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Friday, March 29, 2024

Subaru unveils all-new Impreza

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Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of the Subaru brand in  Southeast Asia, drew first blood  in the automotive industry by taking the wraps off the new Impreza.

Launched during the Singapore Motorshow, the fifth-generation Impreza is the first Subaru variant that employs Subaru’s new global platform, which will be the mother DNA for future Subaru models. “With significant improvements to its overall vehicle performance, the new Subaru Global Platform is set to be a game changer for the Subaru brand. The enhancements to the new platform set a new benchmark in driving comfort, performance and safety, promising drivers an experience like no other. We are excited to be able to launch the Subaru Global Platform throughout our vehicle lineup in our markets in the near future,” says Glenn Tan, Executive Director, Tan Chong International Ltd., who lead the day’s festivities. 

 Opening salvo.  Glenn Tan, Executive Director of Tan Chong International Ltd., (second from right)  leads the unveiling of the Subaru Impreza.

This unified, single design platform concept will aid in the development of all future Subaru models and will strengthen the entire Subaru line up, as it allows for the brand to plan the main specifications of all vehicle types at one time, and offers the flexibility to adjust specifications and requirements of different models. In addition, a single design concept will allow the brand to produce platform components for multiple models in one production facility, rather than manufacturing them in different factories. These time and cost efficiencies will make Subaru products more competitive. 

The platform will continue to complement and enhance the basic foundation of Subaru’s technologies such as the Boxer Engine and All-Wheel Drive. In addition, the new platform is adaptable not only to gasoline engines but also to hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, electric cars, and other types of alternative power units, future-proofing the next generation of Subaru vehicles. 

The new platform will make possible a new type of driving experience, appealing directly to the senses and offering better traction, control and stability, all backed up by excellent performance and specifications.

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The car’s new platform proved to be  flexible even during aggressive driving.

The latest version of the Impreza has extended fender flares for a wider stance and sits low to the ground. The front end highlights Subaru’s signature C-shaped headlamp clusters and a massive hexagonal grille design. According to Takuji Dai, Corporate VP and Chairman of Product Development for Fuji Heavy Industries, revealed to the media that major improvements were made to the car’s structural rigidity and suspension system. “The new platform achieves a center of gravity that is 5mm lower than present models. The lower center of gravity offers outstanding hazard avoidance through sharper, more responsive steering which enhances the vehicle’s active safety capabilities,” he says. 

Playtime with the Impreza

A day after the launch, Motor Image provided the Philippine contingent with some downtime with the new Impreza. The organizers built a short course in Margaret Drive, approximately 20 minutes away from Sun Tec Plaza. They prepared a sedan and hatchback version of the Impreza, and held a comparison test against its popular rivals from Volkswagen, Mazda and Audi. The goal was for us to experience the Impreza’s overall performance by driving the car around three short courses and tested its acceleration, handling, braking and riding comfort. 

The Impreza took all the fast corners and straights all  in stride.

“The Subaru Global Platform complements Subaru’s core technologies, offering a new driving experience that is beyond comparison. This car was designed to enhance and elevate the Subaru driving experience, marking a new and significant chapter in the brand’s history and future,” adds Dai.

The Impreza’s we tested were equipped with 1600cc engines with an output of 114PS at 5,600rpms. Motor Image will offer for the domestic market the 153 PS 2.0 liter versions for both the four and five door hatchback versions.

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