The New Subaru Impreza At The New York International Auto Show

Subaru has launched the all new 2012 Subaru Impreza, now in its fourth generation, at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. Featuring a bolder and more dynamic design, new engines and increased interior space.

For UK customers, a new 1.6 litre Boxer engine will be mated to either a five speed manual transmission or the second generation Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new Subaru Impreza comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard.

The exterior design of the Subaru Impreza portrays a bolder more confident design which expresses its sporty roots.

Driver visibility has been improved by using thinner A-pillars and partitioned front door side glass. The meeting place of the door trims and window also helps to improve visibility. The instrument panel is now lower and flatter, which provides a wider field of view as well as making the interior feel more spacious. To enhance rear visibility, the wing mirrors are now larger and have been relocated from the A-pillars to the doors.

A longer wheelbase and revised interior trim and scalloped style front seat backrest allow for more space for passengers and cargo space. Rear passengers gain around two inches of legroom. The 4 door hatchback sees increased luggage space and now comes with a completely flat load floor and 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded.

Subaru's VCT has been refined giving smoother, linear acceleration, similar to conventional automatic transmission with the efficiency benefits of a CVT, Higher spec models will feature CVT with a 6 speed manual with steering wheel paddle shifters.

Two Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems will be available for the new Subaru Impreza. Models that are equipped with the five speed manual, the Continuous AWD system used a viscous-coupling distributing power 50/50 front to rear, while any loss of grip sends more power to the opposite set.

Lineartronic CVT models feature the Active Torque Split AWD version that uses a continuously variable transfer clutch, actively controlling power distribution in response to driving conditions.

The new Subaru Impreza comes as standard with Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC) - a system which combines stability and traction control functions – while all models are equipped with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist safety system.