New Models - Subaru Impreza

High-rise Impreza to the rescue

Tall order: Subaru's Impreza has grown up, with the high-rider XV joining the range.

Slow-selling Subaru small car gets reinforcements with Impreza XV

1 June 2010

By PHILIP LORD

TAGGING it “a vehicle to explore and exploit lifestyle and recreation pursuits”, Subaru has released a high-rider version of its Impreza, the XV.

Sitting on a suspension 30mm higher than the standard Impreza, the Impreza XV is further differentiated from other models by a new grille, front and rear bumpers, roof rails, rear spoiler and moulded wheel-arch extensions.

Impreza sorely needs XV, as sales for the Subaru small car are down 15 per cent in the first four months of this year, in stark contrast with the 115 per cent sales growth for the small-car segment pace-setter, the Hyundai i30.

Even the Volkswagen Golf has overtaken Impreza on market share – 6.1 per cent versus the Impreza’s 4.8 per cent.

The Impreza XV is powered by same 2.0-litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine fitted to the Impreza R, RX and RS.

Standard exterior features include fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and an exhaust pipe tip, while inside, XV has unique sports bucket seats with mocha accents, climate control air-conditioning plus leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, along with Bluetooth, a 10-speaker AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system with iPod compatibility and USB connection in the front centre console.

As the higher ground clearance also increases the XV’s centre of gravity over a standard Impreza, the XV’s suspension tune has been massaged with changes to stabiliser bars, spring rates, damping and rear subframe bushes.

The key factory option, aside from automatic transmission, is a $15000 sunroof.

Impreza XV is available in Obsidian Black, Satin White, Spark Silver, Dark Grey and Camellia Red.

Subaru Impreza XV pricing:
XV	$27,490
XV (a)	$29,490