Impreza XV: Subaru's Sportswagon ReVived

Subaru's Impreza XV recaptures some of the wannabe SUV essence of models from the company's past; vehicles like the Impreza Sportswagon and Impreza RV. The new car provides Subaru with a sub-Forester SUV-like model to capture a growing number of buyers looking for practical, around-town vehicles that can undertake some limited offroad work at the weekends.

"The Impreza XV continues Subaru's reputation for innovation," said Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia. "In this case we've extended the 'crossover' concept, using one of the most agile, dynamic hatchbacks on the market.

"By using Impreza hatch as the donor car, Subaru has created a vehicle that enables people to mix five day a week commuting with an active weekend adventure lifestyle. For five days a week you have a Subaru hatchback with all its inherent strengths -- All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine, five-star safety, outstanding road holding, ride and handling qualities, with a long and detailed list of standard equipment.

"Then on non-week days you have a vehicle to explore and exploit your lifestyle and recreation pursuits. That's possible with the extra ground clearance. Matched with SUV 'cues' the Impreza XV is an exciting new direction for the hatch market."

The Impreza XV rides 30mm higher than the standard naturally-aspirated Impreza range and adopts visual cues to further distinguish it from the other models. These comprise: wheel arch flares, a rear spoiler, roof rails, a revised grille and redesigned bumpers. As standard, it comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and an exhaust pipe finisher.

Inside, the Impreza XV features sports seats with coordinating mocha trim, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod/USB-compatible CD audio system with 10 speakers, climate control and leather-bound steering wheel/gear knob/handbrake grip.

Subaru engineers have recalibrated the raised suspension for its new application, fitting revised anti-roll bars, springs, dampers and subframe bushes.

The price of the Impreza XV is $27,490* for the five-speed manual variant or $29,490 with the optional four-speed automatic. Colours available run to: Obsidian Blakc, Satin White, Spark Silver, Dark Grey and Camellia Red.

"Current Impreza is already our best-selling generation of the car and XV will only add to that success, appealing to customers looking for something that stands out and represents a fun package, all with the essential Subaru ingredients of great engineering, safety and retained value," concludes Senior.

A vehicle filling a niche more or less invented by Subaru, the Impreza XV is arriving in the local market ahead of Mitsubishi's ASX crossover SUV, which is due in August. The two cars are likely to compete for the same market demographic, but Mitsubishi may go all-out, making more of an advertising splash for the all-new ASX.

* Manufacturer's list price, excluding on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery charge.

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