2010 Subaru Impreza

Press release

The 2010 Subaru Impreza line, which features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, gains more of the premium amenities that more of today’s compact car customers are seeking. A new Special Edition Package for the Impreza Premium trim line equips the 4-Door sedan or 5-Door model with a power moonroof, fog lights and the All-Weather Package featuring heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer.

The 2010 Impreza line includes the 2.5i, Outback Sport and 2.5GT. The 2.5i is powered by a naturally aspirated, 170-hp 4-cylinder Boxer engine and available in 4-Door sedan and 5-Door models. New for 2010, the Premium trim line replaces the previous Premium Package, and the Special Edition Package adds the aforementioned vehicle upgrades to the Premium trim line. The available navigation system in the 2.5i Premium now includes Bluetooth hands-free phoning capability, with a microphone located in the overhead console. All Impreza models feature a new grille for 2010.

The 5-door Outback Sport gets its outdoor spirit from the larger Outback model and shares the Impreza 2.5i powertrain. The Outback Sport also features distinctive exterior trim and chassis and interior enhancements. The fully equipped Impreza 2.5GT, also available in 4-Door and 5-Door styles, is powered by a 224-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter Boxer engine and equipped exclusively with an electronically controlled automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT™ for manual control.

The Subaru Impreza remains the only car in its segment to come standard with All-Wheel Drive – renowned Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive combined with standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). The Impreza has achieved the “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for garnering the highest rating (“Good”) in frontal offset, side and rear impact tests.

Like every Subaru model for 2010, the Impreza line is equipped as standard with 4-wheel disc ABS brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The Incline Start Assist feature, which can prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline, is standard with the 5-speed manual transmission on all models.

The 2.5-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder Boxer engine in the Impreza 2.5i and Outback Sport delivers 170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm, still among the highest ratings in the segment.

The Impreza 2.5i Premium delivers on its “premium” promise with aluminum-alloy 16-inch, 12-spoke wheels and additional interior amenities. Comfort touches include a black leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons and a black leather-wrapped shifter handle. The AM/FM stereo includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer featuring MP3/WMA audio file capability. The 10-speaker audio system integrates the SRS Circle Surround system.

Impreza 2.5GT Combines Performance, Agility and Everyday Comfort

Powered by a 224-horsepower turbocharged / intercooled Boxer engine teamed to a standard 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT, the 2010 Impreza 2.5GT delivers powerful performance. The turbo engine produces 226 lb.-ft. of peak torque at a low 2,800 rpm for quick acceleration, as well as outstanding response in all types of driving. Sport-tuned suspension with a rear stabilizer bar and standard 17-inch alloy wheels ensure both agile handling and compliant everyday ride quality. The Impreza 2.5GT in addition is equipped with larger front brakes than the 2.5i and Outback Sport models.

The 2.5GT combines the Impreza 2.5i Premium and Special Edition standard equipment. In addition, its electroluminescent instrument panel gauges were inspired by those in the high-performance Impreza WRX® and WRX STI® models.

Outback Sport: A Sporty Crossover

The original Impreza Outback Sport was instrumental in ushering in the crossover-utility category in 1994, combining renowned Subaru All-Wheel Drive performance with passenger car comfort and economy. Based on the Impreza 5-Door model, the Outback Sport combines sporty exterior design with a comprehensive equipment upgrade over the 2.5i 5-Door model. Outback Sport styling is highlighted by its exclusive two-tone appearance, front and rear bumper underguards, standard projector-beam halogen fog lights, side moldings and silver painted exterior door handles. Outback Sport augments the Impreza 2.5i 5-Door model’s utility features with a 12-volt cargo area power outlet and roof carrier base.

Raised heavy-duty suspension and 17 x 7-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 all-season tires form the Outback Sport’s foundation of outstanding all-climate driving performance. Incline Start Assist is standard with the 5-speed manual transmission, and, like all Impreza models, the Outback Sport features the standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system.

Outback Sport is equipped for cold climates with the standard All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer). The standard AM/FM stereo includes a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3/WMA audio file capability. An auxiliary audio input jack enables connection of an iPod® or MP3 player, and the 10-speaker audio system integrates the SRS Circle Surround system. Additional upscale comfort touches include a black leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons and a black leather-wrapped shifter handle.

Advanced Chassis Engineering

A 103.1-inch wheelbase, combined with Subaru’s renowned mastery of intelligent vehicle packaging, contributes to the Impreza’s smooth ride character, interior space and utility. High-tensile-strength steel is used at key structural points. Subaru optimized all elements of the Impreza’s chassis to deliver a better balance of ride, handling response, quietness and overall traction performance than offered by competitive vehicles. Compared to the previous-generation Impreza, the engine is placed slightly lower in the chassis, which helps to lower the center of gravity for better agility. In addition, the new-generation Impreza chassis improves crash-worthiness and provides a stronger platform for crisper handling. All Impreza models share the quicker steering from the WRX performance model yielding 2.8 turns lock-to-lock and a tight 34.8-ft. turning circle.

The double-wishbone rear suspension design provides improved ride refinement and decreased road noise for a quieter cabin. At the same time, its compact layout results in less intrusion into the cargo area, providing a generously sized luggage compartment. On 5-Door Impreza models, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seats in the upright position. In the Impreza sedan, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-Door model, the extra space provides for a large, deep trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. In all Impreza and Outback Sport models, a 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience.

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Sporty Exterior Design

The Impreza 5-Door features a distinctive character line that sweeps upward at the rear. The short rear overhang and clear rear tail lamp lenses combine to integrate the side character line into the tail. The 4-Door, which is unique to the North American market, is distinguished by a wide, sharp front design giving way to a crisp side body crease. The rear of the 4-Door is set apart from the 5-Door model by red tail lamp lenses and a chrome strip below the trunk line that visually widens the tail. The 4-Door uses dual tailpipe outlets (one per side), and the 5-Door features a single, larger tailpipe outlet.

Comfort And Convenience

The Impreza emphasizes interior comfort and spaciousness, with high-quality materials that include double-stitched fabrics and high-grade plastics. Large door openings and rear doors that open to 75 degrees provide easy ingress and egress. Flexmats springs by Pullmaflex enhance seating comfort. The sweeping twin cockpit design embraces occupants and brushed aluminum-look insets flow into the center stack. The center console shape adds to the airiness of the interior, aided by the sculpted door panels and generous headroom. A molded recess in each door panel can accommodate a 24-oz. soft drink bottle, as well as loose items.

The headlights-off with ignition switch is a traditional Subaru convenience that can preserve battery life. Models with the optional automatic transmission are pre-wired for a dealer-installed remote-starting system. Dual gas strut hood supports are used instead of the prop-rod seen on other compact models, an unexpected convenience in this segment.

Navigation System With Advanced Audio

The Impreza 2.5i Premium with automatic-transmission is available with an optional navigation system that adds Bluetooth hands-free calling capability for 2010. The microphone is located in the overhead console.
The navigation system also includes Audyssey MultEQ audio enhancement. The Impreza debuted the first mobile application of this technology, which is also used in high-end home theater systems. Audyssey MultEQ creates the optimal sound experience for passengers in each seat position by tuning equalization that corrects for time and frequency response.

In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console with navigation system also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices. These can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked. The navigation screen is placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and ease of use.

The Impreza models come pre-wired for XM® or SIRIUS® Satellite Radio. (The optional navigation system includes factory-installed SIRIUS with a roof-mounted antenna.) The standard and optional audio systems feature the Radio Broadcast Data System, which can display a variety of data, including a song’s title and artist.

Proven Subaru Safety Technology

The new-generation Impreza is built around the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models. The Impreza incorporates 3-point seatbelts for all seats (height-adjustable for outboard positions), active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Like all current Subaru models, the 2010 Impreza models are equipped with standard side-curtain airbags. The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) features front seat side impact air bags. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight – first determining if it is occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features an “Airbag” indicator light.

Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive 

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive forms the common core technology on all Subaru models. With more brands adding All-Wheel Drive, it is worth noting that Subaru introduced 4-wheel drive passenger cars more than 30 years ago and then automatic full-time All-Wheel Drive in 1987. In 1997, Subaru became the first brand in the U.S. to make All-Wheel Drive standard on all its models. 

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a complete system comprised of the Boxer engine and the full-time power distribution system that varies by model and transmission. The aluminum Boxer engine and simple, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the center of gravity, which in turn contributes to handling agility. 

The Impreza 2.5i and Outback Sport models feature two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, both of which power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. Models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50:50, transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.

In all Impreza models with the automatic transmission, the Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively manage power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, and available traction. This system automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Control logic enhances stability by monitoring individual wheel speeds and reacting more quickly to wheel slippage. All versions of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive integrate the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to further enhance all-weather stability and traction.

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