32 Wednesday <strong>August</strong> <strong>12</strong> <strong>2020</strong> Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz SELWYN TIMES Impreza still carries bargain price FOR AS LONG as there has been a Subaru Impreza, there’s also been an affordable way into buying one. Subaru New Zealand has always listed a budget model, it started off around 2006 with a $25k figure for the mid-size liftback/wagon with permanently engaged four-wheeldrive and, yes, a high and low transfer case. Of course, over the years, and with inflation, the Impreza is now listed at $32,490 for the one and only Sport model, but that is still an amazing price for what you get, Subaru’s problem with this car over the years is continuation of supply. It’s certainly the company’s best kept secret, it is a package that has stuck with me over the years, and although I’ve never had the outlay to buy one I have been responsible for several sales, and I still see it as the first choice if I was in the market for new car. The Impreza has just undergone a very mild facelift, it gets a little bit of extra tech and has had a minor cosmetic facelift. Elsewhere it is still the same versatile model that has commanded healthy sales. Cars which have longevity on their side only get there by being desirable, and the Impreza over the years has succeeded against big odds – the sport utility vehicle market. Part of what makes the Impreza desirable is its driveline, even though the high/low gearing system has long since gone, it is still four-wheel-drive, and the horizontally-opposed engine layout is, in itself, a point of difference. Boxer engines have been Subaru’s design choice since the Omega/Leone of the 70s. Today, the company builds both fourcylinder and six-cylinder flat engines in varying capacities, and some with turbochargers, in the base model Impreza’s case it is a naturally-aspirated 2-litre unit with quad camshafts. It is rated by Subaru with 115kW (6000rpm) and 196Nm of torque developed at 4000rpm. While these figures don’t seem anything special you have to bear in mind that boxer engines are honest and torquey from low down and that’s what makes them appealing, they feel strong from beneath the accelerator pedal. Drive is delivered through a seven-step continuously variable transmission. Subaru have developed this gearbox to the point where it doesn’t feel like CVT. It works much like a traditional torque converter automatic, and there are even paddle shifters so that the driver can manipulate the gearing for every likely driving situation. Left to its own engine management protocols, the transition of power through the CVT is smooth, and seamless and STYLE: The Subaru Impreza has a traditional hatchback rear. SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT: Four-wheel-drive and boxer engine is a tempting mix. power is relatively unimpeded; of course, there are driver operated push-button intelligent drive mechanisms which can alter the flow of power – intelligent or sport. Sport mode does tend to keep the engine unnecessarily busy, while the intelligent setting works out the best engine operating pattern depending on accelerator pressure. Subaru have also been proactive in keeping the boxer desirable in terms of fuel usage. Today, the 2-litre unit is rated with a 6.6-litre per 100km combined cycle average, that’s as good as any 2-litre petrol inline engine and adds desirability into the equation. I was relatively gentle with the Impreza during the time it was in my care, and it was used mostly in central city conditions, but with one lengthy open road journey west to Hororata. On the highway, the fuel usage readouts list at around 5l/100km with the engine loping over at just 1600rpm in the tallest part of the gearing. When I took the car back to the dealership my average was showing around 7.4l/100km, which makes Subaru’s claim quite realistic. Even though the Impreza is an easy car to drive at all speeds, it punches above its weight when it comes time to accepting the back road challenges and the twisty • Price – Subaru Impreza Sport, $32,490 • Dimensions – Length, 4460mm; width, 1775mm; height, 1480mm • Configuration – Fourcylinder, four-wheel-drive, 1995cc, 115kW, 196Nm, seven-step automatic. • Performance – 0-100km/h, 11.1sec • Fuel usage – 6.6l/100km nature of our high country corners. Four-wheel-drive adds an element of extra grip all of the time, not just on slippery surfaces. With that comes the benefit of fourcorner independent suspension, and with high grade spring and damper technology the Impreza feels nimble and agile. There is little body movement in a corner, and the suspension does a quality job of balancing ride comfort with the firming needed to control gravitation force. Directed into a tight corner, the front steers with direct turnin and solid feedback at the steering wheel, grip to the rear is pronounced as the suspension can be felt working dealing to any uneven surface. The Impreza also gets high grade Bridgestone Turanza tyres (205/50 x 17in), and while their diameter is a little on the small side, you don’t need low profile tyres on this car, it handles beautifully and is kind to the occupants in terms of on comfort. Those on board also get the benefit of all the features you’d expect in a <strong>2020</strong> car. Major features include keyless entry and ignition, auto stop-start, multifunction displays and smartphone adaptability. All new Subaru’s sold in this country get the clever Eyesight technology which is a camera-based driver assist safety system which goes a long way to earning the Impreza a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program rating. The Impreza represents amazing value, and benefits from Subarus determination to make cars that are just that little bit different yet are engineered to capably fill many roles. There are few cars in today’s market that compete with the concept of Impreza, and they sit near what you would describe as a crossover or SUV. I like traditional sedans and liftbacks, the Impreza would suit me fine, I’ve always regretted not buying one of the entry-level models, I guess it’s not too late, but it’s a matter of lining up all the financial ducks in a row. From family cars to work trucks and supercars to fixer-uppers. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it all with Drivesouth. Your next set of keys are just one click away - visit drivesouth.co.nz
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