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Subaru Impreza
Overview
Manufacturer	Fuji Heavy Industries
Production	1993–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door wagon
Layout	FF/AWD
Related	Saab 9-2X
Chronology
Predecessor	Subaru Legacy Subaru Justy

For the high-performance versions of the Impreza, see Subaru Impreza WRX and Subaru Impreza WRX STi

The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that was first introduced by Subaru in 1993. The Impreza was Subaru's entry into the small-car market segment in the Japanese, U.S., European and other world markets.

"Impreza" is a coined word, deriving from an originally Italian word, impresa, meaning a badge or motto. In Polish, "Impreza" also means to celebrate, or party.

First generation - "GC"

Introduced in November 1992, the Impreza was offered in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive versions and as a four-door sedan/saloon or five-door station wagon/estate. In late 1995, a two-door coupe was introduced. The Impreza, like all Subaru-built cars, was equipped with a flat engine, a distinguishing Subaru characteristic. Initial engine choices included 1.5L and 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines as well as the turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L engine. The basic turbocharged motor, the EJ20, produced from 240 to 280PS in Japanese market WRX trim depending on model and year. Outside Japan, the turbocharged model was initially rated at 211PS (208 hp) and known variously as the Turbo 2000, GT, GT Turbo, or WRX.

In 1994, Subaru introduced Subaru Tecnica International (STi) versions of the Impreza in the Japanese and European markets. These models were upgraded from the WRX in many categories, including blueprinted performance-tuned engines, transmissions, and suspensions. The STi versions of the Impreza were immensely successful in rallies and popular among street racers. The first STi models featured higher power ratings than the WRX, while later versions of both WRX and STi were rated at 280PS due to the Japanese manufacturers' informal agreements around power ratings. Its top speed was electronically limited at 250 km/h (155 mph) and it had a 0–100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. RA (race altered) versions of the WRX and STi were also available in the Japanese market. Targeted for race and rally, the RA versions featured reduced soundproofing, manual windows, no air conditioning, and added desirable features such as more robust engines, driver controlled center differentials, and shorter gearing.

Special editions of the Impreza were very common in Japan and Europe, many coinciding with a significant World Rally Championship victory. These editions included the Series McRae, 555, Catalunya, Terzo, RB5, P1, and 22B, the latter still considered by many to be the ultimate Impreza of all time with its wide arched rally style body.

In the same time Subaru made limited edition of Impreza Wagon called CasaBlanca. It was completed 1.5L engine and automatical transmission only. The Impreza received an external facelift for the 1997 model year, followed by an interior redesign in 1998.

North American markets never received a turbocharged version of the first generation Impreza. To cater to enthusiasts' demands, the 2.5RS performance model was introduced in 1998. A 2.5 L DOHC engine was fitted into the coupe body, with larger 16" gold five-spoke wheels. The 1999 model switched to the "Phase II" SOHC version of the same engine which featured a slightly higher peak torque and retained the same wheel design, but in silver. 2001 and 2002 2.5RS models became available in sedan form with more options and higher production numbers.

The Outback Sport model was introduced in 1995 as an updated L Sport Wagon. Subaru found success with this model and that of the larger Legacy-based Outback. It offered similar ride height changes, body colors and trim levels to the larger model.

Second generation - "GD"

Subaru introduced the so-called "New Age" Impreza to the world market in 2001. The second generation Impreza was intended to be larger, safer, stiffer, more refined, and more responsive. For many enthusiasts, the changes in the new car made it less desirable because it was heavier and slower with less of a raw edge to it. The WRX Sedan had a 20mm wider track than its predecessor to aid handling, while the wagon remained the same. The coupe model was no longer available. The ovoid headlamp "bug-eyed" styling of the New Age Impreza was polarizing, but the improvements to the car brought greater mainstream acceptance.

In the United States, release of the basic 227 hp 2.0 L turbocharged Impreza, the WRX, did not occur until the 2002 model year, and the Impreza WRX STi was delayed until the 2004 model year; furthermore, the US version of the STi includes various departures from the Japanese and European counterparts (such as a turbocharged 2.5 L EJ25 engine in the US, rather than the twin-scroll turbo 2.0 L engine sold elsewhere). All 2006 American Imprezas use the 2.5 L EJ25 engine.

Some customers' and the press' negative reaction to the New Age Impreza's styling forced Subaru to facelift the car by 2003, with more conventional, squarer headlamps. All 2006 Imprezas, including the performance models, have been redesigned again with the controversial "jet intake and wings" grille first debuted on the Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV, along with new headlights, taillights, and bumpers. Opinion on this style is split, but is generally regarded as better applied on the Impreza than the Tribeca.

Models offered in Australia in 2005 included the GX (2.0 L engine, this model has become the baseline Impreza in Australia), RV (2.0 L engine, styled for active lifestyles), RS (2.5 L engine, sport model) along with the WRX and STi version thereof. The RX model has been abandoned in Australia, and its position in the Impreza line-up has been subsumed by the GX (which had formerly been a sparsely outfitted budget model).

In late 2005 a new range was released; including the entry-level 2.0i (formerly GX), RV, 2.0R (formerly RS), WRX and WRX STi models. The 2.0R changed from a 2.5 L engine to a slightly more powerful 2.0 L engine; while the turbocharged WRX changed from a 2.0 L engine to a 2.5 L engine. The automatic transmission was dropped from the WRX despite the popularity of the sports shift automatic in other Subarus such as the Outback. Side airbags were added as standard across the range.

Motorsports

The Impreza chassis rose to prominence in rally racing more effectively than Subaru's previous contenders. Prior to the introduction of the Impreza into WRC in 1993, Subaru had fielded its larger mid-size Legacy for rally purposes. However, as rally competition shifted toward smaller and lighter chassis, Subaru needed a smaller and faster car—a role in which the Impreza was immediately successful and in which the Impreza continues to compete effectively, albeit in more powerful versions than were initially introduced. To jumpstart its rally efforts, Subaru had initially teamed with Prodrive in 1989, a very successful partnership that has lasted to this day. Prodrive also provided input during the Impreza's development to help it become a better rally car.

After winning its first World Rally Championship event in the Legacy at Rally New Zealand, Ari Vatanen finished second in the debut rally of the new WRC Impreza. Carlos Sainz brought the Impreza its inaugural victory in the 1994 Acropolis Rally.

The Impreza brought Subaru three consecutive WRC titles (1995–7) and a driver's championship for Colin McRae in 1995, the late Richard Burns in 2001, and Petter Solberg in 2003. While its rivals have come and gone, Subaru and the Impreza have remained one of the only consistent contenders in WRC during the last 13 years.

Awards and Acknowledgments

The Impreza was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2000. Car and Driver Magazine named the North American market WRX to its prestigious 10-best list in 2002, with a follow-up performance in 2003.

Derivations

Subaru used the Impreza chassis for the mechanical underpinnings of the Forester, a small SUV designed to compete in the segment comprising the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape; also, as a result of GM's investment in Fuji Heavy Industries and ownership of Saab, the hatchback—or Impreza Wagon—formed the basis of the Saab 9-2X released in 2004 (given the tongue-in-cheek moniker "Saabaru").

Gallery

• 1997 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
• 2005 Subaru Impreza Sport Wagon
• 2005 Subaru Impreza GX Sport UK in WR Blue

See also

• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - the Impreza's arch-rival.

External links

Official sites

• Subaru of Japan Web site
• Subaru Australia
• Origin of the name "Impreza"
• Subaru Impreza Wagon specs
• Subaru Impreza 22B (Japanese, Subaru STi website)

Clubs and forums

• Subaru Impreza RS Owners Club
• Scoobynet Subaru Impreza Forums
• Cars101 Subaru Technical Archives
• Club WRX
• Subaru Impreza FAQ covering classic models up to year 2000
• Subaru Impreza owners across the globe, advice, tips, news
• i-Club.com
• NASIOC North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club
• Impreza Drivers Club Norway
• Subaru Impreza specifications

• Subaru vehicles
• All wheel drive vehicles
• Front wheel drive vehicles
• Sedans