Changing its looks from the ground up, the fourth generation Impreza is sportier and a lot more aggressive than the model it replaces. Upfront, it adopts a new “hawk-eye” headlamp design equipped with HIDs, while the rear gets a pair of curvy tail lamps. The new hexagonal front grill is not only manlier, but also provides more cooling to the engine bay. And because Motor Image Pilipinas offers Euro-spec models here in our country, it comes equipped with a rear fog lamp and headlight washers as standard.
Under the bonnet rests the new 3rd generation flat four-cylinder 2.0 liter engine that kicks 148 horses and 196 Nm of torque - the same engine you'll find in the XV. It's supported with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox with flappy paddles. And if you think that the Symmetrical AWD hurts its fuel efficiency figures, think again. Subaru claims that the new engine is 10% more efficient than the old one, plus the CVT should definitely help the numbers go down.
This all-new Impreza is more elegant inside and has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. It has more soft-touch surfaces compared to the previous model, and the plastics used appear to be more durable. Chrome accents are found on the door handles, knobs, and on the new sporty gauge. It's also fitted with Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX connectivity, and a 4.3-inch multi-information display that shows fuel consumption, vehicle dynamics, and an eco-guide that coaches you how to drive more efficiently.
The all-new 2012 Impreza comes only as a four-door sedan in the Philippines. Motor Image Pilipinas opted not to bring in the five-door version just yet, probably to avoid confusion and clashing with its twin, the XV. Now on sale, Subaru's all-new Impreza is listed at P1,158,000 for the 2.0i 6-speed manual and P1,298,000 for the 2.0i-S (Sports) 6-speed automatic CVT. The 2.0i is fitted with 16-inch alloys, while the 2.0i-S comes with multi-spoke 17-inch wheels. Both variants also come with a moon-roof.
