Once a very niche brand, Subaru is doing its darndest to be as populist and as bland as possible; witness the fourth generation Impreza that's just been unveiled in New York.
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(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
Bland town
The new Subaru Impreza gets slightly larger and a bit more bland as it continues its evolution from a quirky little car into a volume seller. The front end retains the distinct Subaru grill and aesthetic, but the profile is rather anonymous.
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(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
Fuel efficiency
Under the bonnet is a new 2-litre boxer four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. In the US this model returns fuel efficiency figures of 8.7L/100km in the city and 6.5L/100km on the highway.
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(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
Two AWD systems
In the US an efficient continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is an optional extra, but a five-speed manual is standard and the two transmissions have unique all-wheel drive systems.
The manual gets the viscous coupled continuous AWD system that we're already familiar with. The CVT gets Active AWD with an electronically managed transfer clutch that helps it to achieve the high fuel economy numbers mentioned earlier.
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(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
The hatchback is back
We've already seen photos of the sedan, but the 2011 New York Auto Show is our first look at the regular five-door Impreza. Predictably, the hatch looks sportier than the four-door, thanks to its more visually pronounced rear fender flare.
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(Credit: Subaru)
Premium cabin tech
For the US market, the Impreza receives a new cabin tech package in the Premium model. Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming are now standard, as are USB connectivity and iPod control.
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(Credit: Subaru)
Optional navigation
Also available for North American customers is a new touchscreen navigation system with voice control, iTunes tagging, SMS text messaging capability and satellite radio with traffic info.
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(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
More to come
Upcoming STI and WRX variants will likely feature wider bodies and more aggressive styling. We can hardly wait.
Via CNET
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