New-Look Impreza Now On Sale - Faster, Safer and More Economical

Faster, safer, more economical and with a striking restyle, Subaru’s new-look Impreza is now on sale, costing £19,995 on-the-road for the WRX saloon – down by £1,500, despite many safety and performance improvements.

The WRX 5-door is priced at £20,495 – a reduction of £1,500 – and the STi Type UK is now £24,995 compared to £27,495 for the previous Prodrive-Style version which it effectively replaces.

Initial production capacity is being devoted exclusively to the WRX and STi models which are available from late January 2003.

So successful was the run-out campaign on the old model that the introduction of WRX and STi models has been brought forward.

The new 2.0 litre GX Sport saloon and 5-door will not be available until spring 2003 when prices will be announced.

Boasting a totally different front-end, the new-look Impreza combines an aggressive presence with pedestrian-friendly safety features and improved aerodynamic efficiency.

However the surprise news is higher top speeds for all models combined with better fuel economy and lower emissions.

For example, the 265 PS Impreza WRX STi now has a 151.5 mph top speed (up by 3.5 mph) while the 2.0 litre GX Sport automatic gives 43.5 mph on the Extra Urban Cycle – an improvement of 5.8 mpg.

Exhaust emissions are down for all models meaning Benefit-In-Kind tax reductions for most company car drivers.

Despite enjoying a power and performance boost, owners of the new 225 PS WRX will find themselves in the 27 per cent tax band for 2003-2004. The previous model would have been in the 32 per cent band.