Japanese car maker Subaru has expanded its Impreza range for the 2009 model year with the addition of a sedan variant to go with the existing hatchback. Only the Impreza R, RX and RS models will be available in a sedan variant - the WRX arrives in December - with pricing identical to the hatch range - a decision that will see customers choosing one variant over the other purely by preference.
Despite the lack of a sedan option until now - many of lamented Subaru's initial decision to omit the sedan - Impreza hatch sales have been strong with a year-to-date increase of 12.5% and averaging more than 1000 units a month.
Subaru Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: “Impreza is one of Australia’s fastest-growing models of 2008. We can only see that improving with the addition of the naturally aspirated sedan versions.
“It is hugely encouraging that the sales mix of Impreza hatch has been fairly equal across the three variants, compared with the previous generation’s bias towards the entry-level cars.
“We predict the sedans will add around 200 Impreza sales per month.”
As with the hatch, the sedan shares some identical features such as standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on all models and a five-star rating for occupant safety from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Compared with its predecessor, the Impreza sedan is 35 mm higher and 95 mm longer (wheelbase) and with more usable space thanks to the double wishbone rear suspension.
For the first time, Impreza sedan also gets a split/fold rear seat for even greater cargo carrying flexibility.
The Impreza RS sedan is differentiated externally by 17-inch alloy wheels, a mesh sports grille, boot lid spoiler, tail pipe covers, rear diffuser, sports body kit and badging, while Impreza RX adds 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lights over Impreza R.
Inside, Impreza RS features sports bucket seats, rear privacy glass and different cloth trim.
Both Impreza RX and RS add six-stack CD player with 10 speakers, climate control air conditioning and leather-bound steering wheel with audio controls and leather gearshift.
All naturally aspirated variants offer the choice of five speed manual and four speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmissions.
And best of all, the turbocharged Impreza WRX sedan is due for local launch in December.
Subaru Impreza MY09 sedan and hatch pricing:
Impreza R manual: $24,490
Impreza R SPORTSHIFT automatic: $26,490
Impreza RX manual: $26,490
Impreza RX SPORTSHIFT automatic: $28,490
Impreza RS manual: $29,490
Impreza RS SPORTSHIFT automatic: $31,490
[Source: Subaru]
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Adrian Paton
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