2011 Subaru Impreza 2.5i: new features and options enhance rally-bred<br>performance

TORONTO, July 16 /CNW/ - The 2011 Impreza 2.5i is the affordable performance vehicle with rally-bred power and handling - plus the safety and confidence of Subaru's advanced Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive System. The 2011 Impreza 2.5i is available in 4- and 5-door configurations, with a choice of 5-speed manual transmission with Hill Holder system or 4-speed electronic direct-control automatic transmission (4EAT) with Manual Mode (sequential shifter).

New for 2011 is a range of performance, safety, and comfort features designed to enhance Impreza's already outstanding level of equipment:

• Every 2011 Impreza is fitted with larger new rear seat head restraints for added occupant protection.
• A new 2.5i Convenience Package model includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; new Advanced CD/AM/FM/MP3/WMA sound system with four speakers; two door-mounted tweeters; voice-activated hands-free Bluetooth® cell phone connectivity; steering wheel-integrated Bluetooth hands-free and audio controls; Bluetooth streaming audio; MediaHub for iPod/USB audio integration; and leather-wrapped gear selector and steering wheel.
• A revised Sport Package model now includes the new Advanced CD/AM/FM/MP3/WMA sound system with four speakers, two tweeters, voice-activated hands-free Bluetooth cell phone connectivity with steering wheel integrated controls and Bluetooth streaming audio; and MediaHub for iPod/USB audio integration.
• A revised Limited Package model also includes the new sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated steering wheel controls mentioned above for the Convenience and Sport Packages.

Both the 4- and 5-door versions of the Impreza 2.5i are well equipped with an exceptional range of standard equipment. This includes 4-wheel/4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; rear disc brakes; VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control-electronic stability control and traction control); air conditioning with air filtration; keyless entry; heated power-adjustable and folding exterior mirrors; tinted windows with UV protection for the front windshield; tilt-adjust steering wheel with integrated cruise control; power windows; and much more. (For complete specifications please go to www.subaru.ca.)

Designed for Spacious Comfort
Inside every Impreza, the emphasis is on comfort and roominess. The flowing twin-cockpit design of the dash includes aluminum-look inserts that aid the 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.

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 for child seats or passengers.

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 2011 Impreza 2.5i is pre-wired for SIRIUS satellite radio and the Sport Package and Limited Package models both include a free three-month trial subscription. Subaru has also pre-wired Imprezas equipped with the optional automatic transmission for a remote-starting system (dealer-installed option).

The headlights auto-off feature is a traditional Subaru convenience that can help preserve battery life when the car is off while also ensure active safety through visual awareness by other vehicles.

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 for ample power to pass or merge. It also meets LEV2 (Low Emission Vehicle) emissions standards.

This engine is mated to a fully synchronized 5-speed manual transmission. On models with the manual transmission, Hill Holder is standard across the model range and helps to prevent vehicle rollback when starting on a slope.

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 (AT models only) 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 apply brake pulsation to individual wheels where necessary and reduce engine power to slow momentum and help regain control.

Built to Protect
Subaru builds every Impreza using the proven Advanced 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 front seat occupants), active front seat head restraints, and front seatbelts with electronically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters.

The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) ensures that the driver's side front airbag 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 Impreza also includes side curtain airbags that protect both front and rear seat occupants in the event of a side impact. Both front seats are also equipped with side-impact airbags that further protect the torso in a side impact; because these are seat-mounted, they are always in the ideal location regardless of seat position.

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 as well as the new roof-crush test. Impreza is also equipped with standard electronic stability control (ESC) an IIHS requirement for every vehicle it designates a Top Safety Pick.

Two Types of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
The foundation of every Subaru is the Symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive 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 almost 40 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 full-time All-Wheel Drive is a system that includes Subaru's BOXER engine and a well-balanced, full-time torque distribution system with a low centre of gravity and long-travel suspension for exceptional handling precision.

Impreza models equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission use a viscous-coupled limited slip centre differential that splits power 50/50 front and rear.

When fitted with the 4-speed direct control automatic transmission with Manual Mode, Impreza models manage power distribution based on throttle position and available traction through an electronically managed, multi-plate transfer clutch. This active system balances torque automatically to optimize traction even in adverse road conditions. Control logic in this AWD system enhances stability by monitoring individual wheel speeds and transmission position. This control logic also helps improve tight corner braking, reducing oversteer and understeer to provide a stable, neutral handling response. The direct control automatic transmission with Manual Mode provides three distinct shift patterns: Economy Mode (default position to optimize fuel efficiency while shifting automatically), Sport Mode (provides a more dynamic automatic shifting pattern ideal for merging and passing in heavier traffic conditions), and Manual Mode (sequential manual shifting for the driving enthusiast).

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 further information:

Elaine Griffin or Jen Giller
[phone]