Subaru Canada introduces 2010 Impreza 2.5i and WRX

    TORONTO, July 17 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to
introduce Canadians to the 2010 Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX-the affordable
performance vehicles with rally-bred power and handling plus the safety and
confidence of Subaru's advanced Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive System.
Both the 2010 Impreza 2.5i and WRX are available in 4- and 5-door
configurations.
    New for 2010 are a select group of performance and comfort features
designed to enhance the driving excitement for which Impreza has earned
well-deserved accolades. These include:

    -   new 225/45 R17 91W Dunlop SP Sport 01 summer performance tires for
        the base model WRX.
    -   new suspension tuning and a 265 horsepower engine for the base model
        WRX
    -   new optional equipment, including a media hub with complete iPod and
        USB integration, leather seating surfaces. Rally sport style front
        seats are optional on the 2.5i and standard on the WRX.

    "Impreza continues to be an outstanding choice for enthusiastic drivers
on a budget and anyone who appreciates how much rally-bred performance can be
contained in a package that also performs superbly as an everyday driver,"
said Katsuhiro Yokoyama, president and CEO of SCI. "And consumers and critics
alike continue to praise Impreza as an exceptional value for the money."
    Both the 4- and 5-door versions of the Impreza 2.5i are well equipped as
well as powerful. In addition to the new features mentioned above, the range
of standard equipment includes 4-wheel/4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist;
rear disk brakes, VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control); air conditioning with air
filtration; keyless entry; heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors; tinted
windows with UV protection for the front windshield; AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio
system with Radio Data System and vehicle-speed sensitive volume; tilt-adjust
steering wheel with integrated cruise control; power windows; and much more.
    To this, the WRX adds equipment that includes a performance-tuned
suspension, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in summer performance tires,
body-coloured aerodynamic side ground effects, aluminum alloy sport pedals,
tilting/telescoping steering wheel, and electroluminescent sport-design gauges
as well as automatic climate control.

    Upgrade with Optional Sport and Limited Packages

    The optional Sport Package adds an extra level of performance to the
well-equipped Impreza 2.5i, with premium 6-speaker audio system, 16-inch
aluminum alloy wheels, aerodynamic body-coloured side ground effects,
multi-reflector halogen fog lamps, windshield wiper/de-icer, and heated front
seats.
    On the 4-door Impreza, the Sport Package also includes a low-profile
spoiler with integrated brake light. On the 5-door model, the Sport Package
also includes a retractable cargo cover and a rear underbody diffuser.
    The leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated audio system controls,
and the premium sound system includes SRS CS-Auto audio enhancement for better
bass reproduction and sound localization,, an in-dash 6-CD changer, auxiliary
audio input, tweeters and upgraded speakers.
    The Sport Package also includes SIRIUS Satellite Radio installed and a
three-month trial subscription.
    The Limited Package further adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating
surfaces, automatic climate control and a MediaHub for complete USB and iPod
integration.

    Designed for Spacious Comfort

    Inside every Impreza, the emphasis is on comfort and roominess. The
flowing twin-cockpit design uses aluminum-look inserts that flow visually into
the centre stack. The centre console shape enhances the sense of airiness,
supported by the sculpted door panels and generous headroom. Each door panel
houses a molded recess that can accommodate a 750 ml (24-oz) bottle as well as
loose items.
    Framed side windows contribute to improved body rigidity as well as
helping to shut out road noise. Large door openings make it easier to get in
and out, and the rear doors open to a full 75 degrees for easy access to the
rear seat.
    Impreza's double-wishbone rear suspension delivers a refined ride and
quiet cabin with minimal intrusion into the cargo area. On all Impreza models,
the 60/40 split-folding rear seat boosts cargo capacity and convenience even
further.
    The 2010 Impreza 2.5i is pre-wired for XM and SIRIUS satellite radio and
the Sport Package and Limited Package both include a free three-month trial
subscription.
    The headlights auto-off feature is a traditional Subaru convenience that
can help preserve battery life.
    Subaru has also pre-wired Imprezas equipped with the optional automatic
transmission for a remote-starting system (dealer-installed option). A hood
support with dual gas struts eliminates the need for a prop-rod.

    Power for Work and Play

    The Impreza 2.5i is powered by a 2.5-litre SOHC 4-cylinder, 16-valve
Subaru BOXER engine with electronic throttle control and i-Active Valve Lift.
This potent engine delivers 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft of
torque at 4,400 rpm. It also meets LEV2 (Low Emission Vehicle) emissions
standards.
    On the Impreza 2.5i, this engine is mated to a fully synchronized 5-speed
manual transmission. On models with the manual transmission, Hill Holder is
now standard across the model range and helps to help prevent vehicle
rollback.
    For 2010, the Impreza WRX is offered with a single engine, Subaru's
2.5-litre DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Subaru BOXER with a high-pressure
turbocharger and intercooler. This engine develops 265 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
and 244 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
    This muscular powerplant is harnessed to a slick-shifting 5-speed manual
transmission.

    Power Meets Performance

    Every Impreza model is equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and
Traction Control systems to help maintain directional stability under adverse
road conditions.
    If this unique electronic stability control system detects understeer or
oversteer, VDC first tells the AWD system to adjust the front/rear torque
split to balance the available traction and forward momentum, rather than
simply applying brake force to slow the vehicle. If the total traction is
still not enough for stability, the Traction Control System will then use
braking and reduced engine power to slow momentum and help regain control.

    Built to Protect

    Subaru builds every Impreza using the proven Subaru Ring-Shaped
Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones. For
added protection, 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.
    Imprezas are equipped with standard side-curtain airbags. The Subaru
Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) provides side curtain airbags and a
driver's side front airbag that deploys according to the driver's proximity to
the steering wheel.
    The passenger side front airbag deploys according to information received
from a sensor module that determines if the passenger seat is occupied and the
weight of the occupant (whether a child or adult). An airbag indicator light
is located on the dashboard.
    The IIHS named Impreza a Top Safety Pick in the small car segment when
Impreza achieved the highest rating - Good - in frontal offset, side and rear
impact tests.

    Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

    The foundation of every Subaru is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Driving
System. Although more and more manufacturers are adding all-wheel drive,
Subaru has been the industry leader in this safety technology since it
introduced the first four-wheel-drive passenger cars over 30 years ago and
automatic full-time All-Wheel Drive in 1987. Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel
Drive is standard equipment on every Subaru sold in Canada.
    Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a system that includes Subaru's BOXER
engine and a well-balanced, full-time power distribution system with a low
centre of gravity for exceptional handling precision.
    Impreza models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission use a
viscous-coupled locking centre differential that splits power 50/50 front and
rear.
    When fitted with the 4-speed direct control automatic transmission,
Impreza models manage power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration
and available traction through an electronically managed, continuously
variable transfer clutch. The active system automatically transfers more power
to the wheels with the best grip whenever it detects slippage. Control logic
in this AWD system enhances stability by monitoring individual wheel speeds
and reacting quickly to loss of traction. This control logic also helps
improve tight corner braking, reducing oversteer and understeer to provide a
stable, neutral handling response.

    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 89
authorized dealers across Canada.

For further information: Elaine Griffin, (905) 568-4959