SUBARU’S evergreen Impreza has been restyled for 2012 with a completely new
drivetrain, redesigned interior and palpable improvements to noise suppression
and refinement.
All help to bring the Japanese small car with all-wheel drive up to date, but
has the company done enough against high-flying rivals like the Volkswagen Golf
and Ford Focus?
We take an in-depth look at the range-topping (for now) 2.0i-S hatch to find
out.
Model release date: February 2012SUBARU prioritised safety, value and
function as the hallmarks of its third-generation Impreza, which initially
launched as a five-door hatchback, with the sedan variant following in late
2008.
It was more spacious, better equipped and quieter than its predecessor and,
for the first time, featured both six airbags and electronic stability control
as standard across the range.
But purists complained about the move to full-framed doors, in the name of
improved body rigidity and refinement.
Subaru’s permanent all-wheel drive was standard across the range, giving the
Impreza a unique selling point among its peers – as was the 110kW/196Nm
2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol boxer engine.
Gearbox choices were a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
More conservative styling and increased interior space widened its appeal,
helping the G3 Impreza to become a sales success for the Japanese brand.
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