2012 Subaru Impreza and XV Preview

We’ve been invited to Fuji Heavy Industries’ SKC test facility to put both cars through their paces a few months before they go on sale in Australia.

The all-new Subaru XV will arrive in local showrooms in January 2012, a few weeks ahead of the mainstream 2012 Subaru Impreza range, which is due later in the first quarter.

Both vehicles promise to take big steps forward in refinement, technology, and efficiency.

Powering the new Impreza and XV is the brand's all-new horizontally opposed 2.0-litre four-cylinder FB Boxer engine with 110kW of power (at 6200rpm) and 196Nm of torque (at 4200rpm).

Australian customers will have the choice of either a six-speed manual transmission (replacing the outgoing model’s five-speed unit) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which should be a significant improvement over the old four-speed auto.

Subaru Australia hasn’t released official fuel consumption data yet, but based on European testing you can expect combined cycle figures of approximately 6.5-7.5 litres/100km, with the CVT to be the more frugal option.

Prices and specifications are unconfirmed at this stage, but expect the new models to compare closely with the outgoing vehicles. The Impreza range is currently priced from $23,990 to $30,490, with the Impreza XV sitting towards the higher end at $27,490-$29,490.

As reported last month, the Impreza-based WRX and WRX STI models are scheduled to launch approximately 18 months after the standard model, pointing at a date around the second half of 2013.

Subaru’s styling is always a topic of hot debate, and it has been no different this year as Subaru has unveiled both models to the public. Love it or loath it, however, both new cars have a more modern and aggressive appearance than before, and a cleaner and more cohesive exterior design.

The interiors also enjoy a major makeover, with significant upgrades to material quality, cabin technology, and the overall layout.

The vehicles’ longer wheelbase means there’s now an extra 50mm of legroom for rear-seat passengers, and Subaru has also focused on improving forward visibility by completely redesigning the new A-pillars.

Stay tuned for our full first-drive reviews of both vehicles following today's drive program.

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