Updated Impreza pricing reduced again

Subaru is giving its Impreza a kick-along, with pricing reduced a second time since the announcement earlier this year of a free trade agreement with Japan.

The small car range has been updated for 2015, and the new pricing means a further $500 discount at entry level and a massive cut of $3090 for the flagship Impreza 2.0i-S. Subaru has dropped the intermediate 2.0i-L variant in favour of a new 2.0i Premium model equipped with leather trim, reversing camera and fog lights in addition to the entry-level specification.

"We expect the 2.0i Premium to become our new volume model," said Subaru Australia MD, Nick Senior, as quoted in a press release. "It includes a host of additional equipment at an extremely competitive price. There are few small car alternatives that have leather at such an attractive price.

"We also anticipate significant interest in the 2.0i-S, which is a comprehensively equipped small car – sunroof, leather and premium infotainment including factory fitted Sat Nav.

"A reduction of 11.5 per cent on the December pricing is massive and we hope to attract new customers to this variant.

"The small car market is incredibly competitive and these revisions to Impreza pricing highlight its tremendous value, especially when you factor in our five-star occupant safety, Subaru reliability, durability and engineering, and the great retained value of our vehicles."

The updated model range can be identified by new grille, headlights and fog lights and interior enhancements to the car's infotainment system. Sedan models gain dark grey area under the rear spoiler, and chrome window surrounds.

Both the entry-level 2.0i and Premium variants come with a 6.2-inch touch screen, but the 2.0i-S flagship features a seven-inch unit with integrated satellite navigation. The multifunction steering wheel features new switching. Decorative trim pieces around the cabin comprise silver-accented air conditioning vents, metallic trim for the front door armrests and silver rings around the air conditioning dials.

New USB ports are located in the rear of the centre console for recharging portable devices, and the USB ports in the front have been relocated under the audio head unit. For the 2.0i Premium and 2.0i-S variants, the CVT shift lever plinth has been upgraded and the leather trim is now stitched together using silver thread rather than black. The 16-inch alloy wheels specified for the 2.0i Premium are a new design, and the flagship 2.0i-S gains an upgraded boot spoiler (sedan only) and an additional USB connection.

"Factor in these key infotainment changes and cabin refinements across the range and you have an impressive Impreza package, testament to Subaru's made-in-Japan quality and our DNA including All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engine," said Senior.