Performance - What's NEW on the 2012 Impreza

You would not buy a house based just on curbside appeal, would you? The 2012 Impreza is more than just a pretty face. A new vehicle is the second most expensive purchase that most Americans make, and you want the most for your money. The 2012 Subaru Impreza trades in the 2.5-liter engine for a more practical 2.0-liter DOHC FB20 engine. However, the smaller engine size does not sacrifice speed or handling.


Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices soaring every year we all want to save money at the pump. The new 148-HP 2.0-liter Boxer engine delivers an astounding 36 MPG out of the box with an automatic transmission. Coupled with a continuous variable transmission (CVT), the standard AWD Impreza manages to squeeze an additional 10 MPG (a 30% increase) over its predecessor. Say goodbye to the gas station. The 2012 Impreza goes an astounding 520 miles between fill ups.

Subaru Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Subaru first introduced its Lineartronic CVT in the 2010 Legacy and Outback models, and now the 2012 Impreza debuts a lighter, quieter and more compact version that delivers both enhanced driving performance and environmental friendliness. Unlike a conventional Automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios with no discernible steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. Compared to CVT's used in other brands, the Impreza CVT provides wider ratio coverage, due to a larger difference between the largest and small pulley diameters.

Subaru refined the CVT in the 2012 Impreza to deliver smooth, linear acceleration, closer to a conventional automatic transmission while still delivering the efficiency benefits of a CVT. Low speed acceleration in particular feels even stronger than a comparison of performance figures alone might suggest. The engine now also supports standing-starts in the pre-selected "second gear" ratio to reduce the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.


Fuel Economy & Speed

When you think of a smaller engine, you picture greater fuel economy, but reduced power. While the 2012 Impreza set a record for greatest fuel economy in an AWD vehicle, it does not sacrifice power. The 2012 Subaru Impreza actually gets better gas mileage than many more expensive 2WD competitors. The new CVT transmission and engine boasts a 0 to 60 time in 9.8 seconds, an astounding 0.3 second improvement over the larger, 170-hp Boxer engine in earlier Impreza models. How does a smaller engine equal a faster car? Subaru engineers cut 110 pounds from the Impreza, primarily from the smaller engine size, to 2,911 pounds. An optional trip computer also tells you exactly how well your car is performing with the following features:

	The multi-function trip computer is positioned at the top center of the instrument panel. The 4.3-inch LCD screen, it includes: Digital clock Ambient temperature Fuel economy Distance to empty Average speed Journey time
The speedometer, ECO gauge and tachometer are backlit, easy-to-read analog gauges with large black numerals and red needles set against a white background. Indicator lights provide the driver with important vehicle information. The LCD display includes: Gear position indicator Sport mode indicator Upshift indicator Downshift indicator (CVT models only) Cruise control and cruise set indicator Dual trip meter Odometer Fuel gauge (to display the fuel level with the ignition off, press the trip meter reset knob) Fuel filler door location

 

Refined Styling

While the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a new car is what is under the hood and its standard safety features, the Subaru Impreza does not disappoint with interior styling. The interior is completely remodeled with upscale, aesthetically pleasing features. Everything from voice control to better legroom; the 2012 Impreza interior will not disappoint even the most demanding drivers.

	Impreza features modern, premium-quality seating for five. Rear seat allows for three passengers with a 60/40-split flat-folding seat backs.They can be folded down on both 4-Door and 5-Door models to increase cargo capacity. And optional front seat dual-stage heaters add warmth on a cold day. Leather seating is available on all Limited models.
	The Impreza center console includes many convenient features, e.g. 12-volt power outlets, dual cup holders, controls for heated seats (if equipped), front storage tray, covered storage box (rear console) to securely stow CDs, electronic equipment, etc., auxiliary input jack and USB port inside storage box. The only thing you have to decide is where to go!

2012 Impreza Interior Styling Highlights - NEW

• 1-inch longer wheelbase for greater interior room - up to 8-inches more shoulder room and 2-inches more rear leg room
• By repositioning the power window regulator and other door hardware, both shoulder room and elbow room have been increased within the same width vehicle
• The base of the A-pillars was moved 7.9-inches forward, making the passenger compartment seem even more spacious
• Both the trunk (4-door) and cargo area (5-door) are larger:
  - 12.0 cu. ft. maximum trunk space (4-door)
  - 22.4 cu. ft. cargo space behind the rear seat; 52.4 cu. ft. with rear seat folded (5-Door)
• New soft-touch materials are used throughout the passenger compartment, adding refinement and a premium feel to the interior
• New high-value convenience features are standard on all models:
  - Tilt/telescopic steering column
  - Auto-up and auto-down driver's windows with pinch protection
  - Windshield-washer low fluid warning light
  - Enhanced multifunction display with current/average mpg, distance to empty, average speed, journey time, clock and ambient temp gauge
  
  

• A-pillars are repositioned 7.0-inches forward, glass area is enlarged and overall interior dimensions are larger than the previous generation.
• Door panel trim is upholstered to match the seats
• Interior door handles feature a chrome accent (except 2.0i base)
• Steering wheel and transmission shifter is covered in black soft-grip urethane or black leather depending on model
  

Redesigned Exterior

When you think of the small car market, you often think of bland commuter cars. This is not the case for the 2012 Impreza. The 2012 Subaru Impreza adds sharp, sexy exterior lines that offer greater fuel economy due to aerodynamics as well as curb appeal. The hexagonal grill and hawk-eye headlights give the updated Impreza a smaller Subaru Legacy appeal, while the chrome grill is sure to turn heads.

Exterior Styling Highlights - NEW

• Sleek, new body reflects Subaru family design cues from the popular Legacy and Outback models
• Greater use of high-tension steel has resulted in a stronger, yet lighter body. Curb weight has been reduced by about 160 lbs. compared to the previous generation
• The new body design positions the windshield much farther forward, giving Impreza the appearance of a large vehicle, while improving outward visibility
• New partition windows on both the front and rear doors provide greater glass area for enhanced visibility
• 15-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers are fitted to Impreza 2.0i models
• 16-inch silver-finish alloy wheels are on the Impreza 2.0i Premium (17-inch silver finish alloy wheels are available as part of the Alloy Wheel Package)
• 17-inch silver-finish alloy wheels are standard on Impreza 2.0i Limited
• 17-inch gunmetal gray alloy wheels are fitted to all Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium and Impreza 2.0i Sport Limited models
• Monotone or two-town colors - Impreza 2.0i Sport models are available in either monotone or two-tone exterior color schemes, Ice Silver Metallic is a new monotone color. Obsidian Black Pearl/Dark Gray Metallic and Sage Green Metallic/Ice Silver Metallic are new two-tone colors
• Rocker panel spoilers - Rocker panel extensions add a sportier look to Impreza 2.0i Sport models
• Roof rails - Black roof rails make it easier to carry gear on top of the vehicle, freeing up more cargo room on the inside. Cross bars and a wide array of Genuine Subaru Accessories are available
• Fog lights - Fog lights are standard on Impreza 2.0i Sport models without the chrome trim rings found on Impreza 2.0i Limited models
• Silver- accent grille - The grille features silver accents replacing the chrome accents on Impreza 2.0i models

Entertainment

Let's face it, when you're on the road for any length of time the radio can get very boring. The 2012 Impreza boasts a stunning array of entertainment options that will leave you excited to go just about anywhere. Entertainment options include: Bluetooth phone and streaming music, 6.3-inch LCD media touch screen, HD radio, SMS texting ability, USB and auxiliary jacks, XM radio, voice controlled navigation and radio. Subaru is the first Japanese auto manufacturer to include HD radio, a free higher quality radio with more channels than traditional radio transponders. Voice controls handle everything from navigation to texting, which keeps your eyes on the road rather than fiddling with your phone or iPod. A feature welcomed by teen drivers and parents alike.

Convenience Features

	Have you ever been in a car that has heated seats and a power moon roof, but thought it was out of your price range? Think again. Heated seats are amazing during the winter, they work fast to keep your whole body warm when bone-chilling temperatures outside make you dread your morning commute. While the heated seats are great during the fall and winter, the power moon roof is a great feature during the spring and summer. Convertible like freedom, without the price tag makes the 2012 Impreza power moon roof an excellent feature for any driver.
	The right spoke includes three controls for managing the cruise control feature. The left spoke includes audio and Bluetooth controls (except 2.0i base and 2.0i Premium with TomTom Audio and Navigation System)

More Leg Room