Impreza and XV launched at Melbourne Motor Show
With its largest-ever Australian motor show presence, Subaru has underlined its focus on safety, style, performance, fun and recreation.
Melbourne is the first motor show worldwide to display the exciting XV Concept and new generation Impreza at one location, where both cars made their world wide right hand drive debut.
XV Concept points to a possible new generation sub-compact Sports Utility Vehicle. AIMS is also the worldwide debut for right-hand drive new generation Impreza, displayed in both sedan and hatch models.
Showcased too for the first time outside Japan is the innovative EyeSight™ safety system, to be launched in range-topping 2012 Legacy and Outback models.
And for motorsport and performance fans, there’s the sleek, turbocharged Legacy B4 GT300, which is a firm favourite among race enthusiasts in Japan.
Other Subaru technologies on display at AIMS include the latest generation horizontally opposed Boxer engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand said: “We’re delighted to have so many examples of great Subaru design and technology on display in Melbourne.
“Both XV Concept and our fourth generation Impreza have been warmly received overseas and we’re grateful that Fuji Heavy Industries has chosen Australia as the first destination where they can be seen in the one location.
“XV Concept could have huge potential. Firstly Outback, then Forester, proved Subaru’s ability as a pioneer in the SUV market. XV Concept could well offer similar success, with a different, bold approach to the sub-compact SUV arena.”
“Like Impreza, the EyeSight™ safety system will also be launched locally, with Australia and New Zealand the first overseas market outside Japan. Some aspects of this technology are currently only available in cars costing around four times what we anticipate.”
“It’s again going to highlight Subaru’s long-term safety commitment, which includes a five star rating for occupant safety for every car in our range from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).”
Subaru has yet to announce a launch date for Impreza or EyeSight equipped vehicles.
The bold, fashionable, fun-themed design of the XV Concept is a progression of Subaru’s long-running sports utility vehicle success story, highlighted by Forester and Outback.
Underpinned by a horizontally opposed Boxer engine and symmetrical All Wheel Drive, the XV Concept is a solid yet stylish package. It features Subaru’s new hexagonal grille design with winged motif and hawk-eye headlights. The black lower bumper and wheel arch protection, combined with the car’s metallic highlights, underline its crossover status.
Subaru’s next generation Impreza features a dynamic, stylish new look, major technical innovations, significant fuel efficiency gains and refined cabins featuring classy soft touch finishes and computerised information displays.
The all-new 2.0 litre horizontally opposed Boxer engine is mated to a Lineartronic™ transmission in addition to a refined six-speed manual.
New Impreza offers significantly improved cabin space – cleverly designed within the same exterior dimensions as the superseded car. It has a longer wheelbase, but shorter overhangs.
