Improved efficiency
In these times of highly-volatile gas prices, consumers will be happy to learn that the 2012 Subaru Impreza is more efficient than ever. The automaker promises 27 mpg in the city (8.7 L/100 km) and 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) on the highway. Not bad for an AWD car!
The all-new, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Boxer engine plays a major role, of course. Producing 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, it replaces the 2.5L unit that generated 170 ponies and as many pounds-foot. The drop in output is somewhat offset by the car's reduced weight (-100 kilos in the case of Impreza sedan with automatic transmission).
The new, second-generation Lineartronic CVT also deserves credit for improving fuel economy. Unfortunately, the standard 5-speed manual gearbox does not follow today's trend of offering six forward gears, even in the compact segment.
Another bad news, this time for diesel lovers: Ted Lalka, Vice President of Product Planning and Marketing at Subaru Canada, said that adapting the EE engine to North American emission standards would make the Impreza too pricey. The lack of interest in diesel south of the border also influenced the decision not to sell this type of powerplant in the short and medium terms.
Simple strategy
In the Great White North, the 2012 Subaru Impreza will be available in both 4- and 5-door body styles, while the new Sport model – set to replace the Impreza Outback in the U.S. – won't come our way.
''We don't want to confuse and alienate customers by having an Impreza whose higher MSRP is hard to justify'', a Canadian spokesman told us.
In these times of highly-volatile gas prices, consumers will be happy to learn that the 2012 Subaru Impreza is more efficient than ever. The automaker promises 27 mpg in the city (8.7 L/100 km) and 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km) on the highway. Not bad for an AWD car!
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| Much more fuel-efficient than the old generation, the 2012 Subaru Impreza is powered by a new 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Boxer engine. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The all-new, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Boxer engine plays a major role, of course. Producing 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, it replaces the 2.5L unit that generated 170 ponies and as many pounds-foot. The drop in output is somewhat offset by the car's reduced weight (-100 kilos in the case of Impreza sedan with automatic transmission).
The new, second-generation Lineartronic CVT also deserves credit for improving fuel economy. Unfortunately, the standard 5-speed manual gearbox does not follow today's trend of offering six forward gears, even in the compact segment.
Another bad news, this time for diesel lovers: Ted Lalka, Vice President of Product Planning and Marketing at Subaru Canada, said that adapting the EE engine to North American emission standards would make the Impreza too pricey. The lack of interest in diesel south of the border also influenced the decision not to sell this type of powerplant in the short and medium terms.
Simple strategy
In the Great White North, the 2012 Subaru Impreza will be available in both 4- and 5-door body styles, while the new Sport model – set to replace the Impreza Outback in the U.S. – won't come our way.
''We don't want to confuse and alienate customers by having an Impreza whose higher MSRP is hard to justify'', a Canadian spokesman told us.
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| The new, hexagon-shaped grille will redefine the brand's signature, Subaru says. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |