MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 2, 2012 /CNW/ – Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is
pleased to announce the release of the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Offering much more than you’d expect in a compact car, this
fourth-generation Impreza is fun to drive and offers a feeling of
confidence behind the wheel. The Impreza also offers fuel economy
comparable to two-wheel-drive vehicles while still providing all of the
performance and active safety benefits inherent in Subaru’s symmetrical
full-time All-Wheel Drive system with the choice of two distinct body
styles.

Powered by a 2.0-litre SUBARU BOXER engine, the 2013 Impreza comes with
a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or the second-generation
Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The 2013 Impreza
will offer the highest fuel efficiency of any all-wheel-drive car in
North America with fuel efficiency ratings of 7.5 L/100 km city and 5.5
L/100 km highway. Every 2013 Impreza is also equipped with Subaru’s
symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive, which enhances the fun-to-drive
experience and provides greater confidence in all weather conditions.

Select New Features
New for 2013, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity is now standard on all
models, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on
the road. All models also now gain a MediaHub with Bluetooth streaming
audio, allowing quick and easy connection to an iPod or USB files.

The 2013 Impreza Limited Package now gains a voice-activated in-dash GPS
navigation system with back-up camera. This enhancement is part of an
audio system that features XM Satellite Radio (subscription required),
XM NavTraffic and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice
activation.

Impressive Room and Refinement
The combination of a long wheelbase and smartly designed door, roof trim
and front seats yield gains in passenger and cargo room, with
additional details demonstrating Subaru’s mastery of smart vehicle
packaging. The wheelbase measures 2,645 mm and a scalloped-style front
seat backrest design offers rear-seat passengers an abundance of
comfort and legroom.

With the seats up, the 5-door model offers voluminous cargo volume of
638 litres, while also making it a cinch to load and unload heavy
objects. In comparison, the sedan’s 340 litres of trunk volume can
easily accommodate four golf bags and as an added bonus, the 4-door
Impreza also provides a virtually flat load floor with the standard
60/40-split rear seatbacks in the folded position.

The 2013 Impreza interior also delivers a major step up in refinement
that’s completely unexpected for vehicles in its category. The sporty
instrument panel and 3-spoke steering wheel are augmented on all models
by an information display or a 4.3-inch colour multi-function display
(on Sport and Limited models) with trip computer, located in the centre
of the dashboard. Rich-looking appointments and details abound,
including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and centre
console armrest. In the higher line models, the armrest features a
slide adjustment for greater comfort and versatility.

Carrying space and utility has also been maximized throughout the
vehicle. Large door pockets can hold plastic drink bottles and large
maps. Numerous compartments located in and around the centre console
hold all manner of personal items such as phones, USB drives and MP3
players. For those who still prefer to listen to music on CDs, the
console compartments provide ample storage for jewel cases.

Comfort, Convenience and Luxury throughout the Lineup
The 2013 Impreza also offers greater comfort, versatility and more
advanced technology. The front seats have been designed with
long-distance comfort in mind and feature high seatbacks, lumbar
support and cushions that effectively distribute pressure. As in the
2013 Legacy, the seats are optimized for a rear-end collision. A
tilt/telescoping steering wheel is standard on all 2013 Impreza models.

Standard comfort and available amenities abound across the Impreza line
for 2013. The 2.0i entry model, for example, features power windows,
door locks and side mirrors, a 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat,
outside temperature gauge, heated body-colour exterior mirrors, cruise
control, a multi-function display with fuel economy information, remote
keyless entry system, security system with engine immobilizer,
tilt/telescopic steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield
wipers, and a low windshield washer fluid warning light. For 2013, the
entry model also gains an advanced AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with
four speakers as well as Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with
steering-wheel-integrated controls.

Impreza 2.0i Touring Package models add more amenities, including
16-inch alloy wheels, an advanced AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with
six speakers, steering wheel-integrated hands-free and audio controls,
a rear stabilizer bar for crisper handling, heated front seats,
automatic headlights, and a front windshield wiper de-icer among
others.

The Impreza Sport Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof,
leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, upgraded gauges,
automatic climate control, aerodynamic side ground effects, front fog
lights, rear spoiler, and a stainless steel exhaust tip on 4-door
models. A 4.3-inch multi-function display offers a wide array of fuel
consumption data as well as maintenance reminders. Also included in
this system is a Vehicle Dynamics Control monitor that displays
All-Wheel Drive in action on slippery surfaces.

At the top of the Impreza range for 2013, the Limited Package delivers
the highest level of comfort and convenience ever offered in a Subaru
Impreza. Building upon the Sport Package content, the Limited Package
adds dual-zone automatic climate control, HID headlights, leather
seating surfaces, outside mirror-integrated LED turn signals, a
voice-activated in-dash GPS system with 6.1-inch high-resolution
touchscreen AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/DivX, WMV, MP3, SMS text messaging
capability, XM NAVTraffic, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with
voice activation, Bluetooth streaming audio, 3.5mm auxiliary jack, USB
and back-up camera, XM Satellite Radio (subscription required) as well
as chrome trim on the trunk lid and exterior door handles.

Fun, Frugal SUBARU BOXER Engine with Available Lineartronic CVT
The 2013 Impreza is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER
engine, teamed to a five-speed manual transmission or the available
second-generation Lineartronic CVT.
The 2.0-litre engine produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque.
This Subaru engine family, which debuted in the 2011 Forester in
2.5-litre form, uses a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) design. The Dual
Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS) controls valve timing on both
the intake and exhaust valves to optimize performance, fuel efficiency
and emissions.

Subaru first introduced its Lineartronic CVT in 2010 and the 2013
Impreza features a lighter, quieter and more compact version that
delivers both enhanced driving performance and environmental
friendliness. 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 is 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.

Impreza Touring, Sport, and Limited Package models with the CVT also
feature steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control
the transmission via six pre-set ratios. The driver can engage Manual
Mode with the console shift lever or, when in “D” mode, temporarily
access manual mode with the paddle shifters. In that case, the
transmission will return to automatic mode once the vehicle is
travelling at a constant speed.

Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive
Subaru offers two different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive
systems in the 2013 Impreza, providing a confident driving experience
that exceeds expectations. In models equipped with the five-speed
manual transmission, the AWD system uses a viscous-coupling
limited-slip centre differential to distribute power 50/50 front to
rear.

Impreza models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT feature the
electronically controlled Multi-plate Transfer Clutch (MPT) AWD system
that uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer
clutch to actively control power distribution in response to driving
conditions. This system can transfer more power to the rear wheels
under acceleration, but power is distributed 60/40 front to rear under
normal driving conditions.

Independent Suspension
All Subaru models feature a strut-type front suspension with a wide
track and long wheel travel. The double-wishbone rear suspension, also
on all models, handles rough roads and sharp corners with both poise
and precision – ensuring maximum tire contact, minimum vibration and
significantly improved ride quality. Together, these characteristics
deliver flatter cornering as well as a quieter, more comfortable ride
over a variety of road surfaces.

Impreza Exemplifies Subaru’s Safety Leadership
Building on Subaru’s renowned safety leadership (all 2012 Subaru model
lines were IIHS Top Safety Picks), Subaru’s advanced ring-shaped
reinforcement frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all
Subaru models, again forms the foundation for crash protection and
occupant safety in the 2013 Impreza. The Impreza’s body structure makes
great use of high-tensile strength steel and features special
stiffening elements at key locations.

As standard equipment, the 2013 Impreza includes front seat side-impact
air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head
protection for front and rear occupants. The driver’s front air bag
offers added protection for drivers who position themselves close to
the steering wheel. Immediately after deployment, the driver’s air bag
spreads thin and wide and thickens as deployment reaches completion.
The passenger-seat front air bag features a shell-type design with a
centre groove, thus decreasing the impact force upon deployment. All
2013 Impreza models also include a driver’s knee air bag for occupant
protection.

All Impreza models for 2013 are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control
(VDC), which combines stability and traction control functions.
Likewise, all 2013 Impreza models are equipped with standard 4-wheel
disc brakes with Subaru’s 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and
Brake Assist. The 2013 Impreza also features a brake override feature
that lowers engine output when both the brake and the throttle pedal
are depressed simultaneously, ensuring a drama-free stop.

Vehicle Dynamics Control
Standard on every Subaru, the Vehicle Dynamics Control system monitors
and analyzes if the vehicle is following the driver’s intended course
via an array of smart sensors. If the vehicle approaches the limits of
stability, the AWD torque distribution, engine output and brakes at
each wheel adjust automatically to assist in keeping the vehicle on
course. A Vehicle Dynamics Control ‘off’ switch is useful for driving
out of slushy roads, deep snow or very loose gravel. The ‘off’ position
deactivates the system’s torque-reduction control, while the ABS and
traction control remain active.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the
company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories
through a network of more than 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For
complete information about the entire Subaru lineup, including
specifications, go to www.subaru.ca.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

Image with caption: “2013 Subaru Impreza Limited Package 5-door and 4-door (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120802_C4443_PHOTO_EN_16586.jpg

Image with caption: “2013 Subaru Impreza Limited Package interior (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120802_C4443_PHOTO_EN_16588.jpg

Image with caption: “2013 Subaru Impreza Limited Package (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120802_C4443_PHOTO_EN_16590.jpg