2013 Subaru Impreza WRX: Brawny Performance, Impressive Value

Subaru Canada Inc.

Subaru Canada Inc.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the release of the 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX.  Combining rally-bred performance honed on gravel and tarmac with the exceptional safety and ride quality built into every Subaru, the WRX is the vehicle of choice for driving enthusiasts who also need a versatile, affordable family vehicle.

Two years after a complete re-design and substantial upgrades, the 2013 WRX and WRX Limited Package return to dealerships bearing the prestigious ALG award for Best Sporty Car for the fourth year in a row, an honour awarded to the vehicle in the sporty car category with the highest predicted resale value. Not surprisingly, the WRX shares the honour with its WRX STI stable mate.

The WRX shares the wide body design first introduced on the WRX STI, underscoring the high-performance character of these models. The WRX 4-door design is based on a "wide and low" concept that gives the car an aggressive road presence featuring fenders that are stretched wider than the tail lamps, which accentuates a look of stability.

In front, sharpened bumper corners accentuate the assertive profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing and a front grille and blacked-out Subaru wing highlight the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a powerful appearance, accentuated by its large grille and bumper intake openings. The WRX also features a version of Subaru's polished stainless steel quad-tailpipe exhaust.

Both the 4-door and 5-door are powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-litre Subaru Boxer engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. The highly responsive engine produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

Subaru Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive and Vehicle Dynamics Control

Standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive gives the WRX a significant handling/performance advantage over its front-wheel-drive competitors. Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive is a complete system comprised of the SUBARU BOXER engine and the full-time power distribution system (which varies by Subaru model and transmission). The aluminum SUBARU BOXER engine and efficient, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the car's centre of gravity, which in turn contributes to its sporty handling characteristics.

The 2013 WRX uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute torque 50/50, regardless of conditions. Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and Traction Control System is standard. Hill Holder, featured on all models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

It is important to note that, in Subaru vehicles, traction control plays a second line of defence against wheel slip after AWD torque distribution. In contrast, some All-Wheel Drive systems on the market lack the performance advantage of a limited-slip centre differential and rely solely on traction control to redistribute torque away from slipping wheels.

Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior

WRX models feature Anthracite Black Cloth upholstery accented by red stitching, setting the tone for its sporty interior. All WRX models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. As a sporty accent, the instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine start-up. Steering wheel controls for the audio system, cruise control and Bluetooth are standard for all 2013 WRX models. The WRX Limited Package features a standard power sunroof and leather-trimmed upholstery.

An advanced AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with six speakers is standard. This system also includes a MediaHub for iPod/USB audio integration with Bluetooth streaming audio and a voice-activated Bluetooth system for mobile phone connectivity. SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability is standard, while a three-month trial subscription is included with the Limited Package.

The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In the 5-door model, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seatbacks in the upright position. In the 4-door model, which is 165 mm (6.5 in.) longer than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience, and the 4-door also features a folding rear-seat centre armrest.

Proven Subaru Safety Technology

WRX models are built around the advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones, proven in Subaru models for over a decade to provide outstanding crash protection. All WRX models feature 4-wheel disc brakes with Subaru's 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Brake Assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed.

All seats provide 3-point seatbelts (height-adjustable for outboard front seat positions), and the front seatbelts have force limiters and electrically triggered pre-tensioners. Front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all Subaru models. The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) features a passenger side front seat sensor module that detects occupancy and passenger weight to control airbag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features an airbag indicator light.

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. 

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru WRX Limited Package (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120803_C5022_PHOTO_EN_16665.jpg

Image with caption: "2013 Subaru WRX/WRX STI (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120803_C5022_PHOTO_EN_16667.jpg

SOURCE: Subaru Canada Inc.

Joe Felstein or Julie Lychak 
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Amyot Bachand 
Media Relations, Quebec Region 
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