Impreza sedan thunders into SA

The Subaru Impreza WRX sedan is back!

With local Subaru fanatics snubbing the hatchback Imprezas, Subaru has realigned the range to be dominated by the new sedan model. The line-up now comprises of  2.0R sedan, WRX sedan and STI hatchback.

Though showing a family resemblance with the hatchback, it is clear that the latest Impreza sedan is true to the brand’s heritage. Its body profile and a number of detail changes give the car, especially the Impreza WRX, a satisfying and purposeful demeanour, recapturing the spirit of a badge. The wheelbase is the same as that of the hatchback, but there is considerably more rear overhang.

And in typical Subaru tradition the range feature Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive – a feature of every Subaru sold in this country since 1992.

The 2.0R model boasts the same engine as the outgoing hatchback, which is a free-revving 110 kW/196 Nm 1 994 cc DOHC Boxer engine.

With a deep boot and a 60/40 seat split to the rear seat, the 2.0R is a family sedan which combines exceptional practicality, spirited performance and good safety credentials.

The 2009 WRX sedan gets a significantly more powerful 2.5-litre DOHC Boxer engine: the kW rating climbs from 169 to 195 - now at 6 000 r/min - while torque increases by 23 Nm. There’s 343Nm available at 4 000 r/min and there’s more across a wider band with the exception of a small band below 2 500 r/min.

Power and torque figures are up 15.4% and 7.2% percent respectively.

This engine runs higher boost through a larger turbocharger, yet thanks to a number of engineering refinements is more efficient with overall improved fuel consumption and emissions. For example, in the combined cycle fuel usage drops by three percent from 10.7 to 10.4 litres per 100 km, and 247 grams of carbon dioxide is emitted per kilometre.

Subaru says it has also boosted the Impreza WRX’s handling characteristics thanks to updated anti-roll bars which is now 1 mm thicker both front and rear and better spring rates.

The location of the front struts has been improved by fitting the same highly-rigid top mount as that used on the Impreza STI. A steering damper has been added to reduce kickback on bumpy roads.        
 
Prices:
- 2.0R sedan 5-speed manual: R249 000,
- 2.0R sedan 4-speed auto: R259 000
- WRX sedan: R349 000
- STI hatchback: R545 000

Pricing includes a three-year, 63 000 km full maintenance plan.