Subaru Impreza Sports Wagon Debuts

Subaru Impreza Sports Wagon Debuts

by -

For those who like the Subaru Impreza but don’t need the high-performance (there are such people…) and also prefer a more functional design now have another model to buy: the new Subaru Impreza 1.6 TS Sports Wagon AWD. Official launched today in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, by Motor Image Sdn Bhd, this variant has a unique bodystyle on the same platform as the successful rallycar.

As its name suggests, it is a wagon concept but with a sporty flair. Unlike the traditional stationwagons which Subaru offered in the past, the Impreza Sports Wagon has a rear end that is not so ‘boxy’ and utilitarian-looking. In fact, for those who are not into cars, it may even be mistaken for a Toyota Harrier (Lexus RX300) if seen at a glance from certain angles.

However, viewed head-on, it may be mistaken for the WRX although sharp-eyed observers and enthusiasts will spot the difference: the Sports Wagon has rectangular foglights at the bumper corners while the WRX Sedan has large round foglights in a more aggressive and thick bumper. Nevertheless, the visual cues from the rallycars are there.

Two engine sizes are available for the Sports Wagon and Motor Image has chosen the 1597 cc SOHC 16-valve version to make it more affordable. Indeed, with a price of RM132,217.50 (including insurance), it is within reach of younger buyers and certainly a tempting alternative to the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla, not to mention the Honda Civic. And the Subaru is a CBU (completely built-up) import built in Japan too. Throw in another RM6,500 and you can have leather upholstery, 6.5Jx15 alloy rims and an original roof spoiler.

Back to the engine: this is a typical Subaru engine with a horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder layout. Its power output is 73.5 kW/100 ps at 5200 rpm and 143 Nm at 3200 rpm. There are many advantages to the horizontally–opposed engine, among them a lower centre of gravity which enhances stability and handling.

Subaru (actually this is the product name and the manufacturer is Fuji Heavy Industries) has long been known as a 4WD specialist among the Japanese automakers. However, its 4WDs are not the SUV types but the roadgoing sedans and stationwagons. In countries with lots of ice and snow, like Canada and the USA, Subarus have been popular for many decades because of their effective 4WD system.

With the long experience, the company has developed a very efficient and effective All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system which it offers in most of its models. The sophistication of the AWD varies with the model but generally comprises three elements – a symmetrical powertrain layout, the horizontally-oppose engine and intelligent torque distribution to front and rear wheels. In the latest AWD system, which is used in the Sports Wagon, there is active torque-split between axles and enhanced variable torque distribution.

Manual and automatic transmissions are available but for the present, Motor Image says that it will be importing only the automatic. This is a 4-speed unit with electronic controls for smoother shifting and more efficient operation.

The 4-wheel independent suspension layout looks simple with MacPherson struts in front and dual link location behind. However, it is derived from the layout used in the rallycars so there is the promise of superior handling. A notable feature which is also from rallying experience is the long stroke.

There’s a comprehensive list of safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS and of course a laminated windscreen and reinforcement beams in all side doors. The body structure has a ring-shaped safety beam which increases rigidity and additional chassis reinforcements as well as a sub-frame increase the level of protection for the occupants in frontal collisions.

Inside, the layout is basically similar to the sedan’s with some very nice form-hugging seats. The dashboard looks like it’s been rally-inspired with a set of three meters set deeply in a shroud and a metallic centre section for the dashboard. An original Subaru audio system with a 6-CD changer and 6 speakers is standard.

Rear space is also good but what’s more important is the generous amount of cargo volume behind the rear seats. When more length is needed to carry long items, one or both the rear backrests can be folded down. Smaller items can also be stowed in a tray under the floor panel and a thoughtful feature is the umbrella receptacle behind the rear seats.

Driving impressions by Chips
Prior to the Motor Image public event to demonstrate the Impreza Sports Wagon at the AMCorp Mall, journalists were given an opportunity to drive the car briefly around the carpark. No, we were not restricted to trying its turning circle or parking ease but actually had a chance to experience the AWD advantage as well as ABS.

From the word go, it was clear that the short-stroke engine was a willing revver. It zipped from one end of the carpark to the other impressively, the needle sweeping smoothly across the arc of the tachometer. At the end was a turn marked by cones but there was no need to back off much. Moderate power could be applied and the AWD system would cleverly apportion power to front and rear wheels to give very good traction through the curve.

Then came a series of tight turns in a figure of eight and here, the low-end torque of the engine revealed itself to be good (there’s no turbo). It was not so easy on the sharp turns but that was not a reflection of the steering system and more that the turns were just too tight! On one occasion, the passenger (a skilled driver) pulled the handbrake on me – without warning me – and the tail kicked out suddenly. That stunned me for a moment because I did not expect an AWD to behave like that. But to its credit, a quick counter-steer of the steering wheel got the car stabilised.

As for the ABS, I can’t say a lot since the speeds attained were not really fast enough to prove anything. However, I do not doubt its ability to provide superior braking performance and as I have always said, ABS is something you will use almost daily.

The Impreza Sports Wagon is a practical car and for those who want something like that but can’t stand a conventional stationwagon or mini minivan, it would be a very good choice.

1 COMMENT

Leave a Reply