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2018 Subaru Impreza EU

SUBARU IMPREZA PREMIERES AT THE 67TH FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

New from the ground up, Subaru's All-New Impreza hatch is making its European Debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Safety performance has been at the forefront of development with Subaru's new Global Platform and EyeSight, Subaru's driver assistance system, fitted as standard in the UK.

Impreza is a compact hatchback and follows Subaru's unique formula of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive paired to a Boxer engine. This is the fifth generation of the Impreza model, and the hatchback has found a place in the market for people who need go anywhere capability and the reassurance of permanent All-Wheel Drive, but don't want an SUV sized vehicle.

Heavily revised engines and Lineartronic gearbox are fitted to the Global Platform and ensure Impreza is the most capable C-segment hatchback Subaru has produced. The stiffer chassis, more responsive handling and acceleration ensure a significantly improved driver experience with improved collision avoidance, whilst still retaining Subaru's renowned off-road capability.

Impreza Design

Subaru's design philosophy for Impreza is DYNAMIC x SOLID – a dynamic urban influenced design contrasted against a fit-for-purpose aesthetic, form backing function in a well-designed package with nothing extra added.

Exterior Design

The design philosophy has been diffused into a Sporty & Advanced package. The design is a tougher, more dynamic iteration of Impreza with the Subaru hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlight family face. Built on the proportions of outgoing Impreza, but with sharper lines focused towards the rear of the vehicle.

Functional elements are also included to ensure Impreza is fit for purpose, such as a raked back windscreen and lower roofline at the rear to increase aerodynamic performance.

Impreza will be available in a choice of five colours: -

•Crystal White Pearl

•Venetian Red Pearl

•Ice Silver Metallic

•Dark Blue Pearl

•Dark Grey Metallic

Interior Design

The All-New Impreza's interior has been designed to make sure the driver is free to focus on the road ahead and enjoy driving the car.

The Interior design philosophy has been translated into a Bold & Refined theme. The dash profile is heavily sculptured and is a continuous piece, whilst the seats have been designed to feel substantial and make the driver feel secure.

The quality of soft touch plastics and finishes have been improved across the interior, without losing the functionality and hard-wearing features that Subaru customers love.

Multimedia

The all-new Impreza is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen is fitted, and the system is equipped with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ integration and DAB radio.

A new combination meter is also included, which provides additional detail to the driver, such as the status of EyeSight. A Multi-Function Display sits on top of the dash and this provides at-a-glance information on key vehicle systems.

Packaging

All-New Impreza has been re-packaged for improved interior comfort and versatility. The car is 10mm lower, 35mm wider and has a 25mm longer wheelbase.

The cabin is wider by 29mm at the front and 34mm at the rear and has 26mm more rear seat leg room. Maximum luggage capacity has also increased by 10 litres by having a 100mm wider boot opening and the depth of the boot is also longer by 41mm.

Subaru Global Platform

The Subaru Global Platform (SGP) was developed as part of the 'six initiatives to enhance the Subaru brand' proposal included in the mid-term management plan, Prominence 2020, which was announced in 2014.

The platform is the fundamental technology for all next-generation Subaru models going forwards in conjunction with Boxer engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight. Impreza is the second model to be launched on the new platform, following XV's debut at Geneva earlier in the year.

Dynamic Quality

One of the core benefits of the SGP is improved driving capability and dynamic feel.

For a dynamic driving feel, straight line stability and handling needs to be high, noise and vibration needs to be low and the ride comfort needs to be compliant yet firm.

Chassis Rigidity

Chassis rigidity has been improved significantly across four key areas;

•Front body lateral bending rigidity

•Torsional rigidity

•Front suspension rigidity

•Rear subframe rigidity

These rigidity improvements mean a more dynamic response from the chassis; with the vehicle reacting quickly when the driver steers the vehicle allowing the driver to react quickly to hazards and position the vehicle effectively.

The chassis frame work is also smoother which adds to the torsional rigidity of the platform.

Noise and Vibration

A key development goal for SGP was to reduce floor and steering vibration.

The chassis design effectively disperses chassis and seat resonance which cuts back on vibrations from the steering, floor and seats.

This result has been achieved by adopting adhesive for structures across the platform which suppresses deformation of flanges and sections of the chassis.

Ride Comfort

The ride quality has been designed to be firm, but comfortable.

Suspension mount rigidity has been increased which ensures the damper moves as intended by ensuring the mounting point has minimal flex and is holding the damper securely in place. The rear stabilisers are also mounted directly to the chassis which reduces body vibration.

Safety Standards

SGP has potential to maintain the highest standard of collision safety through to 2025, as its structure has been designed to incorporate a high strength design and more durable materials.

A by-product of the various improvements to the chassis is significantly enhanced emergency handling; the vehicle responds quickly, even at a higher speed.

Collision energy absorption has been increased by 40% by using a frame structure designed to absorb energy more effectively during a collision by having three conduction routes versus two conduction routes with a smooth outer leg versus the previously used dog-leg design.

The use of high strength steel has been expanded with more high-tensile steel panels and hot press moulded sections.

Safety Systems

Safety is a key focus of the all-new Impreza, with a suite of advanced driver assist systems in addition to traditional safety equipment.

EyeSight

EyeSight is Subaru's advanced driver assist technology, which acts as a second pair of eyes for the driver.

EyeSight was developed with three objectives in mind; safety, lowering carbon emissions by reducing incident congestion and economic effects of this by reducing time sat in traffic as a result.

Subaru have been developing driver assistance technology for nearly 30 years;

•1989 – System development starts.

•1999 – Active Driving Assist (ADA), EyeSight's predecessor, is launched.

•2003 – New ADA developed – 'Sensor Fusion System' featuring stereo camera and radar.

•2006 – SI- Cruise Control by laser radar.

•2008 – EyeSight introduced to Japanese market with stereo camera only.

•2010 – EyeSight v.2 introduced in North America.

•2014 – EyeSight v.3 introduced into Europe.

•2017 – EyeSight is being introduced into all Subaru markets globally.

In the UK, Outback was the first model to be fitted with EyeSight followed by Levorg in early 2017. Going forwards, EyeSight will be introduced across the range.

The institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis in Japan produced a study of Subaru vehicles involved in accidents 2010-2014 and found that there were 61% fewer accidents involving EyeSight equipped cars versus cars without EyeSight.

Globally, the milestone of 1 million EyeSight-equipped vehicles on the road was hit in 2016.

EyeSight uses two stereo cameras to capture three-dimensional colour images with excellent image recognition, and is nearly as capable as the human eye. EyeSight can recognise vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, pedestrians, lane markings and road furniture and can differentiate between these and determine the general traffic conditions.

With an emphasis on real-world tests and evaluations, EyeSight has been developed to correspond exclusively to the individual country's traffic conditions.

One camera is mounted each side of the rear-view mirror to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards up to 110 metres up the road. EyeSight takes an image from each camera and compares these images to determine the distance of this object. The larger the displacement of each image, the closer the object is.

Depending on the vehicle's speed, accidents can be completely avoided and the severity significantly reduced at higher speeds.

EyeSight consists of six different technologies;

•Pre-Collision Braking

•Pre-Collision Throttle Management

•Adaptive Cruise Control

•Lane Departure & Sway Warning

•Lane Keep Assist

•Lead Vehicle Start Alert

Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System (SRVD)

SRVD helps the driver to change lanes on the motorway safely or detect hard to see hazards when completing low speed manoeuvres. SRVD is a radar-based system, with radars fitted beneath the Impreza's tail lamps and covered by the rear bumper, detecting vehicles to either side of the car.

SRVD is a package of three technologies, designed to alert the driver to potential hazards behind the vehicle:

•Blind Spot Detection

•Lane Change Assist

•Rear Cross Traffic Alert

In addition, Impreza is also fitted with high beam assist and steering responsive headlights.

Engines

Boxer engines are integral to what makes a Subaru a Subaru, the engine takes its name from the punch-counterpunch motion of the horizontal pistons within a lightweight, aluminium-alloy engine block.

Using a Boxer engine means that the engine can be positioned in line with the drivetrain for maximum transfer of power. Many other engines are transverse or perpendicular, which can require additional drivetrain components to transfer power, which results in reduced vehicle efficiency when compared to a Boxer engine.

The punch-counterpunch movements of the pistons balance each other out, which means the engine is smoother with reduced vibrations and noise. Additionally, the unit provides a lower centre of gravity and in turn, exquisite handling and poise plus greatly reduced roll when cornering.

At launch in the UK, a 1.6 litre engine will be available with a 2.0 litre joining the range after launch.

1.6

The 1.6 engine is from the FB series, and is port injected. 70% of the components in the engine have been redesigned.

The compression ratio has been increased from 10.5:1 to 11.0:1, the overall engine weight has been reduced by 14kgs, with the following specific weight savings;

•1kg – cylinder heads

•2kg – crank pulley

•8kg – cylinder block

Rotational inertia has been reduced by 6%, vibration reduced by 5% and torsional rigidity has been improved by 10%. Gas flow into the combustion chamber has also been improved.

The series of revisions have ensured that vibration and noise are significantly reduced, and acceleration response has been improved for a more linear feel, making the 1.6 feel more refined all-around.

2.0

The 2.0 is also from the FB series of engines, and is direct injected. 80% of the engine has been redesigned, including a 12kg weight reduction.

The compression ratio has been increased from 10.5:1 to 12.5:1, and a new tumble generation valve and port internal baffle has been fitted to the intake which revises air flow in the intake, increasing airflow into the cylinder in order achieve a better mixture and improved fuel efficiency. Another result of development has led to the highest brake thermal efficiency in its class.

The rigidity of the engine block has been increased, and additional mounting points help to minimise vibrations and reduce noise across various engine operating ranges. In addition, this adds to a more consistent feel between acceleration performance and the engine noise.

Lineartronic Transmission

Lineartronic is the first Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) adopted for AWD use. Lineartronic has been designed specifically for use with Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to optimise fuel consumption via a stepless gear ratio and optimal power band. Lineartronic also has a damper to reduce torque fluctuations, removing the 'surge' traditionally associated with CVT gearboxes.

For Impreza, the ratio coverage has been widened and the weight of the transmission has been reduced by 7.8kgs versus the outgoing car. This increases acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.

by Subaru

by Subaru

Introduced by Subaru in November of 1992, the Impreza is a compact car that was offered in either front wheel or all wheel drive and featured sporty curves. The Impreza came in both four-door sedan/saloon versions or five-door station wagon/estate. More compact than the Legacy, the Impreza had a more enhanced high-performance driving and feeling of quality than its predecessor.

The Impreza became Subaru's entry into the small-car maket segment in U.S., European, Japanese and numorous other world markets. ‘Subura' a Japanese word meaning ‘unite' has a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction that is represented in their more than 10 million vehicles sold worldwide.

Equipped with a flat engine (or an internal combustion engine, also called a boxermotor) the Impreza came with distinguishable Subaru characteristics. With an engine choice of 1.5: or 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines that were neither turbocharged nor supercharged.

Available in a 4-wheel drive turbo charged version that delivered 211Bhp and had the distinction of the turbo charger mounted on the right side of the engine. The intercooler is located above the engine, therefore the reason for the big central air vent on the bonnet of the Impreza. On the racing version of the Impreza, the intercooler is located in the front bumper.

The Impreza came with an engine that was mounted longitudinally, making the gearbox and transmission much easier to fit and service.

For drivers searching for a car that provides thrills without major frills, the Japanese manufacturers have gained the status of being the only ones still able to produce a car for such a low price. Subaru Impreza turbo is gaining impressive commercial success due to price to performance ratio, its racing successes and reliable features.

The Impreza turbo's commercial success has led to production of more impressive versions that aren't available outside of Japan. The Impreza GT turbo evolved into becoming a multiple World Rally Champion with three world championship titles.

Common in Japan and Europe, special editions of the Impreza were available, usually coinciding with significant victories at World Rally Championships.

For the 1997 model year, the Impreza received an updated exterior facelift that was followed by a complete interior redesign in 1998.

A first-generation Impreza, turbocharged was never received in the North American market.

by Jessican Donaldson

Subaru introduced its Impreza Compact Car in 1993 and has since become a pinnacle of performance. The name 'Impreza' was derived from an Italian word 'impresa', meaning a feat or achievement. In Polish, the name 'Impreza' means to 'party', an 'event' or 'show'. In either language, the name is suitable.

When the Impreza was first introduced in November of 1993, it was available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive configuration. Two bodystyles were offered, a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon. The two-door coupe followed a few years later, in 1995. Trim levels included the LX, GL, and Sport. Adding to the vehicles versatility, the Impreza was offered with a variety of engines, including a 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0-liter engine. To boost performance further, a turbocharger and intercooler was available on the 2-liter engine. Horsepower for the forced-induction engine was an impressive 208. In the Japanese market, the output was even higher.

Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was formed in 1988; their purpose was to specialize in the preparation of vehicles for rallies. In 1994, they were given the opportunity to create a version of the Impreza to bear the 'STi' nameplate. When introduced, it was only available in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and European Domestic Market (EDM). These versions featured performance-tuned engines, transmission, and suspensions. Horsepower was raised above the normal WRX models, and could carry the vehicles from zero-to-sixty in just 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited at 122 mph. The European market had a slightly de-tuned version of the engine, though performance was still impressive. Additional steps were taken to prepare the vehicles for rally competition. The soundproofing material was reduced, the air conditioning removed, and void of many non-essential amenities. The overall weight of the vehicle was reduced significantly.

The Impreza received cosmetic changes in 1997 and the interior was redesigned in the following year. The design-inspiration for the interior was borrowed from the Forester.

Special edition Impreza's have been introduced throughout its production lifespan. These limited edition models are often tuned for greater performance or given unique cosmetic changes. The purpose is often to commemorate a racing success or to honor a racing legend. Editions include the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B. A limited edition version of the Impreza Wagon was even offered for a short time, dubbed the CasaBlanca.

The European market received a performance upgraded version of the Impreza in 1999 which featured an improved turbocharger and 4-pot calibers with larger disc brakes. The suspension was improved and the seating became more racer-oriented with bucket seats similar to the STi version.

While the rest of the world was offered the turbocharger version of the Impreza, the North American market was left to sit on the side-lines. The turbocharger would not come across 'the pond' during the first generation of the Impreza. The Impreza was offered with the 1.8-liter engine with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.2-liter version of the engine became available in 1995. The FWD was later droped and all Subaru's became all-wheel drive as standard.

Subaru was unsure of the performance market in North America, and thus, offered only basic engines. In 1998, the year the 1.8-liter engine was no longer available, Subaru decided to explore the possibilities of performance in the US. They offered a performance model dubbed the Impreza 2.5RS. The 2.5-liter DOHC naturally-aspirated engine produced 165 horsepower and had performance upgrades throughout the vehicle, including larger brakes and 16-inch five-spoke gold-colored wheels. Hood vents, rear spoiler, and a hood scoop helped segregate the styling from this 'special' model and its non-tuned sibling.

In 2001, Subaru introduced a larger, more refined and improved, Impreza. For some, the changes were a step in the wrong direction, as the car grew in size and weight. It was tamer beast for the typical day-to-day driving conditions and the extra size meant it was more versatile. Also, the coupe model was no longer offered.

The WRX version, for the United States, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out nearly 230 horsepower became available the following year, in 2002. The US had to wait a long time to get the STi version, which did not enter into production for the States until 2004. To comply with safety and emission control laws in the United States, it was not the same thoroughbred racer as in other parts of the world. Still, it was a very impressive machine. In other markets, the STi was equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger 2.0-liter engine. In the US, the STi was powered by a 2.5-liter EJ25 engine mated with a turbocharger.

In 2003, the Impreza was given a facelift, mainly due to the negative reaction by some media outlets. One of the more noticeable changes were to the headlamps, which became more square. Another redesign occurred in 2006 on all Impreza's, featuring changes to its headlights, taillights, and bumpers - among other changes.

The Third generation of the Impreza was introduced to the world at the 2007 New York Auto Show, ready for sale in 2008. It will be available as a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback.

by Dan Vaughan