Consumers in Japan will soon be able to purchase a new hybrid from Subaru, in the form of the Impreza Sport Hybrid.
Power for the newest Impreza variant comes from a 2.0-liter DOHC flat-four paired with an electric motor, and is sent to all corners through a CVT. Fuel economy is expected to hit 20.4 km/liter; range and power figures weren’t made available.
The Impreza Sport Hybrid comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight camera system, which works with the hybrid system’s Eco-Cruise Control to “make the maximum use of electric vehicle driving and regenerative braking when Adaptive Cruise Control is operating, thereby improving fuel consumption under everyday conditions.”
Other features include: enhanced aero; larger and wider wheels for better grip and fuel economy; hydraulic engine mounts; and a range of colors, including a pair of blue pearl paints and crystal black silica.
Price of admission starts at ¥2,505,600 ($20,366 USD) with consumption tax for the standard model, ¥2,635,200 ($21,418) for the 2.0i-S. Both come with Japan’s Eco-Car tax incentives, reducing acquisition and tonnage taxes to 80 percent and 75 percent respectively.
The newest Impreza variant is only the second hybrid launched by the automaker, coming two years after the XV Hybrid. Subaru expects to sell 500/month once sales begin July 10.
(Photo credit: Subaru)
So, it’s an AWD CR-Z?
Imprezas used to be attractive, for a Subaru.
Not so much now. The best looking hatch was the Saaburu.
now subaru’s make Toyota’s look exciting.
Sounds pretty much like an XV Crosstrek hybrid that isn’t up on stilts, except for some reason they don’t offer EyeSight on the Crosstrek Hybrid, at least not in the US. The Subaru hybrid system is a mild one to say the least, but it does help make the most of the 2.0 and the stop/start works well around town.
That’s a “mild” understatement (rimshot). The hybrid adds about $3k to the price and maybe 2 MPG around town. Among the worst values in mild hybrids today.
EyeSight is, in fact, available on the 2015 XV Crosstrek. But it’s an optiion. I know I’d never buy it. I’m one of those dinosaurs who thinks drivers should, you know, watch where they’re going.
EyeSight is available on the regular Crosstrek but not the hybrid. Go figure.
I’d be excited about this if the electric power train and “sport” moniker added up to wrx level performance. And im not even talking sti. If it’s just an impreza hybrid, though, I have no interest. If I ever get something to replace my wrx I either need comperable power, or I’m going full electric and keeping the old girl for good times and long trips.
Well, if this hybrid set up is anything like the Crosstrek Hybrid, it’ll barely provide the kind the performance that the 2.5-liter engine did in the Impreza. If it’s a new arrangement, it could be somewhat better tham that. But why do I have the feeling that won’t be the case?
The same reason I do, I’d bet.
I’m with ChichiriMuyo on this. Nothing out there in Subaru (or anyone’s) lineup that is manual, turbo, wagon body. I test drove a ’14 Forester Premium with 6MT, and not only was the power of the FB25 lacking, but the horrible, sloppy loosey-goosey shifter sealed its fate for me.
So I keep the low mileage 5MT WRX Wagon… till it falls apart.
This is why Subaru is breaking sales records ?
The picture of the drivetrain is quite revealing, and not in a flattering way. However, I wish other manufacturers were so forthcoming.