Perhaps, no one of new FHI models caused so ambiguous reaction, as new Impreza did. Even Tribeca, possessing rather not ordinary appearance was not like Impreza. However, it was just nothing else to compare with Tribeca…
Impreza - is absolutely another case. Subaru Impreza became well-known owing to its achievements in sport. Now rally image … began to prevent to win new admirers. Creating the third generation of their well-known model, Fuji Heavy Industries designers and engineers have headed for satisfaction of wide consumer masses' needs. Thus, however, having tried to keep traditional advantages of Subaru mark.
Nevertheless one important and very firm detail has been lost in new Impreza. Now frames have appeared on doors. So there is no more that contrast of a massive bottom and almost invisible top which did open Subaru doors such effective earlier. As it is said, refusal from frameless glasses - is the consequence of struggle for safety. The close circuit with a frame, basically, is heavier than frameless, but does not require special gears which direct glasses. But refusal even from such trifles already sets thinking. We were witnesses of how earlier marks with bright individual features have started to lose them promptly. Certainly, it is great, that Subaru constructors have kept opposite engines - but now it is probably last firm feature of the Japanese mark from the technical point of view. There is still an all wheel drive which has made Subaru so popular mark in Russia. But now it can be often met.
From the point of view of mark's image it is possible to consider Subaru's basic and serious feature affinity to sports. Impreza rising has begun first of all owing to participation and victories in the world rally championship in the nineties years. It is no wonder that the "charged" versions are on sale under WRX designation which is very similar to official cutting-down from World Rally Championship. However, as now it becomes clear, many people love sports cars, but not everybody is ready to drive them. Excellent Subaru's rally reputation on the one hand - has attracted exacting drivers, but at the same time it confuses "usual". People began to consider, that Subaru is for such very special buyers. Thus, though general Subaru sales grow - Impreza's share decreases. That in Europe looks unnaturally: usually, just the majority of marks' "C" class remains the most popular. New Impreza must change this situation. SO, what does new Impreza offer to the average client? Even fastest of us spend the most part of time not on a track so changes should suit everybody. The first basic difference from previous Impreza - is body type. If earlier the car existed in sedan and station wagon variants a now they have merged in a single whole, having formed a hatchback. With transition to a hatchback the buyer loses not too much. For example, new Impreza's trunk volume is about 300 liters that is on 100 liters less than former, but it is quite normally for a hatchback. At first sight, the reason of trunk volume reduction is not quite clear: the car "has lost" only 50 mm at length. But if to look into the saloon, trunk volume cutting-down becomes quite explainable. The base became bigger, and all increase has gone on saloon size extension. And first of all it concerns a rear seat: you can easy put there your mother-in-law without risk to receive reproach in neglect. Though to bring up the chief it is recommended on a front sit. However, as well as in any hatchback of the "C" class.
As to ride-quality… "Most of the time we have spent for providing responsiveness of the car to driver's actions without any detriment of comfort", - Mr. Kubota who was engaged in Impreza's roadability speaks. And really, the car seems comfortable enough. You start to trust, that Impreza's creators managed to achieve an object in view - to prove, that good roadability does not contradict comfort. Especially it is appreciable on meandering mountain roads - here Impreza is on its own ground! It, apparently, even foresees driver's intentions and enters the curve as if it does this by itself.
Well and … let's sum up:
- new Impreza's creators would like to prove, that good roadability is quite compatible to comfort. My opinion - they've managed to do that;
- new ecological norms fairly "suppress" the engine, therefore if you wish to feel at the Subaru wheel, the two-liter motor does not need to be lowered below 3 500 rev/min. This doesn't concern turbo versions;
- it appears, four-range automatic transmission still exist! Though what matter, how many steps if we shall not use them?;
- roadability still remains the firm Subaru attribute;
- the car, certainly, will find its buyer. And considering different variants of its packages - it will find new fans. I think so.