If anyone can tear their eyes away from the new BRZ sports car for just a second, they could see that Subaru->ke86 has also presented the fourth generation Impreza->ke1319 at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show. The new Impreza will be offered in two versions: the five-door known as the Impreza Sport and the four-door known as the Impreza G4. In Japan, the new car will go on sale on December 20, 2011.

This fourth generation all-new Impreza was developed under the concept of "Redefining Value, Redefining Class." This means that next to a new look, the Impreza will also offer superior reliability, handling, and safety features of the Subaru Symmetrical "All-Wheel Drive"system with the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine.

The new Impreza will be offered with a choice of 1.6 and 2.0 liter engines combined with a standard a paddle shifting 6-speed manual and new Auto Start Stop system. All of these new items have only one purpose: improving performance and reducing fuel consumption.

Hit the jump to read more about the fourth generation Impreza.

2012 Subaru Impreza Sport and G4

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport and G4
  • Engine/Motor: DOHC Engine
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The main theme in developing the all-new Impreza was"stylish exterior and high quality interior" and "refinement of driving comfort and environmental friendliness." Its starts off with a powerful, eye-catching front fascia with hawk eye headlights, hexagon grille, and wheel arches that emphasize its AWD character. The elegant look of the A-pillar suggests a spacious cabin.

Interior

The interior benefits from high quality materials and a roominess that extends beyond the vehicle's actual measurements. Both the front and rear seats are covered in leather, and the front seat backrests are 60 mm taller than previous models. The car gets a sporty three-spoke steering wheel with a rich texture and high quality look, as well as a multifunction display monitor that shows the details of the vehicle's driving conditions.

Engine

The base version of the fourth generation Impreza will be powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC Engine (compared to the 1.5 version used on the previous model). However, despite the addition of an extra 100 cc in engine displacement, the new engine is 20% more fuel efficient. The top version will get a new 2.0-liter DOHC Engine that is capable of equal acceleration performance as the previous 2.5-liter models, but also has a 27% fuel consumption improvement.

The two engines can be combined with a new Lineartronic CVT transmission that offers lightness, compactness, superior fuel efficiency, and wide ratio coverage. A new Auto Start Stop system was also installed for a pleasant and secure feel when driving.

Prices

The new generation Impreza will go on sale in Japan on December 20, 2011. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The competition for the new Impreza gets more powerful by the day. Honda has improved their successful Civic->ke236 sedan and Chevrolet has just launched their new Cruze->ke3230 which has already made a name for itself on the market. So, will the new additions to the Impreza help it maintain its leader position on the market? We will see!