Upgrades For 2005 Subaru Impreza Range
Published: 17th September 2004
Lower-Priced 2.0 GX
Offering even better value and boasting the same ‘boxer’ engine charm and symmetrical all-wheel roadholding as its bigger brothers is the ’05 Impreza 2.0 GX saloon and 5-door.
These ‘entry-level’ Imprezas now start at £14,500 and £15,150 OTR respectively - reductions of £450 and £300.
Impreza 2.0 GX improvements include new, larger diameter 7-spoke 16x6.5 ins alloy wheels with 205/50 tyres for extra grip. This is further enhanced by the fitment of a rear anti-roll bar.
Like all ’05 Imprezas, the 2.0 GX has a new, smaller diameter 3-spoke steering wheel and plusher, soft-touch cloth door trim which covers a larger area.
The aluminium-effect fascia centre section now swoops down in one cohesive panel, right from above the centre air-vents to the gearlever area.
The air-conditioning controls now comprise three diamond-cut round dials giving a quality look and action and there are two cup holders in the new centre console.
Minor equipment changes for the 2.0 GX include the deletion of side skirts and leather-covered steering wheel, while the saloon no longer has a boot spoiler.
’05 Impreza WRX STi Type-UK In Detail
Sure to appeal to enthusiasts, a driver’s control centre differential (DCCD) becomes standard on the WRX STi.
The DCCD is operated via a switch mounted next to the handbrake and allows the driver to manually select the torque distribution front to rear, reverting to automatic mode every time the ignition is turned off.
For example, he or she can choose between having a sharper cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running.
However, on the new 2005 Impreza WRX STi, the system is further upgraded by the fitment of a yaw-rate sensor and new front helical limited-slip differential.
The new front LSD is quicker-acting than the previous type and improves steering stability when cornering near the limit. It also improves the car’s steering behaviour on slippery surfaces with less side-to-side tug.
Meanwhile, the yaw rate sensor enhances the balance between straight-line stability and turn-in.
The car, of course, continues to employ Subaru’s much-admired symmetrical, full-time all-wheel drive system with a rear LSD.
Subaru Impreza
Our Subaru Impreza Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Impreza range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £12,995 - £26,595
Body Style:
Fuel:
Models in the range: 6
We have road tested the Subaru Impreza, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Subaru Impreza Review - Sep 2006
Subaru Impreza Review - Feb 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
