Subaru has revealed its plans to take on the best-selling Mazda3.
The Japanese brand has announced pricing and specification details for the all-new Impreza small car that goes on sale in Australia in December. As expected Subaru is offering a four-tier range for the new model, which is the first to be built on the company's new Subaru Global Platform (SGP) and introduces a new engine, underpinnings and design style.
All new Impreza's will be powered by a 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT); no manual gearbox will be offered in Australia.
The Impreza range will begin with the 2.0i equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth trim and Subaru's new generation infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2.0i is priced from $22,400 (plus on-road costs) with the hatch an extra $200. That compares to $20,490 for the entry-level Mazda3 Neo and $20,190 for the Toyota Corolla Ascent hatch.
Next up the range is the 2.0L with adds an eight-inch touchscreen, dual-zone air-conditioning, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift, front fog lights with daytime running lights, an upgraded multi-function dashboard display and Subaru's EyeSight active safety system (which incorporates forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking). The 2.0L will be priced from $24,490 for the sedan.
The 2.0P will be priced from $26,290 and adds a sunroof and navigation.
The range-topping model will be the 2.0S, priced from $28,990, which includes active torque vectoring, automatic lights and wipers, leather trim, heated front seats, power driver's seat, steering responsive LED headlights and 18-inch alloys. It also comes with Subaru's Vision Assist package that adds blind spot monitoring, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert to the EyeSight features.
Subaru has also announced a new capped price servicing plan, extending the six-month/12,500km service intervals for the current Impreza to 12 months but the same distance. Subaru claims that the first three years will set customers back $1298 to maintain; a saving of $918 over the out-going model.
The brand has big hopes for the new model, hoping it will become a major player in the small car segment and compete with the likes of the Mazda3, Corolla and Hyundai i30 near the top of the sales charts.
"With 95 per cent of the Impreza being all new, it's given us the opportunity to look at new service offerings that represent real savings for owners," explained recently installed Subaru Australia managing director, Colin Christie.
He added: "With significant incremental value, servicing intervals and potential insurance premium reductions for EyeSight-equipped Imprezas, our small car offering makes a more compelling package than ever before – especially when combined with the fun driving that is at the heart of this new model."
2017 Subaru Impreza specifications
On sale: December 2016
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 115kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 196Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: TBC
Pricing
2.0i: $22,400 (sedan), $22,600 (hatch)
2.0L: $24,490 (sedan), $24,690 (hatch)
2.0P: $26,290 (sedan), $26,490 (hatch)
2.0S: $28,990 (sedan), $29,190 (hatch)
5 Comments
Ben Boyd | 2016-10-24 03:10:47
boot space/capacity ? it is a wagon...
dalnat1 | 2016-10-24 04:16:51
The non-turbo charged Subaru engines aren't renowned for being responsive or eager at the best of times.... and with only 196nm of torque on offer and a DVT transmission...... forget it!! 3 people on board & this car will be working hard just to stay with the traffic.
ekim | 2016-10-24 08:26:19
This is a segment I shop in about every 3 years and this car has already fallen off the short list. My biggest requirement is that is fun to drive and there is nothing here to engage me.
Mech | 2016-10-24 21:13:10
Biggest problem with all Subeys, apart from Rexy and STI, is their lack of torque. I've owned several Subeys, love 'em all, integrity of build and pleasure of dealing with their people. If Impreza was producing somewhere around 250 Nm it would be a knock-out. Wondering too if Subaru are perhaps overdoing the active safety thing, I like to think I'm in charge, not some stupid collection of bit's 'n bytes.
Megamouse | 2016-10-25 23:33:37
Agree with all comments re torque - needs 250nm lower down. Open up the air intake and exhaust a bit perhaps? A little good noise under load is no bad thing!! Also, retune ECU for better use of 95 / 98 octane - more torque again Must say that out MY15 XV with dreaded CVT is fun when driven using the wheel paddles and its AWD system creams the others says he smiling recalling a memorable ascent of Macquarie pass in the wet flicking the paddles - yay