A look at the 2012 Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s smart compact Impreza is getting an update and will launch in fall 2011 for the 2012 model year. Available in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback, the all-wheel-drive Impreza offers impressive handling, a decent and, if forecasts for next year’s model are correct, exceptional fuel economy.
smaller subaru
The Impreza is the smallest model sold by Subaru, a niche maker of all-wheel drive cars. Every model Subaru makes is powered by all four wheels, giving their vehicles an advantage few other vehicles have. That advantage, however, comes with a slight price premium and reduced fuel economy, the latter though not as pressing an issue for 2012.
In fact, Subaru estimates that the 2012 Impreza will get 36 mpg highway, about the same amount delivered by some of its front-wheel-drive competitors, including the Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, and Chevolet Cruze.
world debut
The 2012 Subaru Impreza makes its world debut at the New York International Auto Show in April and will be built in Japan. Subaru production has been curtailed since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami hit part of the country, but the Impreza’s introduction is not expected to be delayed.
Details about the new Impreza are sketchy, but based on press reports and past concepts and model introductions, the car is expected to be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, likely paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The current Impreza has been criticized for its tight rear passenger room, a problem that Subaru may correct with the new model. Subaru is tight-lipped about the car’s introduction, knowing that several of its competitors are set to introduce new models of their own.
Impreza Notables
Subaru, along with Kia and Hyundai, were the only automakers to see sales increase during the recession. Consumers are looking for a valve and all three brands deliver. The difference for Subaru has been its extravagant lineup of cars and crossovers, vehicles prized for their stellar build and quality to match.
The Subaru Impreza has been around since 1993 and is now in its third generation. The most recent Impreza was introduced in 2008, so the turnaround is fast, something Subaru must do to keep up with a segment that’s dominated by many high-end models, including the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra among others.
Pricing has not been determined for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, but based on the current model, a minimum of $18,000 is possible. Expect the performance WRX to get an update as well, though its introduction hasn’t been announced.