Subaru launches discreet Impreza
New model just as quick, not so obvious
Subaru is launching its discreet Impreza at Autosport this week (see link below for our earlier report). The WRX STI Spec.D uses the 2.5-litre flat-four in 277bhp tune for a 0-60mph of five seconds and a Vmax of 158mph -- the same performance as the standard UK spec Impreza.
Other changes include a new four-wheel drive system that uses limited slip differentials front rear, an improved gearshift and a cooling system for the intercooler -- the driver presses a button and the unit is sprayed with cold water.
You'd hardly notice the car on the road though. Subaru UK boss Peter Kinnaird said: "This car is aimed at people like me -- D stands for discreet, no bright blue paintwork, big rear spoiler or gold coloured wheels. It is for customers who want the performance of the 158mph WRX STI, but not the high profile looks."
This means it's got a small spoiler, no roof vane above the rear window, and an all black interior -- none of yer lairy blue trim here. It comes only in grey, and the wheels are silver rather than gold. It includes touch-screen satnav, an upgraded sound system, a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit and an iPod adaptor. You also get a year's membership of TrackStar and SmartNav and a one-month subscription to SafeSpeed.
The price will be £28,495 (the WRX STI Type-UK costs £26,995) on the road, and it goes on sale in March.
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Besides they have got the car as lairy as it gets - what other option did they have in marketing this car?
I have to admit though it is a pretty pointless excercise to make one with such a tiny spoiler although the colour and wheels look great. and it's not the preserve of wanabee boy racers. Most of the people i know with scoobies are mature drivers with great driving skill.
Also, why on earth would you want to pay £2K more for less kit. I will be swapping my 5dr scooby this year for the latest 2.5 STi and that has got a huge spoiler but minus the SatNav. It's there for a bl00dy good reason though. I think the original sccoobie looks the best, it's there to be seen, and why not!!!
If you have never driven one, give it a go, you'll love it!!!!
If you want discretion and understated agression of the highest order try an AUDI RS6.
Can't wait for the scribes at www.sniffpetrol.com to have a go at this one.
My biggest issue with the Impreza is how some people pronounce it. The TG crew seem to call it the 'IM-PRETZA'; may as well go the whole hog and call it the 'Impretzle'. A niggle, to be sure, but to me and everyone else I know its pronounced 'IM-PRAY-ZA'.
Oh, and it looks rather shite.
Ali out.
FestivAli said:
My biggest issue with the Impreza is how some people pronounce it. The TG crew seem to call it the 'IM-PRETZA'; may as well go the whole hog and call it the 'Impretzle'. A niggle, to be sure, but to me and everyone else I know its pronounced 'IM-PRAY-ZA'.
I thought it was called the 'Im-pretza' because that's how I've always heard it pronounced by rally drivers. Seems I've been pismronounciating it for years.
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