Automotive

Updated Impreza gets EyeSight technology

Updated Impreza gets EyeSight technology
The 2015 Impreza's styling has been tweaked to bring it into line with the new Legacy and Outback
The 2015 Impreza's styling has been tweaked to bring it into line with the new Legacy and Outback
View 7 Images
The new Subaru Impreza should be quieter for passengers
1/7
The new Subaru Impreza should be quieter for passengers
All-wheel drive is standard across the Impreza range
2/7
All-wheel drive is standard across the Impreza range
Changes up front include a new bumper, new grille and headlights
3/7
Changes up front include a new bumper, new grille and headlights
Inside, a new 6.2-inch touchscreen is standard on even the base Impreza
4/7
Inside, a new 6.2-inch touchscreen is standard on even the base Impreza
The new Impreza is also available with Subaru's EyeSight system
5/7
The new Impreza is also available with Subaru's EyeSight system
Impreza has a 2.0-liter Boxer under the hood
6/7
Impreza has a 2.0-liter Boxer under the hood
The 2015 Impreza's styling has been tweaked to bring it into line with the new Legacy and Outback
7/7
The 2015 Impreza's styling has been tweaked to bring it into line with the new Legacy and Outback
View gallery - 7 images

Subaru's Impreza has been given a midlife freshen up, debuting a set of styling upgrades and a new infotainment system, along with the introduction of the Japanese manufacturer's EyeSight system to the range.

The 2015 Impreza's styling has been tweaked to bring it into line with the new Legacy and Outback's styling direction. Up front, Subaru's stylists have given the car a new bumper and grille, as well as slightly revised headlamps, while the bootlid houses a new spoiler. To keep drag and wind noise low, Subaru has redesigned the Impreza's side mirrors. The Impreza has also been fitted with extra sound deadening and thicker side windows.

The new Impreza is also available with Subaru's EyeSight system
The new Impreza is also available with Subaru's EyeSight system

The new Impreza is also available with Subaru's EyeSight system, which includes auto-emergency braking, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The suite of active safety features that EyeSight offers is similar to those offered by the Ford's Focus, and the latest VW Golf.

EyeSight isn't the only technology update. Inside, a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system combining iPod connectivity with music streaming services like Pandora is standard on the base 2.0i Impreza, while limited-spec models come with a multi touch 7-inch system that includes voice controls and SMS functionality. All Imprezas are fitted standard with a reversing camera.

Inside, a new 6.2-inch touchscreen is standard on even the base Impreza
Inside, a new 6.2-inch touchscreen is standard on even the base Impreza

Despite all of its new tech and interior updates, Subaru's 2.0-liter boxer carries over from the outgoing model. Producing 148 hp (110 kW) and 145 lb.ft (197 Nm) of torque, the EPA estimates its combined fuel economy at 31 mpg (7.6 l/100km). To help with economy, Subaru has fitted low-rolling resistance tires, and an "eco gauge" to encourage miserly driving. Quicker electric power steering also contributes to low fuel consumption.

The boxer engine is coupled with an updated CVT gearbox, which has been tuned to provide a "more natural stepped shift pattern." Upper-spec cars allow drivers to shift six preset ratios, while the base Impreza's 5-speed manual gearbox carries over from the outgoing car.

As with all Subarus (except the rear-drive BRZ), the Impreza is all-wheel drive. Manual cars have their torque distributed through a viscous-coupling center differential, while CVT cars have their power distributed by an electronically managed, continuously variable transfer clutch.

Subaru has not announced pricing for the 2015 Impreza, but don't expect the starting price to deviate too far from the current US$17,895.

Source: Subaru

View gallery - 7 images
3 comments
3 comments
oldguy
I always check Subaru to see if they have added any legroom on the drivers side. Nope. I guess its not an issue for them.
JPAR
One of the most iconic cars of the 1990s and early 2000s has become mainstream bland and dull. Where's the true Subaru spirit? (I say this as someone who has loved owning 3 Subaru's over the years, with my trusty 2003 WRX sportswagon being a dream of reliable, practical fun packed motoring.)
bergamot69
Hmm, so most models get a CVT gearbox. I've yet to drive any CVT-equipped car (and I've driven plenty) that gave a decent account of itself. Basically, ask for a bit of accelleration and the engine revs soar and the revs stay at that level until you back off the throttle, and it sounds like a manual with a slipping clutch.
And speaking of manuals, 5 speeds in a car in this market sector? In 2014? 6 Speed boxes are pretty much standard in Europe for all but the lowest spec cars these days, and would certainly be expected in an Impreza.