Design and practicality

The new Impreza was designed to offer excellent stability on the road and a high level of practicality. The car's hawk-eye headlights and hexagonal grille show that it belongs to the Subaru family, while its prominent wheel arches emphasise its All-Wheel Drive character. The A-pillar is located closer to the front of the car than its predecessors, allowing a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape and a more spacious cabin.

Inside the car, the cabin is composed of a range of highly-durable and high quality materials. The impression of spaciousness is enhanced by a wide field of vision, wider door dimensions and higher hip points in all seats. The dashboard and steering wheel feature clear switches and controls, with a Multi-Function Display screen atop the central console.

1.6-litre Boxer engine and choice of transmissions

Like all of its predecessors, the new Impreza is equipped with a four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, providing a lower centre of gravity for superior road-holding, and for the best compromise between performance and fuel efficiency.

The new model will be sold in the UK with a 1.6-litre Boxer petrol engine, producing 114ps and 150Nm of torque for eager throttle response. The engine features separate cooling circuits for the cylinder block and cylinder head, allowing it to warm-up more quickly to reduce friction and improve fuel economy. An Active Valve Control System helps keep engine friction even lower by reducing the oil pump relief pressure. A maintenance-free chain-type camshaft drive belt further improves efficiency. The 1.6-litre engine in the Impreza complies with Euro 5 emissions standards.

The new model will be available with a choice of five-speed manual or chain-driven Lineartronic (CVT) transmissions. The Lineartronic transmission further improves the environmental performance of the Impreza, while wide ratio coverage and a six-speed manual-shift mode ensure decisive performance and a smooth drive.

The Impreza features a new Auto Start Stop system, boosting fuel savings in congested traffic. A special starter motor and ‘In-rush Current Reduction' (ICR) ensure the Auto Start Stop is as unobtrusive as possible to vehicle occupants. The ICR stabilises the power supply when the engine cuts out when stationary, ensuring that the dashboard instruments and displays don't flicker. When equipped with Lineartronic, Auto Start Stop reignites the engine in just 0.2 seconds.

Fitted with the 1.6-litre Boxer engine and manual transmission, the new Impreza will accelerate from 0-60mph in 12.3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 114mph. The Impreza returns fuel economy of 44.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 147g/km, improving to 46.3mpg and 140g/km when fitted with Lineartronic.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard across the range

Subaru's legendary Symmetrical AWD system ensures greater safety and a high level of on-road stability in all conditions.

Manual-transmission models feature a centre differential incorporating a viscous limited-slip differential (LSD), with a basic 50/50 per cent front/rear torque split. To improve traction on low-grip surfaces, this system can detect any slip in front or rear wheels and adjust the torque distribution to the front or rear accordingly.

Lineartronic models, fitted with an electronically-controlled Multi-Plate Transfer clutch, control and distribute torque to the rear wheels. A 60/40 front/rear torque split can be adjusted, with more torque sent to the rear wheels if the system detects slipping front wheels.

The new Impreza's all-round independent suspension ensures a high level of refinement and driving agility on all roads, the car absorbing impacts from poor road surfaces while allowing a linear, predictable response to steering inputs. A wide anti-roll bar improves the Impreza's stability, while vibrations throughout the cabin are kept to a minimum with a highly-rigid cross-member.

The electrically-assisted power steering system ensures linear responses at all times, as well as a natural steering feel.

High levels of active and passive safety

Paired with the AWD system, all Impreza models receive Subaru's electronic stability programme, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), as standard, further improving stability and hazard avoidance. VDC also features an emergency brake-assist function, while a brake override control system eliminates the risk of unintended acceleration by ensuring that braking always takes precedence if both brake and throttle pedals are pressed at the same time.

Passive safety is a strong point for the Subaru Impreza, with a high proportion of high-tensile steel employed throughout the body to improve body stiffness and collision safety. The bonnet and bulkhead are engineered to protect pedestrians in the event of a collision without sacrificing body rigidity. The car is also fitted with eight airbags (front, knee and curtain / side airbags) for maximum occupant protection.

From the driver's seat, a wide field of vision also improves safety, with narrow A- and B-pillars and door-mounted mirrors reducing the number of blind spots.

The Impreza was awarded the full five stars in Japan's New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) at the end of 2012 when the model launched in its home market. The JNCAP crash test programme is a rigorous series of performance tests which include full wrap / offset frontal collision, side collision and pedestrian head and leg protection tests.

UK model range: generous standard specification

The UK model will come in RC specification, and customers will benefit from high levels of standard equipment to improve convenience. This includes automatic on/off headlamps and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front fog lamps, power-folding heated door mirrors with LED turn signals, windscreen wiper de-icer system, 16-inch alloy wheels, tyre repair kit and daytime running lights.

For occupant comfort, every Impreza is equipped with dual-zone air-conditioning, rear passenger heating and ventilation ducts, six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, two 12V power outlets, USB and aux-in jacks, and a reversing camera.

Optional equipment to upgrade further includes leather seating and a Pioneer satellite navigation system. Three exterior colours will be available: Satin White, Ice Silver and Quartz Blue.