Sheer, unadulterated fun

The Subaru Impreza offers the perfect balance between fun and efficiency, practicality and passion, style and substance. The Impreza line comprises two different body styles (4-door or 5-door) and four different models, the Impreza 2.5i, 2.5i Sport Package, WRX and WRX265. The 2.5i and 2.5i Sport Package are powered by a 170-horsepower SUBARU BOXER engine that offers equal measures of fun and fuel efficiency. The WRX weighs in with a turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine, 224 horsepower and a plethora of rally-inspired touches inside and out. Finally, the new-for WRX265 delivers 265 horsepower from its high-pressure turbocharger, a moonroof, performance tires and performance-tuned suspension. All versions come standard with Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive and Vehicle Dynamics Control for unmatched all-season, all-weather, all-road performance. Plus, all models boast exceptional value, class-leading safety and heightened quality inside and out. Let the fun begin.

Exterior

The new face of a legend.
The latest generation Subaru Impreza can best be described as the perfect balance of style and substance in automotive form. Both the 4-door and 5-door exhibit the kind of sleek and sporty design features that define the modern performance car. A bold front grille and an aerodynamically-sculpted profile contribute to an overall look that demands to be noticed. Other elements distinguish the model line: the Sport Package and WRX come standard with a mean ground-effects body kit, the WRX features a slick new grille, and the brand new WRX265 5-door boasts a rear spoiler derived straight from rally competition. A serious image perfectly suited to a serious performance car.

Exterior Highlights

Fog Lights
	These powerful multi-reflector halogen fog lamps are placed low in the front fascia to cut through murky weather and create a clear view of the road ahead.
Ground effects
	On the Impreza 2.5i Sport Package, WRX and WRX265, this aerodynamic body kit brings an added measure of attitude to the overall look - and helps carve through the air at the same time
Moonroof
	This power tilting and sliding moonroof - a new addition for - helps you make the most of those sunny days behind the wheel.
Rear spoiler (4-door and 5-door)
	Another aerodynamic device designed with both form and function in mind, these rear spoilers create additional downforce at the back to create a more stable car in the corners and out on the open road.

Interior

Fasten your safety belts.
The Subaru Impreza offers an impressive mix of performance-oriented touches combined with plenty of creature comforts and elbow room for five. The interior is a slick package: a sweeping twin-cockpit dash, titanium-style accents, blue ambient nighttime lighting and premium fabric seats. With a twist of the key, the needles on the gauges sweep to life, signaling the beginning of an honest-to-goodness, adrenaline-fueled adventure behind the wheel. The WRX and WRX265 adopt an even higher-performing persona with electroluminescent gauges and sport seats tailor-made for serious g-forces.

Interior Highlights

Heated seats
	Fend off the ravages of winter with these available heated front seats that come complete with two settings: warm (low) and downright toasty (high).
Automatic climate control
	Keeping a cool head and a warm heart are both possible with the standard automatic climate control system in both the WRX and WRX265; simply dial in your preferred temperature, sit back and enjoy.
Sport seats
	Help keep cool when mother nature turns up the temperature with standard air conditioning. In the 2.5X Limited Package and 2.5XT Limited, the climate control system automatically keeps the temperate at the setting of your choice.
Audio systems
	An absolute must for your average Canadian winter, the standard heated front seats are designed to bring a measure of warmth to the frostiest of days.

Safety

Safe-through and through.
Some things should never be left to chance - especially the safety of you and your passengers - so every Subaru vehicle is designed to meet the very highest standards for crash worthiness. Active safety systems - such as Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD and Vehicle Dynamics Control system - give the driver the tools needed to avoid an accident at all costs. In the event that an accident is unavoidable, passive safety features like Subaru's advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame provide much-needed layers of protection. Net results: top notch crash-test ratings* across the board for the Subaru Impreza and a more comforting driving experience for you.

*Top Safety Pick for 2008 Impreza. Ratings of "Good" are the highest rating awarded for 40-mph frontal offset, 31-mph side-impact and 20-mph rear-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A "Good" rating obtained in all three crash tests and the availability of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) achieves a 'Top Safety Pick'.

Safety Highlights

Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame
	A super-strong, energy-absorbing safety cell comprised of the roof, door beams, side pillars and floor. This cell envelops the entire passenger cabin, helping to dissipate impact energy coming from all directions. During a severe frontal impact, the main frame compresses gradually and the engine slides under the passenger compartment.
Vehicle Dynamics Control System
	The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system†; and Traction Control System employ a network of sensors to detect when a loss of control is imminent, then make precise adjustments - altering AWD torque split (4EAT SS models), applying brake pressure to individual wheels and controlling engine power output - to restore vehicle stability. Standard on every Subaru Impreza. May also be referred to as Electronic Stability Control.
Head Restraints
	Also standard: Front-seat active head restraints that automatically move closer to the occupant in the event of a rear-end collision to reduce the risk of head or neck injury.
Airbags
	All models feature standard dual-stage deployment front-seat airbags, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows of seating.

Engineering

Gets your motor running.
The DNA of the Subaru Impreza has been forged in World Rally competition, the toughest motorsport challenge known to man or machine. Emerging from the icy roads of Sweden and the crippling heat of Greece, the Subaru world rally car has been the mobile test bed for advanced technologies such as the potent SUBARU BOXER engine and the world-renowned Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. But the development cycle doesn't end there. Other aspects of the new Impreza including the 4-wheel independent long-travel suspension system, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS), and manual and automatic SPORTSHIFT TM transmissions have all been rally-tested to offer astronomical levels of performance and bulletproof reliability.

Engine

Following decades of continuous development, testing and competition on the global stage, the engineers at Subaru have come to the following conclusion: The horizontally-opposed SUBARU BOXER engine is the optimum powerplant for every Subaru vehicle. The Impreza line is available with a range of powerful and efficient engines, from the 2.5L naturally-aspirated version to the super-responsive, high-pressure 2.5L turbo. Each and every engine clearly demonstrates an ongoing commitment to extracting maximum performance at all times.

2.5-litre DOHC high-pressure turbocharged horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder boxer*
	Output: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 244 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm Features: Active Valve Control System, Electronic Throttle Control Characteristics: Thrilling performance, surprising around-town versatility
2.5-litre DOHC turbocharged horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder boxer*
	Output: 224 hp @ 5,200 rpm; 226 lb-ft of torque @ 2,800 rpm Features: Active Valve Control System, Electronic Throttle Control Characteristics: Linear response, sharp acceleration
2.5-litre SOHC horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder boxer
	Output: 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm Features: i-Active Valve Lift System, Electronic Throttle Control Characteristics: Impressive driveability, heightened fuel efficiency * The 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER turbo engine was voted Best 2.0 to 2.5-litre engine in the International Engine of the Year Awards 2008, presented by Engine Technology International Magazine.

Transmission

The Subaru Impreza is ready for action with transmissions built to transfer your intentions accurately to the road. From the immensely satisfying 5-speed manual to the highly-responsive 4-speed automatic with SPORTSHIFT TM, your ability to tackle the everyday and the unexpected is never in question. To complete the picture, Subaru's unique transmission technology is capable of delivering full-time power to every corner of the vehicle, creating greater traction, control and driver confidence.

	Manual Transmission The 5-speed Manual Transmission - in combination with Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD and the viscous coupling limited-slip centre differential - provides certain power delivery and sure-footed grip under all conditions. This design maintains a 50/50 front/rear torque split distribution, giving the Impreza maximum traction and a distinctly sporty edge over the competition. The standard Hill Holder system brings an added measure of reassurance when starting on an incline.
	Automatic Transmission Available on Impreza 2.5i models, the 4-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with SPORTSHIFT™ incorporates an advanced multi-plate transfer clutch centre differential for smooth and consistent acceleration, even under low traction conditions. Under normal circumstances, this active torque split system maintains a 60/40 front/rear split for more predictable handling and moves towards a 50/50 split when conditions warrant or under hard acceleration. The SPORTSHIFT™ generates increased fun behind the wheel, allowing drivers to manually shift gears with the flick of a wrist. This feature gives drivers the ability to choose between three different drive modes - Economy mode for optimal fuel efficiency, Sport mode for greater response and SPORTSHIFT™ for sporty manual control.

Suspension

Rally-tested, road-ready.
The 4-wheel, fully independent, long-travel suspension system on the Subaru Impreza has undergone rigorous testing and is calibrated to soak up imperfections in the road and provide razor-sharp cornering capabilities. The front strut design incorporates lightweight materials to reduce unsprung weight for sharper handling, while anti-dive technology and a stabilizer bar keep the car on an even keel. The double wishbone rear suspension features a large subframe to absorb impact energy from the tires and is fine-tuned to keep the wheels perpendicular to the surface of the road at all times. In the WRX and WRX265, a rear stabilizer bar helps to deliver even sportier driving dynamics.

Front Suspension & Rear Suspension

Utility

Your lifestyle - your car.
You might say the Subaru Impreza is as flexible as a pilates instructor. Here's why: Both body styles benefit from one of the widest cargo areas in their class and a massive amount of versatility to boot. The 5-door offers the convenience of a rear hatch with a squarish shape, convenient sub-floor storage and a cargo area large enough for five pieces of carry-on luggage. The 4-door, meanwhile, delivers a refreshing amount of trunk space - enough for three golf bags. And both versions benefit from the innovative double wishbone rear suspension design that doesn't encroach into the cargo compartment, so there's no loss of useable space.

Utility Highlights

Folding rear seats
	The 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats, standard with both body styles, opens up the generous cargo area even further to transport longer items or a weekend's worth of finds at the shopping mall.
Crossbar brackets
	For both 4-door and 5-door models, accessory crossbars and racks can attach to integrated crossbar brackets that pop up from the roof of the vehicle, delivering a quick and easy method of transporting bicycles, kayaks, skis or snowboards.
Cargo cover and tray (5-door models only)
	Lots of mess, no stress: With the available cargo tray, mud and dirt are prevented from damaging the cargo area. And the available cargo cover keeps those mud- and dirt-covered valuables hidden from view.
All-round storage
	The Impreza line features a vast array of storage compartments designed to carry all kinds of necessities. Partitioned door pockets with built-in bottle holders. A centre tray for loose items. And a centre console (with 12-volt power outlet) to hold CDs. Smart.

Specifications