Subaru Impreza pricing and spec details

True to its word, the team at Subaru Australia has maintained range start-up pricing for the new Impreza at $23,990.

The fourth-generation Impreza will be available from March with a choice of sedan or hatch, and six-speed manual or the brand's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has been revised for improved economy -- arguably the previous model's biggest issue. The engine incorporates start-stop function to bring significant savings to combined usage figures: now at 7L/100km with the six-speed manual model. Equipped with the new Lineartronic CVT, Impreza uses 6.8L/100km.

The Impreza continues with its solid five-star safety credentials and all-wheel drive, but the fourth generation version is more spacious by way of a longer wheelbase -- from 2625 to 2645mm. The maker claims the extension has availed extra shoulder and elbow room up front, and added leg room for rear passengers.

Subaru has also restyled the Impreza's exterior -- including "minimised" front overhang -- and made significant improvements to the interior. Our drive time at Subaru's test facilities in Japan last year revealed a much better cabin with more comfortable seating front and rear, and updated dash design. All models come with a multi-function display but the versions applied to the up-spec Imprezas (L and S) are 'smarter'.

Subaru says the new Impreza's body strength has increased through the use of high tensile steel plates. The maker also claims improved steering response from chassis enhancements including reinforced front top mounts and additional rear stiffeners.

Manual Impreza models come with hill start assist as standard while the Lineratronic-equipped versions feature paddle-shift.

Entry models use 16-inch steel wheels; mid-spec Impreza 2.0L comes with 16-inch alloys and the range-topping S model gets 17-inch alloys. Options for the L and S models include satnav and sunroof for $3000 and the Impreza S can be ordered with leather trim and power-adjustable driver's seat. The top-spec Impreza is offered with the CVT only.

Subaru Australia's Managing Director, Nick Senior said: "We are delighted by the significant advances represented by new Impreza and that's already been reflected in the level of showroom interest since details started emerging last year. Based on that feedback we see a bright future for a car that is a cornerstone of our Australian range."

The new Subaru Impreza hatch and sedan are available for order from dealers now.

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