Of course, if you're already a diehard Subaru fan, the most intriguing figure associated with the 2012 Impreza is the all-new engine. While not “new” per se (the 2005 was the last time an Impreza engine bay housed one before Subaru made the jump to a 2.5-litre), the new 2.0-litre BOXER engine is a point of some contention. To some, it's a return to one of Subaru's best platforms (especially if it carries over into the 2012 WRX and STI models that have yet to be revealed), while others see it as a serious drop in power.
And they'd be right. The new engine will push out a mere 148 hp (nearly 30 less than last year's model) and 145 lb-ft of torque (also a near-30 drop). Despite the decrease in power, the new engine features a longer stroke to maximize low- and mid-range torque. This also helps save the planet, which is always on manufacturer's minds.
Lower engine displacement numbers mean lower performance numbers, but they also mean better fuel efficiency, which is truly the name of the game this year.
With the new 2.0-litre flat-four engine, Subaru projects it will offer the highest fuel ratings of any AWD vehicle in North America. Their projected numbers? 7.5 L/100 km for city driving and 5.5 L/100 km on the highway. And it's not just the smaller engine that helped produce such numbers. First introduced in the 2011 Forester, their Lineartronic CVT helps keep the engine operating at its most efficient range.
Of course, the 2012 Impreza will come standard with Subaru's renowned symmetrical AWD system, however, that system will differ from the manual and CVT models. The AWD system on the manual models will use a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 (front and rear); whereas the CVT models will use an electronically managed, continuously variable transfer clutch that will actively adjust the power to each wheels as needed and will maintain a 60/40 split on normal road surfaces.
The Impreza will be offered in three models: Touring, Sport and Limited Packages, all with their own set of perks and amenities.
While Subaru might not be headed in the direction most want to see, it is a direction that inevitably had to be taken. While car manufacturers around the world are pushing the 5 L/100 km mark, Subaru needed to take the “plunge” and join the ranks.
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| Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com |
And they'd be right. The new engine will push out a mere 148 hp (nearly 30 less than last year's model) and 145 lb-ft of torque (also a near-30 drop). Despite the decrease in power, the new engine features a longer stroke to maximize low- and mid-range torque. This also helps save the planet, which is always on manufacturer's minds.
Lower engine displacement numbers mean lower performance numbers, but they also mean better fuel efficiency, which is truly the name of the game this year.
With the new 2.0-litre flat-four engine, Subaru projects it will offer the highest fuel ratings of any AWD vehicle in North America. Their projected numbers? 7.5 L/100 km for city driving and 5.5 L/100 km on the highway. And it's not just the smaller engine that helped produce such numbers. First introduced in the 2011 Forester, their Lineartronic CVT helps keep the engine operating at its most efficient range.
Of course, the 2012 Impreza will come standard with Subaru's renowned symmetrical AWD system, however, that system will differ from the manual and CVT models. The AWD system on the manual models will use a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 (front and rear); whereas the CVT models will use an electronically managed, continuously variable transfer clutch that will actively adjust the power to each wheels as needed and will maintain a 60/40 split on normal road surfaces.
The Impreza will be offered in three models: Touring, Sport and Limited Packages, all with their own set of perks and amenities.
While Subaru might not be headed in the direction most want to see, it is a direction that inevitably had to be taken. While car manufacturers around the world are pushing the 5 L/100 km mark, Subaru needed to take the “plunge” and join the ranks.
 |
| Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com |
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