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Subaru's iconic Impreza gains a dynamic facelift showcasing a new corporate grille and hawk-eye headlamps plus three new, high-torque 2.0 and 2.5 litre Boxer engines for the 2006 Model Year.
Renowned for its agile handling, leech-like roadholding and symmetrical all-wheel drive security, the latest Impreza forges even stronger links with its World Rally Championship counterpart which has also been redesigned by the same in-house team.
Predictably, the new 2.5 litre turbocharged 230 PS WRX and 281 PS WRX STI are destined to attract the most attention from driving enthusiasts.
However, the naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre models also have a much sportier flavour thanks to a 35 PS power hike from their new 160 PS four-cam powerplants.
On sale mid-October, the 2006 Impreza range comprises a 2.0R five-door, 2.0R Sport saloon and five-door, 2.5 WRX saloon and five-door and 2.5 WRX STI saloon.
Yet despite a host of improvements, prices start at just £16,200 OTR for the Impreza 2.0R 5-door, with the most popular model, the 2.5 WRX Saloon costing £20,900 OTR a modest £600 increase.
Facelift In Detail
The latest Impreza showcases Subarus new corporate look, boasting a dynamic road presence matching its blistering performance.
A key feature is the mesh grille with a centre section resembling an aeroplane fuselage and sweeping outer sections mimicking the wings. Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, has its origins as an aircraft manufacturer.
Dubbed internally ‘hawk-eye’, the new headlamps have a 3-D effect with cylindrical lamp units. For a feeling of design unity, the rear lamps are also 3-D and with similar cylinders encircled by claw-type strakes for a prestige look.
The bonnet has been lengthened by almost 2 in (50 mm), giving a more efficient air intake into the turbo bonnet scoop. Because of this better airstream, the STI now has the same size air intake as the WRX, improving visibility.
A strong character line runs from each side of the central grille air intake, giving a strong, dynamic 3-D feel.
The saloon and five-door each have new front bumpers with concave horizontal corner spoilers to smooth the airflow down the side of the car. In addition, the saloon features vertical air intakes at the side of the bumper for enhanced brake cooling.
New, smaller yet more powerful projector-type fog lamps are fitted to all models, offering much greater light distribution. Meanwhile, all but the entry-level 2.0R five-door have HID headlamps with pop-up washers.
A new design of colour-keyed side-skirts adds to the sports stance, being better integrated with the overall body design and featuring sweeping swage lines that continue to flow into the rear bumpers.
Every model has changes to its road wheels, with the 2.0R having 16 ins five-spoke alloys, WRX 17 ins seven-spoke alloys and WRX STI boasting a new shade of gold for its 17 ins 10-spoke alloys.
Appropriately, the most spectacular changes of all are restricted to the WRX STI which gains a ribbed under bumper diffuser to improve the airflow under the boot well.
Also new for the STI is a roof vane covering the top half of the rear window. This complements the massive high-rise boot spoiler by deflecting airflow from the top of the roof under the boot spoiler, increasing downforce and stability.
Many of these aerodynamic improvements are shared with the rally car, as FIA WRC regulations demand a high proportion of shared features. Both road and WRC cars were conceived by the Design Department of FHI.
Engine Improvements In Detail
Subaru has built an enviable reputation for reliability, long engine life and accessible performance through the design of its horizontally-opposed, all aluminium ‘boxer’ engines. This ‘flat-four’ cylinder layout gives a lower centre-of-gravity for enhanced cornering grip.
It is also ideal when mated to Subaru’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system because of its compactness, light weight and ability to connect with the AWD transmission in a straight line.
Now, for 2006, the Impreza WRX and WRX STI have their 2.0 litre turbocharged engines replaced by more powerful and flexible 2.5 litre units producing 230 and
281 PS respectively. Meanwhile, the naturally-aspirated 2.0R and 2.0R Sport boast a new 160 PS four-cam unit with a 35 PS power hike.
Common to all three new engines are twin overhead camshafts per bank (DOHC) plus an Active Valve Control System (AVCS) which is a form of variable valve timing. This enhances low-speed pulling ability and high-rev power.
Also shared is an electronic throttle for more responsive acceleration and a secondary air intake system which reduces emissions and speeds the warm-up of the catalytic converter.
All Imprezas feature four valves per cylinder, centrally-located spark plugs, pent-roof combustion chambers and multi-point fuel injection with an ignition coil for each cylinder.
Gutsier Responses From New 2.5 Litre WRX STI
Much gutsier throttle responses with stronger low and mid-range torque plus higher top-end power are guaranteed with the new 2.5 litre WRX STI’s high-pressure turbocharged engine.
Maximum power leaps from 265 to 281 PS at 5,600 rpm – 400 rpm lower – while pulling power grows by 36 lb ft to 289 lb ft at the same 4,000 rpm.
The result is a top speed of 158.4 mph – almost 7 mph more – and a 0-60 mph time fractionally down at 5.0 seconds.
The 2,457 cc engine has a larger bore and stroke than before at 99.5 x 79 mm while the compression ratio is the same 8.0:1.
Changes to the STI’s six-speed gear ratios result in sharper initial acceleration but more relaxed cruising with enhanced refinement and fuel economy.
Fourth gear, for example, is now 16.3 mph/1,000 rpm instead of 13.7 with sixth at 26.2 mph/1,000 rpm rather than 24.5.
Fuel consumption figures are slightly better, now standing at 18.5/34.0 and 25.9 mpg for the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycle.
Real-World Driving Benefits For New 2.5 Litre WRX
An extra 5 PS and 15 lb ft torque may not sound much but it is how it is delivered that makes the ’06 MY Impreza WRX such a sharp driving tool.
Throughout the rev range the new 2.5 litre engine gives extra performance with punchier throttle response and fewer gear changes needed for rapid progress – aided by slightly lower gearing. For example, the lower final drive gives
23.5 mph/1,000 mph in fifth – 1.2 mph/1,000 rpm less than before.
Power is now 230 PS at the same 5,600 rpm but the peak torque of 235 lb ft is now produced 400 rpm lower at 3,600.
The headline figures of a 143 mph top speed and 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds (saloon) may be very similar to the ’05 MY 2.0 litre WRX but real-world driving characteristics reveal a much sprightlier car with an effortless power delivery and stronger turbo response from low speeds.
Despite the larger engine capacity, fuel economy is virtually the same at 19.6/35.8 and 27.4 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycle.
No Poor Relation – The New 160 PS 2.0 Litre
The non-turbo Imprezas – despite enjoying a firm following for their AWD traction, fine handling, durability and practical features - have previously been in the shadow of their performance stablemates. Not any more.
With its new 2.0 litre four-cam ’boxer engine, and dynamic new styling, the new Impreza 2.0R and 2.0R Sport have a much stronger identity and better complement the turbo models in the range.
Power leaps by no less than 35 PS to 160 PS at 6,400 rpm, while the strong torque of 137.2 lb ft is at an accessible 3,200 rpm – 400 rpm lower than before.
This means low-speed throttle response and pulling power is unusually strong yet the engine is capable of revving to high engine speeds while still producing increased power.
Top speed leaps by 11 mph for the manual saloon and 9 mph for the manual five-door, now standing at 130 and 126 mph respectively, while the automatic versions are 5 mph faster than the previous model.
Also illustrating the dramatically increased performance are the 0-60 mph times of 8.5 seconds for the manual – 1.4 seconds down – and 11.3 seconds for the automatic – a full 1 second swifter.
This sporty new character is not at the expense of fuel economy which is similar to the previous, slower model at 22.6/40.4 and 31.4 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined Cycles and 23.5/40.9 and 32.5 mpg for the automatic.
Other improvements include a 4-2-1 equal length, ‘constant-pulsation’ exhaust system which avoids gas flow interference and speeds the warm-up of the catalytic converter.
‘Constant pulsation’ also greatly enhances low to mid-speed torque and gives higher power outputs.
The new 2.0 litre four-cam ‘boxer’ engine retains the same 92 mm bore and 75 mm stroke as before with a 10.0:1 compression ratio.
Finally, all Impreza 2.0 litre models have a larger, 13.2 gallon (60 litre) fuel tank – an increase of around 2 gallons (10 litres). Coupled with similar fuel economy to before, this significantly increases the car’s touring range.
Improved, Slicker-Shifting Transmissions
All ’06 Imprezas have slicker-shifting five or six-speed manual transmissions, while the 2.0R boasts a more efficient four-speed automatic gearbox.
On the five-speed manual Impreza 2.0R and 2.5 WRX, the manual shift stroke, for example, is now 10 mm shorter and the firmness of the gear-change itself is enhanced by 15 per cent.
The Impreza 2.0R now has a double-cone synchroniser for first and third gears giving a lighter gear-change.
Meanwhile, the six-speed manual transmission on the 2.5 WRX STI now has carbon-plated synchronisers on fourth, fifth and sixth gears. With an improvement in the friction coefficient, the effort needed to change gear is reduced.
A new four-speed automatic transmission for the Impreza 2.0R is 2.5 kg lighter and provides smoother changes with greater sensitivity to the driver’s wishes.
It is more efficient, saving fuel, because a slip lock-up device reduces wasted engine revs. In addition, advanced electronics – linked to an electronic throttle – match engine speed with the best gear for any given situation.
The Impreza 2.0R five-door manual continues to have a low-ratio transfer ’box which effectively provides 10 speeds. This is useful when towing or covering difficult road surfaces, providing extra engine braking – and therefore greater control – at low speeds.
As with previous models, the full-time all-wheel drive transmission features a 50/50 front to rear torque split on manual models except the STI and 60/40 on the automatic. However, the split varies according to changing conditions.
The manual Impreza has a centre differential with viscous coupling which senses which axle has the better grip and distributes torque accordingly to minimise the risk of wheelspin.
The Impreza 2.5 WRX also features a limited-slip differential in the rear axle to apportion grip between each rear wheel.
On automatic models, a similar function to the viscous coupling is carried out by Subaru’s sophisticated Active Torque Split system. This employs electronics, sensors and a multi-plate hydraulic transfer clutch.
New for the ’06 Impreza automatic is an advanced, faster-reacting system which monitors ‘real-time’ motion of the four wheels, the road surface friction, steering angle and engine output via sensors. A computer then rapidly apportions power to the wheel with the most grip for optimum stability and handling precision.
’06 Impreza WRX STI Type-UK In Detail
Apart from its dynamic new look and more powerful 2.5 litre high-pressure turbocharged engine, the ’06 Impreza WRX STI gains still further revisions to its symmetrical AWD system with front and rear limited-slip differentials – already heavily revised for the ’05 Model Year.
The aim is to give drivers even more interactive handling pleasure with sharper steering responses, greater handling adjustability both on and off-throttle, reduced understeer and enhanced straight-line stability on uneven surfaces and under severe acceleration.
New for ’06 is an improved version of the Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD), allowing the driver to control the vehicle dynamics more precisely.
The DCCD is operated via a switch mounted next to the handbrake and allows the driver to manually select the torque distribution front to rear, reverting to automatic mode every time the ignition is turned off.
For example, he or she can choose between having a sharper cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running.
The system already has a yaw-rate sensor but now adds an extra one for steering wheel angle plus a new front helical limited-slip differential which is now torque-sensitive, reacting much earlier than before to varying road conditions.
With these changes to both hardware and software for the DCCD, the car can maintain a heavier rear-wheel drive bias for longer, enhancing cornering turn-in for less understeer.
However, it can also react faster to potential oversteer meaning the cornering line is more in keeping with the driver’s intentions.
In addition, the new front LSD is quicker-acting than the previous type and improves steering stability when cornering near the limit. It also improves the car’s steering behaviour on slippery surfaces with less side-to-side tug.
But because of these revisions for the ’06 model with improved passive vehicle dynamics, the torque distribution ratio between front and rear wheels in auto mode has been changed from 35:65 to 41:59.
Impreza WRX STI Suspension Explained
For the ’05 model year, the Impreza WRX STI benefited from a completely revised suspension with new geometry including a caster angle raised by 1.5 degrees and a 15 mm wider rear track and 10 mm longer wheelbase.
Spring and damper rates were retuned and the front and rear lateral links made from aluminium to reduce unsprung weight. Also changed were the anti-roll bars which were made bigger, further reducing body roll and increasing handling sensitivity.
In addition, the suspension mounting points are more rigid including the support arm for the front cross-member and jack-up plate made into a single unit.
Even the front axle hub units and housings were redesigned as part of the ’05 MY revisions to improve the capacity of the wheel bearings, while the rear differential cushion rubber was uprated to increase handling stability.
The Impreza WRX STI’s steering also underwent engineering refinement, making for greater precision and feedback. This is achieved by using a cannon mount-type attachment for the steering gearbox.
Meanwhile, a special damper valve was added to the system which reduces kick-back during hard cornering or when driving on a bumpy road.
Other technical changes include the fitment of engine and floorpan underfloor covers to improve the aerodynamics.
High-Quality Interior For WRX STI
Like the rest of the ’05 Impreza range, significant changes were made to the interior to enhance the ambience while retaining the Impreza STI’s sporty character.
Specific new features for the STI included a new design of gear lever and three-spoke steering wheel.
Even the seat trim came in for re-examination, and while the popular blue suede-effect centre section with red STI logos continues, the black cloth covering the side supports is now of a richer, more grippy material.
‘Type-UK’ Special Features
The STI is designated and badged ‘Type-UK’ to distinguish it from unofficial imports which do not have the additional features standard on the British versions.
These include a Category One alarm/immobiliser, a special satellite tracking system, locking wheel nuts and window etching.
Visual differences to the regular WRX include special gold-coloured spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with STI logos.
Also inside is a switch to spray the intercooler with water to retain power during high-temperature/altitude driving. Another device allows the driver to preset a warning buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine.
And for the ’06 model, the instruments feature electro-luminescent dials which light up red upon turning on the ignition, then arcing right to their maximum readings before returning to zero. Once that happens, the ‘STI’ logo also lights up in red.
On opening the bonnet, the engine compartment greets owners with a dramatic mixture of colours and detailing. The intake manifold, for example, is painted in red and the enlarged aluminium intercooler emblazoned with ‘STI’ lettering.
Fast cars need good brakes and the STI features an ABS braking system made by renowned specialists, Brembo S.p.A of Italy while a close-ratio six-speed gearbox exploits the engine’s performance to the full.
Passenger And Pedestrian Safety Boost
Both occupants and pedestrians are well protected by the latest Impreza thanks to a whole series of safety measures. These include anti-raindrop door mirrors which stay cleaner, enhancing visibility.
New for ’06 is the greater use of side airbags – now fitted to both the Impreza WRX STI as well as the Impreza 2.0R Sport. Previously, only the WRX had side airbags. Naturally, both driver and passenger airbags are standard.
The Impreza 2.0R and 2.0R Sport also have active front head-restraints which reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. The brake pedal is energy-absorbing, being designed to snap away under severe impact, protecting the driver’s lower limbs. In the rear seat are two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings.
The passenger airbag is dual-stage which provides progressive protection matched to the severity of the impact and the standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) come with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). This juggles the braking force between front and rear wheels according to load shifts during deceleration.
Outside, pedestrian injury is reduced thanks to a more rounded contour to the top of the front bumper, a gently curved bonnet and windscreen wipers which crush, softening any impact.
Extra security measures include deadlocking and special shields around the driver’s door lock.
In addition, all Imprezas continue to benefit from keyless-entry central-locking and a Category One remote alarm/immobiliser. The WRX STI Type-UK also has a satellite tracking system.
Composed Yet Involving, Forgiving Yet Fun – The Chassis
A sophisticated all-wheel drive system coupled with low-friction, long travel four-wheel independent suspension and low-centre of gravity ‘boxer’ engines have all contributed to the Impreza’s reputation for outstanding handling and roadholding.
For the Mark 2 model, introduced in October 2000, Subaru’s engineers gave the Impreza a vastly stiffer floorpan which reduces road noise, improves crash safety and allows the suspension to work even better.
The saloon body, for example, is 250 per cent more resistant to bending with the
5-door showing a 239 per cent improvement.
For the Mark 2 Impreza, Subaru decided to continue with strut suspension at the rear instead of adopting the larger Legacy’s multi-link system. The reasons were compactness, low unsprung weight and WRC rally-proven durability.
Major chassis revisions were carried out for the ’05 Model Year – partly in preparation for the major power hike now enjoyed by ’06 MY Imprezas.
For example, the Impreza WRX gained inverted front and rear suspension struts – previously only used on the STI.
This sharpens handling feel and enhances roadholding by reducing wheel movement during hard cornering or when covering bumpy surfaces.
Other standard WRX improvements included aluminium front suspension lateral links – which reduce unsprung weight – and more rigid suspension mountings for even more precise handling.
At the same time, the naturally-aspirated Imprezas gained a rear anti-roll bar plus larger 16x6.5 ins alloy wheels with 205/50 tyres for extra grip.
Generous Equipment
Standard equipment on the latest Impreza 2.0R Sport saloon and five-door includes air-conditioning, front fog lamps, HID headlamps with pop-up washers, power steering, four electric windows, electric door mirrors, ABS, dual-range transmission for the 5-door, driver, passenger and side airbags, radio with single disc CD player, split-folding rear seat, rev-counter, outside temperature gauge, keyless entry central locking and Category One remote alarm/immobiliser.
The new entry-level Impreza 2.0R 5-door features all of the above except side airbags and HID headlamps.
Meanwhile, the WRX saloon and 5-door feature a bonnet air intake, rear spoiler, large 17x7 ins alloy wheels with 215/45 ZR tyres, aluminium accelerator, brake and clutch pedals, radio/cassette with CD player, a new turbocharged 2.5 litre 230 PS engine, rear limited-slip differential and sports seats with side airbags.
The Impreza WRX saloon and five-door are also available in ‘SL’ trim which adds leather interior with heated front seats and an electric sun-roof.
New features for 2006 include fresh cloth seat trim for the WRX and 2.0R with black centre and grey outer panels.
Meanwhile, all Impreza five-door models gain extra functionality thanks to hangers on both sides of the load bay for hanging cargo nets or small items.
Generous Warranty
All Imprezas marketed by Subaru (UK) Limited come with the reassurance of a three year or 60,000 mile warranty plus 12 year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty.
This is in addition to three years’ membership of Subaru Assistance – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout the UK and Europe administered by Mondial Assistance.
The ’06 Impreza Range is as follows: Price (OTR)
2.0R Sport Saloon AWD manual £16,200
2.0R Sport Saloon AWD auto £17,250
2.0R 5-door AWD manual £16,200
2.0R Sport 5-door AWD manual £16,700
2.0R Sport 5-door AWD auto £17,750
2.5 WRX Saloon AWD manual £20,900
2.5 WRX 5-door AWD manual £21,400
2.5 WRX ‘SL’ Saloon AWD manual £22,400
2.5 WRX ‘SL’ 5-door AWD manual £22,900
2.5 WRX STI Type-UK Saloon £26,995
Performance And Economy
|
|
Top Speed |
0-60 |
Urban |
Extra Urban |
Combined |
| mph |
sec |
mpg |
mpg |
mpg |
|
| 2.0R Saloon (Man) |
130 |
8.5 |
22.6 |
40.4 |
31.4 |
| 2.0R Saloon (Auto) |
119 |
11.3 |
23.5 |
40.9 |
32.5 |
| 2.0R 5-door (Man) |
126 |
8.5 |
22.6 |
40.4 |
31.4 |
| 2.0R 5-door (Auto) |
116 |
11.3 |
23.5 |
40.9 |
32.5 |
| 2.5 WRX Saloon |
143 |
5.4 |
19.6 |
35.8 |
27.4 |
| 2.5 WRX 5-door |
143 |
5.6 |
19.6 |
35.8 |
27.4 |
| 2.5 WRX STI Type-UK Saloon |
158.4 |
5.0 |
18.5 |
34.0 |
25.9 |
Ends …
The following press releases were made in the UK regarding the MY2005.
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updated 3rd July 2005
Copyright © 1997/8/9/2000/1/2/3/4/5 Steve Breen
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