Subaru Impreza gets thrifty new engine
02.09.2009 - Dominic Sacco
(14)
The Subaru Impreza has received a new fuel-efficient Boxer engine. This 2-litre diesel engine is twice as economical as the Impreza WRX and lends itself from the Subaru Outback, Legacy and Forester cars. It will appear in two new Impreza models - the diesel RC and diesel RX.
Both diesel models emit 155g/km of CO2, placing them into tax band G at £150 per year. They also have a new six-speed manual gearbox and a combined fuel consumption figure of 47.9mpg. This makes them the most fuel-efficient Imprezas and the cheapest to tax.
The Boxer engine can go from 0-62mph in nine seconds and on to a top speed of 127mph, whereas the hot WRX can achieve this in 6.5 seconds and is limited to 130mph.
The RC diesel model gets all the standard Impreza features such as electric mirrors, front fog lights and sports seats, but the RX boasts more including keyless ignition, leather seats, rear privacy glass and an electric sunroof.
Subaru claims the Boxer engine is the diesel equivalent of the Impreza WRX. However the diesel models are priced higher than the WRX and WRXS models, which currently retail at £19,675 and £20,030 respectively. The Subaru Impreza RC and RX diesel models are priced at £20,000 and £22,255 and are on sale now.
