Offering much improved interactive functionality and a brand new design, www.subaru.co.uk will be the only UK car manufacturer website that allows video content to be viewed on iPhones and other mobile devices. The use of HTML5 is being rolled out across the new site throughout the year and means image-rich content is very quick to load, in contrast to the Flash-heavy websites of many rival brands. As a further bonus for mobile users, Subaru will shortly be launching a dedicated mobile version of the site.

The site uses ‘adaptive content’ technology, which recognises individual visitors and modifies selected images and text each time they return. The search function is ‘location aware’, so after typing in a place or postcode it will provide reminders of local dealer details during subsequent visits. This technology also remembers a range of other content, such as the specific vehicles that have previously been searched for.

The interactive Dealer locator map is Google based and uses reverse geocoding providing you with door to door results as well as printable routes. It also allows for partial postcode, town, street name and Dealership name search. The search can also be filtered to select sales or service only Dealerships. As with all things online these days, speed is of the essence and the Dealer locator is loaded dynamically via Ajax call, which reduces both the page load time and memory footprint.

To help visitors find their ideal car, there’s a colour changer tool for every vehicle derivative, together with 360-degree animation. Visitors can compare the details of all cars in the Subaru range, and refine their choices using a range of relevant criteria, such as price, emissions and ground clearance.

Subaru UK Marketing Director, Kenyon Neads, said: “Our new website, which is ahead of the competition in so many ways, makes it easier for people to find the Subaru that’s right for them based on their own specific needs.  It also helps them to locate their nearest dealer and keep abreast of the latest Subaru developments. Most importantly, it does a great job of conveying why and how Subarus are unlike other cars.”

As one of the first car manufacturers in the UK to adopt social networking as part of their communications strategy, the Japanese car maker has integrated the new site with social networking sites such as Twitter which provide visitors with real customer feedback about the Subaru range. More social networking services will be integrated throughout the year.

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• SUBARU LEGACY NAMED JAPAN’S SAFEST CAR
• SUBARU IMPREZA WRX AND STI NOW EVEN BETTER VALUE

The 2010 Subaru Legacy has been officially named ‘Japan’s safest car’, after being awarded the Grand Prix 09/10 in Japan’s New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP).

This is the third consecutive year in which a Subaru vehicle has taken the jury’s top honours.   Following in the footsteps of the Impreza in 2007 and the Forester in 2008, the Subaru Legacy was the only vehicle out of the 17 tested to receive the coveted award.

The Legacy was rated as the safest passenger car in the collision safety performance tests for driver and front passenger.  It also achieved the highest rating in the pedestrian head protection test.

This latest accolade for Legacy comes hot on the heels of myriad other international crash test achievements.   It received the top five-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), was awarded five stars for occupant safety in the latest Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP), and was named ‘2010 Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US.

Subaru UK Marketing Director, Kenyon Neads, commented: “It’s clear from the number of top scores awarded to the Legacy in crash tests right around the world that it is one of the safest cars on sale today.  When you combine these impressive safety scores with our trademark permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, world renowned boxer engines and the Legacy’s superb interior space and practicality, the result is a unique and highly desirable family car proposition.”

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• 2010 Subaru Legacy
• NEW SUBARU WEBSITE

From April Subaru’s highly acclaimed Impreza WRX and STI Type UK will be offered with complimentary optional upgrades worth over £3,200 at participating dealers. 

The free items include the Prodrive Performance Pack, which further improves acceleration*, and stylish new 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Performance Pack, developed in conjunction with Banbury-based tuning experts, Prodrive, adds a reconfigured ECU and high-flow sports exhaust to the Impreza’s already impressive performance arsenal.  The 18-inch, five-spoke Lustric alloy wheels, meanwhile, give the car a more aggressive and purposeful stance.

As if the prospect of this extra equipment wasn’t tantalising enough, the Japanese firm has reduced the asking price of the All-Wheel-Drive WRX  to just £18,995.

Buyers who order their new WRX or STI Type UK before the 30th of April will also be able to take advantage of Subaru’s new ‘180 Days’ Interest Free Funding’ scheme.

Subaru UK Marketing Director, Kenyon Neads, said: “With this offer we’ve added even more value into the Impreza equation.  The WRX and STI are performance-car icons with a seriously loyal following and we hope that the prospect of these free upgrades will broaden their appeal still further.”

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• 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Models With New Wide-Body Designs
• UNICHIP LAUNCHES PERFORMANCE UPGRADE FOR SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0 DIESEL

Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models, which now use a wide-body design like the brand’s iconic WRX STI® performance flagship model. The wider body designs give the 2011 WRX an aggressive road presence and also allow wider track dimensions.

An approximately 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires deliver improved grip in the 2011 WRX. The standard wheels are now 17 x 8-in. vs. 17 x 7-in. in the 2010 model, and tire size is now 235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17.

“The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc.
The 2011 Impreza WRX 4- and 5-door models arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer. Both are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cyl. SUBARU-BOXER® engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. This highly responsive engine produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The WRX has been the focus of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2009 model received the 265-hp engine and a significant chassis tuning upgrade. For 2010, the new Limited trim lines expanded the WRX model’s appeal to a broader range of driving enthusiasts.

The 2011 Impreza WRX uses the Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling locking center differential nominally distributes torque 50:50. Should slippage occur, this system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard. Incline Start Assist, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

New Designs for 2011
Both the WRX 5-door model and 4-door model will now feature a wide-body design for 2011 similar to that of the WRX STI, underscoring the high-performance character of both models . The new design is based on a “wide and low” concept and gives both cars an aggressive street presence. The design also maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability in the vehicles.
Significantly, curb weight for the 2011 WRX models increases by just 33 pounds over the “original body” 2010 models, preserving their powerful acceleration performance.
In front, the 2011 WRX models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the “wide and low” profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars’ sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights’ shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.

For the 2011 WRX 4-door model, the wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, accentuating a look of stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.

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• SUBARU IMPREZA WRX AND STI NOW EVEN BETTER VALUE
• UNICHIP LAUNCHES PERFORMANCE UPGRADE FOR SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0 DIESEL

Unichip Europe is delighted to announce the launch of a new performance enhancing plug and play ‘U-Connect’ piggy back Unichip upgrade for the 4wd 148bhp Subaru Impreza 2.0 Diesel.

Consisting of a specially premapped version of the renowned piggy back ECU, the Unichip enables subtle electronic tweaks to the Impreza’s fuelling and boost settings to enhance all round performance without compromising on economy or reliability.

Designed as a DIY fitment thanks to its high quality plug and play ‘U-Connect’ wiring loom, the Unichip can be fitted (and removed) in minutes. It is electronically ‘invisible’ to main dealers during servicing and can only be remapped by a Unichip agent.

Extensive rolling road testing has proven that the ‘Unichipped’ 2.0 Impreza Diesel gains an impressive 17bhp and 36lb.ft of torque over the standard car, producing a total of 168bhp allied to a mighty 292lb.ft of torque at just 2500rpm.

This extra performance offers significantly improved driver enjoyment and effortless overtaking, making every journey – long or short – a real pleasure. But this extra performance doesn’t impact on the Impreza’s thirst, as real world testing has proven that economy is unaffected by the Unichip U-Connect package, with drivers reporting a 5-10% consumption improvement compared to standard.

Priced at just £465.30 including VAT @ 17.5% and carrying part number PPSUB11.0, the Unichip U-Connect package is easily installed in minutes and is available now directly from Unichip Europe.

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• SUBARU IMPREZA WRX AND STI NOW EVEN BETTER VALUE
• 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Models With New Wide-Body Designs

Featuring the world’s first ‘Boxer’-hybrid powerplant and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the Hybrid Tourer Concept will make its European debut at the Swiss expo.  The striking show car marries Subaru’s design DNA with an opulent and spacious cabin accessed through elongated gullwing-style doors, and an eye-catching, sculpted body.

The absence of B-pillars affords a heightened sense of light and space to the interior, providing occupants with a less obstructed view of the outside world.  The swept-back panoramic windscreen and a height-adjustable dashboard afford the driver a similarly unhindered vantage point.

The innovative hybrid system uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed, direct-injection, turbocharged petrol ‘Boxer’ engine, allied to two electric motors – Subaru remains the only company to mate this engine layout to a hybrid drivetrain.  The electric motors are powered by lithium-ion batteries – a 10kW item at the front and a 20kW unit at the rear.

In normal driving conditions the direct-injection petrol engine is used, but at lower speeds and start-up, the rear electric motor drives the car.  The forward electric unit, which is mainly used as a power generator, kicks in to assist performance and efficiency while tackling inclines.  Subaru’s in-house designed Lineartronic automatic transmission is featured, further boosting fuel efficiency and driving performance.

STELLA EV

Continuing the ‘green’ theme, Subaru will be showcasing its Plug-in STELLA EV.  The lithium-ion battery-powered, 90km-per-charge, 40kW, electric vehicle can be recharged up to 80 per cent of its capacity in about 15 minutes when using its quick charging system.  Under normal circumstances the city car is fully rechargeable in five hours when using an AC240V power outlet.

‘BOXER’ DIESEL TECHNOLOGY

Visitors to the Japanese manufacturer’s stand will also be able to take in a number of ‘Boxer’-diesel model displays, highlighting Subaru’s unique Horizontally-Opposed engine technologies.  Impreza, Forrester, Legacy and Outback models are all currently available with the unique-to-Subaru 2.0-litre diesel engine configuration, which offers both improved fuel economy and a low centre of gravity.  

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• NEW SUBARU WEBSITE
• SUBARU LEGACY NAMED JAPAN’S SAFEST CAR

Prodrive has launched the Impreza N2010, its latest FIA specification group N rally car.

The Impreza N2010 uses the new larger 33mm air restrictor, introduced by the FIA to help balance the performance of Group N and the unrestricted Super2000 rally cars.

Increasing the restrictor diameter from 32 to 33mm, fitting high flow fuel injectors and recalibrating the ECU increases peak power by 20 bhp, but more significantly, improves torque and responsiveness throughout the rev range.

The improvements in engine performance have been matched by enhancements to the car’s dynamics.  The N2010 Ohlins dampers have been revised with extra travel front and rear, while all the suspension bushes have been strengthened.

“The engine and suspension changes make the N2010 far more competitive,” said Graham Prew, Prodrive sales manager. “On gravel the Impreza is certainly a match for any Super 2000, but it is on tarmac, that the additional engine performance will really come into its own and make the N2010 a competitive alternative to a Super 2000, but at about half the price and with significantly lower running costs.”

The Impreza N2010 prices start at £120,000 and for the first time Prodrive has introduced a financing option to enable the car to be leased over two years with an option to buy the car at the end of the agreement.  The package includes insurance and system rebuilds.

N2010 specification

Engine:

Flat 4-cylinder boxer:
Capacity: 1994 cc
Bore: 92.0 mm
Stroke: 75.0 mm

Turbo charger:

IHI twin scroll with new design regulation 33 mm restrictor with new roller bearing.

Electrical:

Spark plugs: BRISK
Lightweight battery: Odyssey

Controllers and displays:

Engine: Prodrive-Pectel programmable with removable data storage card.
Centre diff: Prodrive-Pectel programmable fully CAN compliant with selectable diff maps.
Driver’s screen: GEMS CD25 5.5” colour VGA screen with multiple pages including engine, transmission and steering information. Increased integration of control systems and co-driver’s screen.

Exhaust

Hi-flow motorsport catalyst with silencer options available in stainless or titanium.

Fuel system
FIA approved FT3-99 95 litre safety tank centrally mounted under floor.

Transmission

Gearbox: Prodrive-Hewland five-speed manual dog engagement with revised gear linkage and 2-stage shift light.
Front diff: Plated limited slip
Centre diff: Electro mechanical locking
Rear diff: Plated limited slip

Clutch
STI, 240 mm six paddle competition, single plate homologated STI cover.

Roll cage
Prodrive manufactured rollcage to FIA compliant MSA homologated.

Suspension

Revised Öhlins dampers with improved travel, strengthened rear cross-member high performance uprated suspension bushes.
Front: Prodrive-Öhlins TPX 44 MacPherson strut, three-way adjustable with front hydraulic bump stop.
Rear: Prodrive-Öhlins TTX 44 coil-over damper, three-way adjustable on multi-link rear suspension.

Steering
Power assisted quickrack (13:1) for left and right hand drive.
PAS cooler (optional)
Wheels: Speedline or Work
Tarmac: 18” x 8” or 17” x 8”
Gravel: 15” x 7”
Snow: 16” x 5.5”
Brakes: AP Racing
Tarmac: front: four-piston 355 mm rear: two-piston 285 mm
Gravel: front: four-piston 295 mm rear: two-piston 285 mm
Handbrake: WRC style vertical lever using STI/AP homologated piston.

Dimensions
Front track: 1,550 mm
Rear track: 1,540 mm
Length: 4,415 mm
Weight: 1,350 kg

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• SUBARU IMPREZA WRX AND STI NOW EVEN BETTER VALUE
• 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Models With New Wide-Body Designs

Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)* has announced the launch of the Subaru Impreza “R205”, a special performance version. The model will go on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.
Based on the Impreza WRX STI, the R205 enhanced the sheer driving performance it shares with former special performance models, such as the “S203” and the “S204”, developed by STI.

The R205 is the top performance model of the WRX STI. It features new and exclusive equipment and makes full use of specially designed features and performance parts of the “WRX STI spec C” model, the sporty performance model launched 2009. The “R” of R205 stands for “Road Sport”.

Most efforts focused on refining handling performance by adopting STI tuned dampers, coil springs, flexible type strut tower bar, flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension, and Bridgestone’s specially designed RE070 tyres. Thus the R205 ideally balances agile driving and confident driveability by enhancing a linear steering response and excellent road-holding capability. This is exactly the distinctive ride quality that STI is pursuing as its vehicle development theme, “strength and nimbleness” driving. The R205 offers enhanced total driving control not only in city driving on the road or winding road but also in sporty driving at the circuit.

In addition, STI carried out verification tests of selected performance parts of the R205 through the participation of the 2009 Nurburgring 24-hour race with an Impreza WRX STI. Making full use of this precious race-track experience at Nurburgring – in which any road condition is condensed – STI successfully completed the model in order to offer sheer excitement and unique driving feeling as a distinctive “Road Sport Model”.
The R205 delivers an increased 235kW (320PS) of maximum output, and 431N.m (44.0kg.m) by adopting the exclusively designed turbocharger with ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, specially tuned ECU (Engine Control Unit), and the sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust. SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive) is also available to neatly suit driving style in any driving situation at driver’s command.
The front under spoiler, newly developed rear under spoiler, and the black rear spoiler improve aerodynamics. Exclusively designed 18-inch alloy wheels, specially colored front grille and side STI garnish accentuate its uniqueness.

Mechanism:
STI tuned inverted strut and coil springs for front suspension
STI tuned damper and coil springs for rear suspension
“brembo” 6-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for front brake
“brembo” 4-pot brake caliper with STI silver logo and 18-inch grooved rotors for rear brake
STI designed 18-inch cast aluminum wheels
Bridgestone specially designed “POTENZA RE070” (245/40R18) tyres
STI designed flexible type front strut tower bar
STI designed flexible type lower arm stiffener of front suspension
R205 ECU (Engine Control Unit)
R205 exhaust pipe
R205 twin scroll turbocharger with flexible type ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing
R205 sport muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust
R205 front stabilizer
Interior:
R205 side sill plate
R205 serial number plate

Exterior:
R205 front grille (black)
STI designed front under spoiler
STI designed side STI garnish (black metallic)
STI designed rear under spoiler
STI designed rear spoiler (black)
R205 badges on front grille and rear gate

Others:
The planed production is limited to 400 units
MSRP; 4,510,000 JP Yen (without tax)

Major specifications:
-Engine type; Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine
-Displacement; 1,994 cc
-Transmission; 6 speed manual transmission
-Maximum output; 235kW (320PS)/6,400 rpm
-Maximum torque; 431Nm (44.0kg.m)/4,000 rpm
-Overall length X width X height; 4,415 X 1,795 X 1,465 mm

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• SUBARU IMPREZA WRX AND STI NOW EVEN BETTER VALUE
• 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Models With New Wide-Body Designs

While creating the fifth-generation Legacy, Subaru’s design team followed the key theme of ‘Presence’ – exploiting the all-new platform to evolve recognisable Legacy characteristics, with a touch more authority and bolder treatments for stand-out frontal features such as the grille and headlamps.

The significantly increased length, longer wheelbase and wider track enabled designers to sculpt a New Legacy with a much bolder stance and greatly heightened on-road presence that also hints at Subaru’s core technology – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – which remains at the heart of this newcomer.

The headlight units are larger and stretched longitudinally, while the three-dimensional aspect of their internal components layout is highlighted to give ‘technology’ feel. A new front grille design incorporates the ‘wing motif’ that is a shared feature of the Subaru family of vehicles, enabling the face of the New Legacy to make a powerful statement.

Prominently-projecting wheel arches express the power running through the AWD system. The lower body is designed with minimum character lines to emphasize strength and stability. By contrast, there are strong flowing lines above the belt-line and chrome-plated mouldings around the side glass-house edges. These not only enhance the cabin presence, but also combine to create a premium look.

Overall, the exterior of New Legacy boasts a three-dimensional solidity that expresses a new type of sportiness.

More space, more comfort plus easy functionality

Naturally, the cabin design of the New Legacy reflects the dynamic subtleties of the exterior. The design team’s key mantra was “Active and Quality Feeling” and while exploiting the enhanced cabin space available within the new bodyshell, it paid particular attention to detail to ensure easy-to-use functionality, for the driver and passengers and maximum comfort for extended journeys. Double-seals on all doors and windows enhance refinement by reducing the intrusion of wind noise.

The all-new, larger front seats offer excellent comfort and support, with 10-way power adjustment on the driver’s seat (including lumbar support), and four-way manual adjustment on the passenger seat. The front seats feature 20% softer cushions and 10% softer backrests.

The driver’s seat benefits from more adjustability, with a 10 mm increase in fore/aft slide range, 20 mm more height movement, a 2 degree increase in cushion tilt and now a 20 mm lumbar adjustment. Rear seats passengers are also offered enhanced comfort.

Facing the driver, a new instrument cluster features four dials outlined in aluminium rings, and the new three-spoke steering wheel is leather-wrapped, with integrated audio and cruise controls, and a wider range of adjustment – 40 mm for both reach and rake.

Building on the premium ambience created by the new exterior and interior styling, plus the enhanced and generous cabin space, the New Legacy is comprehensively equipped to ensure maximum comfort for all occupants.

The Legacy, both Saloon and Tourer, feature dual-zone, fully automatic air-conditioning with an anti-dust filter and heating ducts to the rear passenger footwells. A premium audio system, with a radio/CD player, six speakers (including two tweeters) and steering wheel-mounted remote controls, is standard. For the New Legacy, radio reception has been significantly improved by the fitting of two high performance antennas within the rear window glass.

The audio systems are MP3 compatible and a Bluetooth* hands-free system is fitted as standard. Voice activation from the hands-free microphone allows users to make phone calls and operate the audio appliances.

Facing the New Legacy driver, the new instrument panel integrates clarity, functionality and a visual richness in keeping with the premium character of the new model. Four dials are ringed in aluminium and feature an additional liquid crystal display panel in the centre. The dials and the display are illuminated constantly, even in daytime, to improve visibility. The dials appear white with the ignition off and turn light blue with the ignition on. When the ignition is switched on, the gauge needles sweep to the maximum position and then quickly return to zero – heightening the excitement and anticipation of the journey to come. A glow indicator, sediment warning light and diesel particulate filter warning light are also added.

The new Multi-Information Display (MID) is positioned on the centre stack’s upper surface so that it can be viewed from all seats. The MID shows ambient temperature, fuel consumption information (instantaneous fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, driving range to empty), passenger seatbelt warning lights and a digital clock.

Major controls in the New Legacy are laid out to minimise both the intrusion into the driver’s line of sight and the time the driver’s hands are away from the steering wheel. Minor controls and switches are positioned to optimise ease-of-use.

Equipment available as standard on the New Legacy includes: automatic operation of headlamps and windscreen wipers, front and rear electric windows (with auto up/down function on the driver’s door and keyless access.

The cabin of the New Legacy is longer, wider and taller than that of its predecessor, facilitating improvements in comfort and practicality. The interior also demonstrates lessons learned in Subaru’s latest ‘packaging innovation’ research programme.

Larger seats are fitted to make best-use of the increased space around each occupant. The space between the front seats has increased by 30 mm and the between the front and rear seats is increased by 62 mm.

Larger rear doors result in improved access to the rear seats, and detailed attention to the window shapes and pillar layouts ensures a greater feeling of ‘openness’ for the rear seat occupants in the New Legacy.

While the width and height of the luggage bay were increased, the depth of the lip between the rear bumper and cargo area was reduced slightly to ensure it is easier for users to load and unload heavy items when lifting them into the interior. In the Tourer, the tailgate, which is 33mm wider and 45mm taller than before for easier access, features an electromagnetic switch for easy opening with a light touch, aided by twin supporting gas struts.

The new front seats have concave backrests to provide extra knee space for rear seat occupants. The rear seat features a folding centre armrest with twin cup holders, in the Tourer, the backrests can be reclined for greater comfort during long journeys and remote one-touch mechanism conveniently located in the cargo bay side panel enables the backrests to be folded flat in one simple operation from the rear tailgate when loading long items.

A larger glovebox will accept 31 CDs, while the new double-decker centre console, which can accommodate 22 CDs, incorporates a 12V power supply and AUX audio input socket.

Two cup-holders are provided alongside the centre console, while a 500 ml plastic bottle can be stored in all door pockets. A 50 mm thick box of tissues can also be accommodated in the front door pockets. A central overhead console is provided for storage of sunglasses and small items.

Standard transmission for New Legacy is a new manual six-speed unit. This compact transmission is the same length as the previous five-speed unit and weighs just five kg more.

Improvements featured in the new transmission include a cable-type linkage and a carbon synchronizer for the first and second ratios, constantly-engaged synchromesh for reverse gear, to improve the shift feel and optimised lubrication paths for reduced friction losses. The broader ratio coverage provide by the six-speed unit delivers better fuel economy, plus improved drivability and quietness at higher speeds.

Following the strong tradition of the ‘Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept’, engineers devised and developed the chassis and running gear for the New Legacy to feature many new and updated components. Their aim was to create a new Subaru that was exceptionally comfortable and safe to drive for long periods, and over many years of ownership, while also guaranteeing good drivability, high performance and genuine motoring pleasure.

To reduce noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH), and to enhance ride comfort, the engine mounting structure has been entirely renewed, for the first time since the Subaru 1000 model of 1966. An all-new ‘Cradle Mount System’ was adopted where the engine and transmission are mounted on a sub-frame – rather than directly to the bodyshell. This system brings numerous benefits.

The sub-frame is attached to the bodyshell using rubber bushes, especially tuned to dampen different frequencies of vibrations generated by the engine, transmission and suspension. For example, the main cushion rubber uses a liquid-filled type of bush, and the engine is supported on the subframe at four widely-spread points.

In addition, the front suspension and the power steering are mounted on the sub-frame, so that potential vibrations from the road surface are not easily transferred to the bodyshell or the car’s occupants – improving ride comfort and refinement.

New front and rear suspensions

For the New Legacy, Subaru has adopted a revised MacPherson strut front suspension, with the lower arm mounted on the sub-frame for greater stability. Steering response is enhanced, and quietness is increased by reducing vibrations. The thickness of the stabiliser (anti-roll) bar is increased, improving roll stiffness without requiring a change to the main spring rates. Road-holding during cornering is enhanced (thanks in part to a wider track), while smooth ride comfort is retained with extended wheel travel and optimised geometry.

At the rear, new ‘short height’ compact double-wishbone suspension is used to minimise intrusion into the cabin or cargo space. For maximum refinement, all the suspension links and the rear differential are installed on a new sub-frame. Large bushes are used between the sub-frame and the bodyshell to minimise transfer of NVH.

To achieve an ideal ride/handling balance, new low-friction type dampers are fitted front and rear. These dampers are tuned exclusively to match the characteristics of the New Legacy model’s standard 16-inch wheels and tyres, ensuring a sense of ‘solidity and stability’ in fast driving, without loss of smoothness.

Electric power steering for improved fuel economy

In order to improve both steering feel and fuel economy, a new rack-and-pinion steering system with electric power assistance has been adopted. The system is mounted on the front cradle frame at four points, which increases rigidity of the steering system, and enhances its initial response to driver inputs.

New electronic parking brake and hill-hold function

The all-disc braking system, with ABS and EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution) as standard, has a linear feel with retardation corresponding closely to applied brake pedal pressure. A redesigned master cylinder gives a 30% faster response to driver inputs on the brake pedal.

Brake Assist is also standard, developing maximum stopping power automatically when the system detects emergency application of the brakes.

For the New Legacy, an innovative electronic parking brake is used. Controlled by a dashboard mounted switch, the new system does away with the traditional hand brake, freeing up cabin space and allowing a cleaner, less cluttered centre console design. If the doors are closed and the driver’s seatbelt is fastened then the parking brake will automatically release when the driver operates the accelerator pedal.

The new braking system also introduces a ‘Hill-Hold’ function. When the vehicle is stopped on a slope of 5% or more this feature will hold the vehicle on the brakes for one second after the driver removes their foot from the clutch – long enough to move it to the accelerator without rolling back; a feature that is particularly useful when towing.

Wheels and Tyres

The standard wheel and tyre combination for the New Legacy is a 16-inch alloy wheel with 205/60 R16 tyre. A conventional ‘spare wheel’ is not fitted, instead an easy–to-use puncture repair kit is supplied as part of Subaru’s vehicle weight reduction programme.

As well as ‘new-look’ styling, larger dimensions and new suspension, the New Legacy has a completely reviewed and re-engineered bodyshell. The all-steel unitary structure is refined to enhance ride, handling and refinement, while also delivering the highest level of crash safety performance. The New Legacy was recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, confirming that Subaru’s structural and safety engineers have achieved their targets for this new model.

Newly developed, the bodyshell is both lighter and stiffer, featuring ring-shaped reinforcement frames – ‘circular links’ – joining the A, B, C (and D-pillars, on the Tourer), with cross members at roof and floor level. This creates a series of ‘circular links’ which strongly protects the cabin occupants. Ultra-high-strength steel plate (980 Mpa level) is used at key portions of the bodyshell to achieve strength without adding significantly to overall weight.

By fully exploiting the structural characteristics of the newly adopted sub-frame mounting system, the front body structure is redesigned to improve the rigidity of the front suspension installation and to enhance impact resistance as well as steering response. These improvements, and reinforcement of the engine bay bulkhead and toe board areas, were accomplished while also saving 6 kg from the front body panels.

The rear floor structure has also been optimised to accommodate the new sub-frame and to reduce weight while increasing rigidity, further improving rear suspension characteristics and vehicle drivability.

Delivering ‘5-Star’ crash safety protection

Using the advanced ring-shaped reinforcements throughout the New Legacy bodyshell enhances collision safety and resistance to impacts from all directions. In addition, the newly adopted ‘cradle mount’ sub-frame mounting system contributes to an enlarged front-end crush zone, further improving occupant protection and the Euro NCAP test performance.

During a front-end collision, the new front ‘cradle mount’ sub-frame deforms in a controlled manner and pushes the power unit downwards to the rear. As a result, the rearward movement of such a large mass dissipates impact energy and assists the efficient absorption of collision energy by the main body structure.

To enhance side-impact protection, ultra-high-strength steel plate (980 Mpa level) is used for the B-pillar and side sill structures to improve the local cabin area rigidity. In addition, two door impact beams are placed within each front and rear door. By optimally positioning the beams in relation to the door’s internal structure, a sufficient crush space is ensured to minimise intrusion. Furthermore, a ‘door catcher’ is fitted to the bottom of the rear door to prevent it intruding into the cabin.

Despite the relatively short rear overhang, the New Legacy’s structure is optimised so that rear impact energy is efficiently absorbed by controlled and gradual crushing of the rear sub-frames.

To minimise repair costs after a low-speed frontal collision, new impact-absorbing crash boxes are provided behind the front bumper. Impacts of approximately 14 Kph or less can be absorbed without affecting the main frame members. In addition, the crash boxes can be replaced separately, aiming at reducing repair costs, time and the amount of resources to be used. Each part of the radiator is attached by bolts, rather than welding, thus making parts replacement during repairing easier, quicker and cheaper.

To achieve the same goal at the rear, a new bumper beam with an impact absorption feature has been adopted.

‘Passive’ safety advances that also benefit pedestrians

While a robust structure can form the foundation for a truly safe car, Subaru has also ensured that the New Legacy is comprehensively kitted out with a full range of both ‘passive’ and ‘active’ safety equipment – as the best way to prevent occupant injury is to overcome the hazards of daily motoring and avoid any accident in the first place.

The new front seats have significantly-increased frame and inner-structure stiffness to provide protection against whiplash injuries. New-design, energy-absorbing head restraints offer greater protection by reducing head impact forces.

Front dual, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard on all models. The side and curtain airbags are enlarged for enhanced performance, and the airbag impact sensors have been upgraded to improve responses.

To protect the driver’s knee and lower leg, the steering column’s structure has been redesigned with an impact-absorption space, and a knee protector is fitted. All the foot pedals have a collapsible function (above a pre-set g-force) to reduce the likelihood of foot injuries.

The issue of pedestrian protection has also been addressed. New, impact-absorbing materials and an optimised structure around the front bumper have been designed to exceed the European next-generation pedestrian protection standards, which are the most stringent in the world.

Although steel is used for the hood (to maximise protection of the car’s occupants), the impact-absorbing space beneath the hood and above the low boxer engine is enlarged, and the structure is improved around the body cowl to reduce possible injury to a pedestrian.

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Subaru’s all-new Outback – the latest version of which has just gone on sale in the UK – has been named Sport Utility Of The Year by leading American motoring magazine, Motor Trend. The accolade is particularly noteworthy as the USA is the world’s largest market for sales of SUVs.

An expert panel of 11 road testers were involved in the judging, and the magazine praised the Outback for being ‘spacious, tough, thoroughly modern, and exceedingly capable’. The pioneering crossover saw off some extremely stiff competition from the likes of the Volvo XC60, Audi’s Q5, the Lexus RX450h and Mercedes-Benz’s GLK350. When the final votes were tallied, the Outback won by a decisive 10 to one.

It’s the second time in two years that the Japanese firm has taken top spot in Motor Trend’s SUV shakedown. Last year, the 2009 Subaru Forester went home with the coveted ‘Golden Calipers’ trophy.

The publication praised the Outback for ‘successfully reshaping the very definition of ‘sport utility vehicle’ – melding the multi-mission prowess of true SUVs with the driving refinement, fuel-frugality, and easy access of wagons and sedans’.

Launched in Europe in 1996, the Outback pioneered the ‘Crossover’ concept, combining the comfort, interior space and superior on-road handling of a family estate, with the off-road capability and ground clearance of a sports utility vehicle. This special blend of abilities has now been further refined.

The new, fourth-generation Outback is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces. It is also more capable and more engaging to drive on- and off-road, and offers increased space and comfort for all passengers.

On sale in Subaru showrooms now, UK buyers are offered five different flavours of Outback, starting with the £26,295 2.0-litre diesel SE and 2.5i SE petrol models. The top-of-the-range 3.6-litre R costs £33,295.

The 1,998cc diesel, which has a six-speed manual gearbox, produces 150ps and 350Nm. The 2.5-litre petrol unit, with its standard ‘Lineartronic’ automatic transmission, develops 167ps and 229Nm, and the 3.6-litre five-speed automatic R offers a mighty 260ps and 350Nm.

Lineartronic is Subaru’s all-new, in-house-developed fully automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT)-type transmission. Offered to buyers of the 2.5i, the unit enables the engine to operate at the most efficient part of its rev-range – resulting in strong, linear, seamless acceleration and maximised fuel economy.

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Later this month Subaru will reveal its Hybrid Tourer Concept, a design and technological showcase that demonstrates an innovative approach towards environmental friendliness, luxury, driving performance and safety.

The concept, which receives its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, features key elements of the company’s renowned technological ‘DNA’, notably a horizontally-opposed engine – in this instance the world’s first ‘boxer’ hybrid powerplant – and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD). It marries these with an opulent and spacious cabin accessed through elongated gullwing-style doors, and an eye-catching, finely sculpted body.

Striking style

The absence of B-pillars gives a heightened sense of light and space in the cabin, providing occupants with an unobstructed view of the outside world. The swept-back panoramic windscreen and a height-adjustable dashboard afford the driver a similarly unhindered vantage point.

At the front, a bold grille featuring Subaru’s now-trademark ‘wing’ motif sits in between a pair of modern headlights. However, it is in the side profile that Subaru’s evolving design language is best appreciated. The rakish, up-swept belt-line leads from the nose backwards to the chunky C-pillars, creating an air of purposefulness and understated aggression. Large 14-spoke alloy wheels fill the subtly flared arches.

Vitally important on any grand touring car is a refined and relaxing interior space and the Subaru Hybrid delivers exactly that. With ample room for four, occupants are cosseted in a stress-free, open environment. Even in the back, despite utilising an AWD system, the engineers still managed to create a flat floor, so rearmost occupants will enjoy an extremely comfortable journey.

‘Boxer’ hybrid revolution

The innovative hybrid system uses Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed, direct-injection, turbocharged petrol ‘Boxer’ engine, allied to two electric motors – Subaru remains the only company to mate this engine layout to a hybrid drivetrain. The electric motors are powered by lithium-ion batteries – a 10kW item at the front and a 20kW unit at the rear.

In normal driving conditions the direct-injection petrol engine is used, but at lower speeds and start-up, the rear electric motor drives the car. The forward electric unit, which is mainly used as a power generator, kicks in to assist performance and efficiency while tackling inclines. Subaru’s in-house designed Lineartronic automatic transmission is featured, further boosting fuel efficiency and driving performance.

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK, said: ‘The Hybrid Tourer Concept perfectly demonstrates our commitment to environmentally-friendly innovation. This vehicle shows that our engineers are capable of developing something which is both technically advanced and stylistically enthralling, hinting at our future design direction.’

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This year marks the 20th anniversary of Subaru’s flagship Legacy Tourer, and to celebrate, the marque has launched an all-new, fifth-generation version of its charismatic estate car. On sale from 1 October, the Legacy Tourer features a bold new look, increased space and comfort for all occupants, improved dynamics and refinement, and enhanced safety.

Every Legacy Tourer offers the combination of Horizontally-Opposed ‘Boxer’ engine – in diesel or petrol guise – and Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel-Drive). This well-proven set-up, further refined by Subaru’s engineers for the fifth-generation car, has made successive generations of Legacy Tourer the preferred choice for motorists seeking a practical family car that delivers rewarding yet secure handling in all weather conditions.

The 2010 Legacy Tourer exudes on-road presence thanks to a bold front-end design and an increase in overall dimensions: the car is wider (by 50mm), taller (by 65mm) and longer (by 55mm).

The new grille (complete with ‘wing motif’) flanked by elongated headlights is both modern and instantly recognisable as a Subaru. Prominent wheel-arches hint at the impressive power running through the Symmetrical AWD system, while the strong belt line and a chrome-rimmed glass-house give the Legacy Tourer a premium feel.

The luxurious and spacious interior has been completely redesigned to give occupants more room and to improve comfort levels. For example, front headroom has risen by 21mm over the previous model, and legroom for rear-seat passengers increases by 99mm, aided by an 80mm increase in wheelbase.

Key to the Legacy’s sustained appeal over the years has been the practicality it offers buyers, and the latest incarnation is no different. Boasting a generous 526 litres of stowage capacity with the 60/40 split rear seats in place, the new model offers an additional 67 litres over its predecessor. Fold the rear pews flat, and a cavernous 1,677-litre cargo hold is created.

In a revised engine line-up, buyers will now be offered a choice of Subaru Boxer engines: either 2.0-litre diesel or 2.5-litre petrol. A six-speed manual unit comes as standard with the diesel, while the petrol benefits from the new in-house developed ‘Lineartronic’ automatic transmission.

This all-new ‘next generation’ transmission system is mounted longitudinally behind the boxer engine, ‘Lineartronic’ is a fully automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT)-type unit that enables the engine to operate continuously at the most efficient part of its rev-range – resulting in strong, linear, seamless acceleration and maximised fuel economy.

On the road, the New Legacy Tourer offers competitive performance and economy. Top speed for the diesel-powered model – expected to be the most popular choice for private and business motorists – is 120mph, with a 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds. Fuel economy is an outstanding 46.3mpg (combined cycle) and its CO2 emissions figure is 161g/km.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit generates a maximum output of 167ps and torque of 229Nm at 4,000rpm. By adopting the i-Active Valve Lift System (i-AVLS), combined with the new Lineartronic automatic transmission, top speed for the automatic model is 120mph with a 0-62mph time of 10.3 seconds.

Subaru has adopted a revised MacPherson strut front suspension design, with the lower arm mounted on the sub-frame for greater stability and refinement. The thickness of the stabiliser (anti-roll) bar has also been increased, improving roll resistance and offering even greater agility.

Underneath the ‘new-look’ styling, the New Legacy Tourer has a completely re-engineered all-steel unitary structure that delivers the highest crash safety performance. The vehicle was recently awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.

‘The fifth-generation Legacy Tourer is a flagship model and a new technical benchmark for Subaru,’ explains Paul Tunnicliffe, Subaru’s UK Managing Director. ‘Our vehicles are designed to be different from other cars, and the new Legacy has been conceived to take on premium-brand rivals with a unique blend of attributes. Its arrival marks the latest stage in the resurgence of the Subaru brand in the UK, and it is a very fitting way of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first Legacy.’

Legacy’s loyal customer base of over 3.6 million buyers worldwide has come to expect high levels of standard specification, and the latest version will not disappoint. Standard on all derivatives are alloy wheels, tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated front seats, six CD tuner with RDS and six speakers, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic activation for wipers and headlights.

Prices start at £23,295 for the 2.0D S, and range up to £27,295 for the 2.5i SE NavPlus Lineartronic. The five-strong range of New Legacy Tourer models is on sale in Subaru’s 75 UK dealers from 1 October.

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This is Subaru’s Hybrid Tourer Concept, set to be unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo motor show later this month.

Is Subaru’s Hybrid Tourer Concept a hybrid concept car that’s supposed to be a grand tourer?
Got it in one, as the unadventurous name gives the game away. Inside there a four big leather-covered seats and a flat floor, and there’s easy access via the huge gullwing doors. The dashboard also moves up and down to provide a better environment for the driver, and the Hybrid Tourer Concept also has Subaru’s Eyesight+ driving assist system, which includes collision detection cameras that recognize pedestrians and cyclists

Under the Legacy-inspired nose is a next-gen direct-injection, turbocharged 2.0-litre horizontally opposed engine, linked to a CVT ‘box and Subaru’s AWD system. And to help the all-wheel drive set-up there’s also a 10kW electric motor at the front, and a 20kW motor at the rear. At low speeds and when starting the rear motor alone is used to power the car. During normal driving conditions the petrol engine is primarily used, and then the rear motor helps under acceleration. The front motor is only used when accelerating uphill. The electric power is provided from lithium-ion batteries, which are charged using regenerative braking. There’s also a stop/start system.

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Having already earned its stripes in Legacy, Outback and Forester, Subaru’s widely-acclaimed 150 PS Boxer Diesel engine is now available in the stylish Impreza, offering the perfect complement to the model’s supreme five-door practicality. The sporty, yet sophisticated, Impreza 2.0D offers customers a unique take on the small family car, combining spacious, hatchback flexibility and diesel frugality with the superb, confidence-inspiring grip delivered by Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel drive system.

The newcomer clocks up a refreshing 47.9mpg on the combined cycle to give a potential range of 670 miles on a full tank. In true Impreza tradition it’s no slouch, capable of hustling from 0 to 62 mph in a distinctly crisp 9.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 127 mph.

The Boxer engine layout – very much a Subaru speciality – comes with all the benefits typical of its kind. Its compact size means that it sits low-down in the chassis to give every Impreza an ultra-low centre of gravity for outstanding handling, great grip, reduced body roll and agile steering. The horizontally opposed cylinder layout ensures class-leading noise, vibration and harshness and a smooth response that should maintain Subaru’s established reputation as a manufacturer of engines that last for years.

But beyond its exceptional refinement this punchy turbodiesel offers excellent flexibility and good throttle response, delivering a massive 350 Nm (258 lb ft) of peak torque between 1800 and 2400 rpm. Ably assisted by the carefully selected ratios of the six-speed manual gearbox, effortless performance in everyday driving conditions comes as standard.

Teaming the front strut/rear multi-link chassis with the sure-footedness of Subaru’s permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive makes for a winning combination. Backed up by Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system, it means owners can drive safely in the knowledge that their Impreza will instantly divert power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip – it providing the security and reassurance of active safety at all times, whatever the road conditions.

What makes the Impreza Boxer Diesel driving experience all the more satisfying is the host of luxuries that come as standard, such as climate control air conditioning, Xenon headlamps complete with pop-up washers, four power windows, 6CD autochanger, front foglamps, heated front seats and cruise control. The large door mirrors, which can be folded in at the touch of a button, are electrically heated and adjustable.

The Impreza 2.0D comes in a choice of two grades, RC and RX. The former comes with all the equipment described above yet is still priced at a competitive £20,000 on the road. Step up to the RX at £22,255 and gain keyless smart entry, an electric sunroof, rear privacy glass, full leather trim and electric adjustment of the driver’s seat.

Spacious and practical
Like its petrol-engined siblings, the diesel Impreza is an altogether more practical proposition than its predecessor, designed with the express aim of appealing to a wider audience. All models share the same spacious five-door body, wider than the previous Sport Wagon and with a 95mm longer wheelbase for a comfortable and accommodating interior. It’s also a lighter car with a lower drag co-efficient to aid fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

The Impreza’s styling is a subtle blend of elegance and assertiveness, with a sporty stance created by the wide track, broad shoulder lines, side sill spoilers and stylish side body creases. The distinctive ‘hawk-like’ headlamp surrounds, overt bonnet scoop and short rear overhang give it a distinct personality, while 17 inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Beyond its stunning looks is a car that is easy to live with and easy to use. Wide-opening doors and excellent headroom ensure effortless access to the cabin, and once inside, the driver has the benefit of a reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel, plus a height-adjustable seat to create the ideal driving position.

The light and airy cabin provides great visibility, while the cargo area has been designed to make the most of all the available space – helped in no small part by the compact multi-link rear suspension. It delivers the flexibility to fold in a pushchair, swallow the contents of the weekly shop or load up the family’s luggage for that long trip away. An electronic one-touch tailgate release makes the process that little bit easier.

On those cold winter mornings the standard equipment windscreen wiper de-icers and heated front seats will rapidly get you underway in comfort.

In-car sounds are delivered by a 6CD autochanger/radio with full MP3 and WMA playback via a high fidelity 10-speaker set up. And for those who prefer to listen to their favourite sounds on their portable MP3 player, there’s a handy aux-in socket located in the centre storage box for playback through the car’s speakers.

The RX model has the convenience of keyless access which simply requires a smart key to be kept in a handbag or pocket and a button to be pressed on either of the front doors to gain access. Once behind the wheel, the engine is fired up using a push button on the instrument panel.

All models come with a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

Other premium touches on both models include a gas strut-assisted bonnet, LED (light-emitting diode) tail lamps, metallic interior decoration and leather trimmed steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake lever. Design cues for the interior call upon the multi-million pound investments Subaru has made in improving interior quality, as seen first in the Subaru Tribeca.

Clear, highly legible main instruments are illuminated with ambient blue lighting for improved visibility and surrounded by chrome plated bezels. Switching on the ignition prompts the instrument needles to sweep satisfyingly around their dials before returning to their rest position.

Outside temperature, fuel consumption and a digital clock are displayed at the top of the centre panel which falls easily within the driver’s line of sight. Beneath it is the audio system with its ergonomically-designed buttons, backed up by steering wheel mounted controls.

Climate control air conditioning also comes as standard, with simple to use dial controls for fan speed, temperature selection and distribution.

All four doors have useful storage bins, large enough to hold a 720 ml drinks bottle, while the glovebox with its damped lid and LED lighting is able to swallow 12 CDs. On the centre console there’s a useful storage tray complete with blue illumination, two cupholders and a large storage box/centre armrest. The latter contains the audio aux-in socket plus a 12V electrical socket.
THE BOXER DIESEL ENGINE IN DETAIL

* Exceptionally compact, light and strong
* Low friction ‘Boxer’ balance cancels out vibration
* Flat four’s low centre-of-gravity boosts handling agility
* Punchy throttle response
* Common-rail fuel-injection for greater efficiency
* Compact injector design reduces engine width
* Variable geometry turbocharger mounted beneath engine for low centre-of-gravity
* Highly efficient, fast warm-up catalytic converter also mounted beneath engine

Subaru has over 40 years of experience with the horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engine layout – indeed Boxer petrol engines powered the company to three Drivers’ and three Manufacturers’ World Rally Championships – and, not surprisingly, that experience has been brought to bear in producing this first diesel unit.

This approach has allowed Subaru’s engineers to create a light, compact unit which provides all the strength necessary for the added stresses of diesel combustion, while reducing vibration, noise and internal friction compared to an in-line engine. There’s also the added advantage of a low centre-of gravity. A liquid-filled engine mounting system ensures even less vibration and better handling performance.

Superior balance
The flat-four layout with its horizontally-opposed pistons effectively cancels out the second harmonic vibration (vibration at double the frequency of the engine speed) which means there is no need for balancer shafts, which in turn drastically reduces inertia and friction. A lively throttle response and good fuel economy are the result. Furthermore, a compact crankshaft sandwiched by the highly rigid cylinder blocks helps minimise vibrational noise.

Even more compact
Compared to Subaru’s 2.0 litre petrol engine, the Boxer Diesel has an 11 mm longer stroke and 6 mm smaller bore for a capacity of 1,998 cc versus 1,994 cc. Cylinder bore spacing is also reduced in comparison – 98.4 mm, down from 113 mm – which means the engine block length is only 353.5 mm compared to the petrol engine’s already compact 414.8 mm.

The good rigidity has allowed the blocks to be constructed from aluminium alloy for reduced weight. The block design uses the semi-closed deck type that has proven its durability in the turbocharged petrol engine, while all five main bearings use metal composite supports for superior refinement thanks to their higher rigidity and thermal expansion properties similar to that of the crankshaft.

The crankshaft has a special surface treatment to withstand the diesel engine’s high combustion pressures while the uprated cylinder heads have roller rocker arms. In addition, the cam-drive is via a chain system that better handles the variations in torque of a diesel engine.

Advanced fuel-injection and turbocharger
The new Boxer Diesel uses an advanced common-rail fuel-injection system with the fuel being pressurised at 180 MPa before being fed into the common rail. This maximises efficiency, both in terms of power, fuel consumption and emissions.

The variable nozzle turbocharger ensures the correct boost at all engine speeds and placing it beneath the engine contributes to the Impreza’s low centre of gravity, where it also connects directly to the catalytic converters, boosting environmental performance.

The Impreza Boxer Diesel meets Euro4 emission standards thanks to an oxidation catalytic converter, a particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation.

New six-speed manual gearbox
Like the Forester Boxer Diesel, the Impreza boasts a new six-speed manual gearbox. The wide spread of ratios ensures excellent flexibility across all driving conditions, strong acceleration and relaxed, high-speed cruising. Even at 70 mph the engine is running at just 2100 rpm.

A cable-type gear change gives a consistent feel while isolating transmission and engine vibration.

Outstanding ride comfort matched to Impreza agility
Imprezas have always boasted outstanding chassis dynamics thanks to their sophisticated All-Wheel drive system, long travel four-wheel independent suspension and the low centre of gravity Boxer engines.

Driving enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the latest generation continues that tradition with a completely new platform that features a 95 mm longer wheelbase, front and rear tracks widened by around 50 mm and a sophisticated multi-link, double wishbone rear suspension.

The new front MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar layout is based on that used by the highly-praised Legacy. Special bushes and attachment points reduce road shock, while the previous subframe has been substituted for a 20 kg lighter, yet equally rigid cross-member. The result is a high level of lateral rigidity, improving both steering response and cornering stability.

An economical electric power steering system has been selected for the Impreza Boxer Diesel, carefully tuned for strong feel and response which is further enhanced by the more rigid mounting common to all of the latest Imprezas.

The compact multi-link, double wishbone rear suspension replaces the previous struts, freeing up valuable luggage space. Furthermore, because it is attached to a sub-frame via bushes, with the mounting section moved under the floor, road noise is reduced. Ride comfort is helped by mounting the springs and shock absorbers behind the rear wheel centre-line – with the wheel stroke itself moving rearwards.

Naturally, shock absorbers, spring rates and anti-roll bar settings have all been finely tuned to the characteristics of the new diesel-engined models.

The result is a supple, composed ride with precise geometry control for accurate straight-line running over uneven road surfaces, backed up by extremely responsive steering and handling.

Stylish 17 inch alloy wheels on both RC and RX models are shod with 205/50 tyres.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive plus Vehicle Dynamics Control
Unlike its competitors, the Impreza boasts permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, so owners have the security and reassurance of active safety at all times.

Front to rear torque split in the full-time system is nominally 50:50, but the centre viscous-coupling senses which axle has the best grip and varies this ratio instantaneously according to the road conditions.

The security provided by All-Wheel drive is backed up by Subaru’s electronic stability system, Vehicle Dynamics Control. Using sophisticated sensors to detect side to side and front to rear slip, plus sudden steering movements, VDC controls oversteer and understeer and potential loss of control by braking individual wheels and regulating engine power in milliseconds.

Passenger and pedestrian safety boost
The Impreza Boxer Diesel’s raft of safety measures are aimed at achieving the highest standards of both occupant and pedestrian protection.

Curtain and side airbags as well as driver and passenger front airbags are part of the standard specification, as are front seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Brake and clutch pedals are designed to snap away under severe impact, protecting the driver’s lower limbs. Two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings are provided on the rear seats complete with top tether anchors.

Impreza’s active safety package includes 4-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist, with discs all round, ventilated at the front.

On the outside, the risk of pedestrian injury is reduced thanks to a more rounded contour to the top of the front bumper, a gently curved bonnet with increased space beneath and windscreen wipers which collapse, softening any impact.

High tensile steel of varying thickness is used extensively throughout the body, providing good crushability where needed while protecting the passenger area. The engine and transmission are designed to drop down beneath the floor thereby minimising cabin intrusion in the event of a severe front-end impact.

Key features that take the Impreza to new levels of impact safety include enhanced rear absorption characteristics and a rear frame height that’s been optimised for the average height of the frontal crush structure of other vehicles, more effectively dispersing energy throughout the body. The side frame is designed to ensure both front and rear doors can be opened after a collision, while the door handle and latch are connected with a cable to retain their functionality.

Warranty, servicing and insurance
All Imprezas marketed by Subaru (UK) Limited come with the reassurance of a three year or 60,000 mile warranty plus 12 year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty, backed up by a network of experienced, down to earth and approachable dealers.

This is in addition to three years’ membership of Subaru Assistance – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout the UK and Europe administered by Mondial Assistance.

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