Subaru Impreza 2011 Review - International

Subaru Impreza and XV

Subaru is fortunate it has a loyal following. Return buyer rate is high, according to execs, and with reason: the brand has maintained core values bringing unique selling points, namely in the safety and handling stakes.

What Subaru's best-seller was missing of late was (at least) class-equivalent fuel consumption and decent interior finish. Customer and review feedback everywhere said as much, so Subaru has responded to the issues in this fourth generation model.

We'll see the XV crossover here first, in December. Based on the new generation Impreza hatch, the XV is a high-riding wagon with Forester-equivalent ground clearance. Its exterior details position it as a quasi-offroader in an attempt to make a clear distinction between it and its Impreza hatch and sedan siblings. Ditto the split with the Impreza badge.

The 'real' Impreza won't arrive here until March next year but we were given an early sample of the new generation model at Subaru's test facilities in Kuzu, Japan.

The XV and Impreza hatch and sedan use the brand's latest 110kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine. In this generation it incorporates an auto stop-start function for savings in fuel consumption -- especially in urban mode. The official figure shows the benefits. The combined consumption mark is now from 7.0L/100km for the XV 'wagon' and 6.8L/100km for the Impreza models.

Application of a CVT in place of the previous model's archaic four-speed auto also contributes to the better figures. Optimum gear position advice is presented in the driver's display when using it in manual mode. The new Impreza also features a smarter trip computer in the high-spec models, with quick-to-hand -- via neat steering wheel-mounted control -- information including tyre wear indicator and fuel consumption.

Improved economy and upgraded interior are the new Impreza's highpoints. The previous version's cabin was criticised for its hard finish plastic so Subaru has applied spongy surfaces and better quality materials across touch points and the dash.

Engineers have also slimmed-down the A-pillar for better forward vision and trimmed side cabin intrusion for extra passenger space. The allowed drive time in the XV and Impreza was very short -- approximately 12km, combined. That said, first impressions are good in terms of interior and even exterior updates.

Subaru's latest styling direction has been criticised, however the XV's edginess will stand out from the crossover crowd, and you can love-or-hate Impreza's new looks but both the sedan and hatch boast better aerodynamics.

Response from standstill is acutely subdued up to around 2000rpm, until the engine finds its mojo at 60km/h speeds-onwards. If left to its own devices the auto is somewhat slow to respond under acceleration demands between 80-100km/h. The six-speed manual version was better to tap the engine's energy but both units are smooth-operating and as mentioned, the CVT has manual mode. The stop-start system also proved temperamental over the short course.

This was an early sample drive so we'll reserve further judgement for the local launch. Stay tuned for our review and seven-day test verdicts once the XV and Impreza lineups arrive Down Under.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site