Subaru’s eagerly-awaited new Impreza goes on sale in September, offering all its traditional strengths of outstanding handling and active safety thanks to symmetrical all-wheel drive but in a new, more practical package.

And while performance fans will still be catered for early next year when the range-topping, turbocharged WRX STI arrives, the initial emphasis is on the new 1.5 and 2.0 litre models aimed at a much wider audience.

Both enjoy enhanced fuel economy and driveability thanks to improved ‘boxer’ engines which – having their cylinders horizontally-opposed – give the car a lower centre of gravity for improved grip, reduced body roll and more agile steering response.

This is further aided by the engine and transmission now being placed almost 0.5 ins (10 mm) lower in the platform.

Most models are lighter than their predecessors and enjoy improved aerodynamics – down from 0.36 to 0.34 for the 1.5R, for example.

All new Subaru Imprezas share a five-door body which is shorter and wider than the previous Sport Wagon and offers substantially improved interior space thanks – in part – to a 3.7 ins (95 mm) longer wheelbase.

Interior width is around 2 ins (45 mm) greater, while a compact new multi-link rear suspension allows boot space to grow by a substantial 6 cu. ft to 19 cu.ft (538 litres) with the rear Seat upright.

Subaru’s aim is to compete more directly in the European market with rivals such as the Honda Civic, VW Golf and Mazda 3 while offering the added safety and traction advantage of symmetrical all-wheel drive.

And in Japan – where the new five-door Impreza was recently introduced – sales were a staggering 3,829 units in the first week alone. This represents 150 per cent of the planned MONTHLY sales target.

The new Subaru Impreza’s elegant, restrained design gives it a sporty stance with wide tracks, broad shoulder lines and subtle side body creases for a quality look.

Premium touches include a gas strut-assisted bonnet, LED (light-emitting diode) tail lamps, a flowing Tribeca-like fascia design, double-stitched Seat cloth, metallic interior decoration and padded armrest cushions.

Affordable, Attractive Range

The UK range goes on sale in September with the practical Subaru Impreza 1.5R costing an incredibly affordable £12,495 On-The-Road. An automatic version is available for £1,000 more. The previous Impreza 1.5R – introduced for the first time towards the end of last year – proved such a success that stocks quickly ran out.

Standard equipment on the new 1.5R includes: AWD with dual-range, low ratio transfer ’box, 15 ins alloy wheels, climate-control air-conditioning, four-speaker radio/CD player, front and rear electric windows, reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel, front fog lamps plus driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags and a vehicle information display (trip computer).

Equally outstanding value is the new Subaru Impreza 2.0R – also available from September – priced at £14,995 On-The-Road. Compared to the 1.5R, the 2.0 litre model adds: larger 16 ins alloy wheels, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, windscreen-wiper de-icer, xenon headlamps and heated door mirrors. An automatic version is available for another £1,000.

The Subaru Impreza 2.0RX adds not only extra equipment but also body styling enhancements such as front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a chrome exhaust end-cap and a rear bumper diffuser. The alloy wheels are larger at 17 ins and interior upgrades include ‘Smart Entry’ with an engine push-start button and satellite-navigation.

Also standard is a leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, cruise-control and a 10-speaker radio/single-disc CD system. The Impreza 2.0RX costs £17,495 OTR with an automatic version available for £1,000 more.

Meanwhile, sure to delight performance fans is a limited quantity of turbocharged Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX models expected to become available during November. Prices will be announced nearer the time.

Standard equipment on the Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX includes 17 ins alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a rear bumper diffuser, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, a rear limited-slip differential with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, 10-speaker, six-disc radio/CD player and xenon headlamps.

However the ultimate model will be the Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STI – due in spring 2008 when power, performance, pricing and equipment levels will be announced. This model will be visually more aggressive than the rest of the five-door Impreza range and will form the basis for the 2008 Subaru World Rally Championship entry.

It is also ideal when mated to Subaru’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system because of the engine’s compactness, light weight and ability to connect with the AWD transmission in a straight line.

Now, the new 1.5 litre ‘boxer’ engine has been designed to offer strong low to mid-range pulling power, known as torque, while also having the ability to rev to high speeds for brisk overtaking.

So despite being the least powerful Subaru, the new Impreza 1.5R makes the most of its power and torque, providing comparable performance to most similar-engined lower-medium hatchbacks.

For example, top speed is 109 mph for the manual, with a 0-60 mph time of 13.7 seconds. Fuel economy is also respectable with 29.4 mpg on the Urban Cycle, 44.8 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle and 37.7 mpg Combined – 2 mpg better than before. Exhaust emissions are also competitive at 176 g/km.

Power is now 107 PS (2 PS more) at 6,000 rpm and torque is 104.7 lb.ft at a low 3,200 rpm while the compression ratio is 10.1:1. However, the torque is greater at lower engine speeds than with the previous model, improving throttle response and flexibility.

As with all Subaru Impreza engines, the new 1.5 litre features twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (DOHC) plus an Active Valve Control System (AVCS) which is a form of variable valve timing. This enhances both low-speed pulling power and high-rev response.

Also shared is an electronic throttle for more responsive acceleration plus centrally-located spark plugs, pent-roof combustion chambers and multi-point fuel-injection with an ignition coil for each cylinder.

Of special interest is the 1.5 litre’s bore and stroke dimensions, selected to optimise combustion efficiency for low emissions and fuel consumption while providing strong power and torque.

In fact, the new 1.5 litre shares its 79 mm stroke with Subaru’s four-cylinder 2.5 litre turbo engine. Naturally, its bore dimension is a much narrower 77.7 mm.

Other efficiency measures include low-friction, lighter valve springs and a 4-2-1 equal length, ‘constant-pulsation’ exhaust system which avoids gas flow interference and speeds up the warm-up of the catalytic converter.

Ten-Speed Transmission/Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

As with the new Impreza 2.0R and RX, the 1.5R has a five-speed manual gearbox with a low-ratio, dual-range transfer gearbox, effectively providing 10 speeds. Owners find this particularly useful when towing or covering difficult road surfaces as it provides extra engine-braking for greater control.

For the new model, the Impreza 1.5R has revised, slightly higher 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th ratios for improved high-speed refinement and enhanced fuel economy.

The symmetrical all-wheel drive system features a nominal 50/50 front to rear torque split. However, a centre viscous-coupling senses which axle has the best grip and varies this ratio in milliseconds according to the road surface.

This maximises tyre grip and handling accuracy, instilling confidence in the driver – especially on rain-soaked motorways or snowy country lanes.

New 2.0 Litre Engine In Detail

The new Impreza 2.0R and RX enjoy substantial revisions to their 2.0 litre ‘boxer’ engines which result in stronger low and mid-range pulling power, enhanced flexibility and improved fuel economy with lower exhaust emissions.

And while power drops from 160 to 150 PS at the same 6,400 rpm, torque is 7.4 lb ft (10 Nm) greater, recording 144.6 lb ft at 3,200 rpm.

The result is an improvement of more than 2 mpg on the Combined cycle with the manual now recording 33.6 mpg and the automatic even better at 34.4 mpg. Urban and Extra Urban figures are 25.4 and 40.9 mpg for the manual and 25.4 and 43.5 mpg for the automatic.

Exhaust emissions are also down, now standing at 199 g/km for the manual (was 214 g/km) and 194 for the automatic (was 207 g/km).

The 0-60 mph time for the manual is 9.2 seconds while the automatic records 11.3 seconds. Maximum speeds have yet to be confirmed.

Common to all new Impreza engines are twin overhead camshafts per bank (DOHC), four valves per cylinder and an Active Valve Control System (AVCS) which is a form of variable valve timing. This enhances low-speed pulling power and high-rev power.

For the new Impreza 2.0R and RX, the combustion chambers have been redesigned for increased tumble gas flow, enhanced tow-speed torque and reduced fuel consumption. Also for improved efficiency are a revised intake system, cooling system and catalytic converters.

The new 2.0 litre four-cam ‘boxer’ engine retains the same 92 mm bore and 75 mm stroke as before but with a lower 10.2:1 compression ratio.

New 2.5 Litre (WRX) Turbo Engine In Detail

The renowned 2.5 litre turbocharged ‘boxer’ engine fitted to the new Impreza WRX receives meaningful revisions to improve efficiency and provide much gutsier throttle response in ‘real world’ driving conditions.

Maximum power for the standard WRX is an identical 230 PS to the previous model but now at a lower 5,200 rpm instead of 5,600 rpm.

Torque (pulling power) is also the same as before at 236 lb ft but now at a more accessible 2,800 rpm instead of 3,600 rpm.

Significantly, torque at 2,000 rpm is now 221 lb ft instead of around 150 lb ft. This translates into much livelier acceleration from low engine speeds and an effortless seam of power in everyday driving. Power is also considerably greater from idle until 3,500 rpm.

These major improvements have been achieved thanks to a new turbocharger and intercooler with the oil pump, sparking plugs and tumble generating valve all being revised for greater efficiency.

On the transmission front, 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears have been revised and despite the lower overall gearing – top now pulls 22.6 mph at 1,000 rpm instead of 23.5 mph – fuel economy is unharmed.

It has an identical 0-60 mph time as the old model at 5.4 seconds. Maximum speed has yet to be confirmed.

Fuel economy is now 19.8/34.4 and 27.2 mpg on the Urban/Extra Urban and Combined cycles while the CO₂ emissions are 246 g/km.

The Impreza 1.5R now has a double-cone synchroniser for second gear giving a lighter change while a hydraulic clutch replaces the cable arrangement for smoother, quieter operation. In addition, the 1.5R has revised 2nd 3rd, 4th and 5th gear ratios while the WRX has revised 1st, 2nd and 3rd ratios.

A four-speed automatic transmission 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 standard low-ratio transfer ’box on manual Imprezas 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 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 2.0R and RX plus the WRX benefit from Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control as standard. This has previously only been available on certain automatic versions of the Forester and Legacy/Outback.

Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control uses sophisticated sensors to detect side to side and front to rear slip plus sudden steering movements. It controls oversteer /understeer and potential loss of control by braking individual wheels and cutting engine revs – all in milliseconds.

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. Again, on 2.0 litre models, SVDC is standard.

Finally, the Impeza WRX changes its previous viscous rear limited-slip differential to a mechanical one which reduces weight and improves fuel consumption.

Passenger And Pedestrian Safety Boost

Both occupants and pedestrians are well protected by the latest Impreza thanks to a whole series of safety measures aimed at achieving the highest standards of both occupant and pedestrian safety.

Curtain and side airbags are now fitted to all models together with driver and passenger airbags. Front seatbelts have pre-tensioners, most models have anti-whiplash head restraints and all front seats have energy-absorbing backs.

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. All Imprezas have front ventilated disc brakes and solid rear discs.

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 collapse, softening any impact.

High tensile steel of varying thickness is used extensively throughout the body, providing good crushability where needed while protecting the passenger area.

Not only does the elimination of the previous Impreza’s front subframe reduce body weight by 20 kg but the new structure better dissipates front impact forces.

Outstanding Ride Comfort Plus Precise, Interactive Handling

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 chassis dynamics.

Now for the new model, Subaru has devised a completely new platform with a 3.7 ins (95 mm) longer wheelbase, tracks widened by around 2 ins (50 mm) and a sophisticated multi-link, double wishbone rear suspension.

In addition, to further improve handling and roadholding, the position of the ‘boxer’ engine has been dropped by almost half an inch (10 mm), lowering the centre of gravity still further.

The rear multi-link, double wishbone suspension liberates more luggage space thanks to its compactness compared to the previous rear strut arrangement.

And because it is attached to a sub frame via bushes, with the mounting section moved to under the floor itself, road noise is reduced.

The rear springs and shock-absorbers are mounted behind the centre-line of the rear wheels, with the wheel stroke itself moving rearwards – all helping ride comfort. A rear anti-roll bar is fitted to the 2.0 litre Imprezas.

At the front, the previous sub frame has been eliminated, saving 20 kg in body weight yet a new box-section for the front cross-member provides the same level of rigidity. In fact, the new Impreza WRX five-door is a full 30 kg lighter than the previous Sports Wagon.

The new MacPherson strut and anti-roll bar layout is based on that used by the highly-praised Legacy. It offers high lateral rigidity which improves steering response and cornering stability.

This is further enhanced by a new design mounting for the steering rack. Furthermore, special suspension bushes and attachment points reduce road shock.

The steering gear ratio has been changed from 16.5:1 to 15:1 for a sportier feel while the rack diameter is increased from 23 to 26 mm. The result is a more linear feel to steering inputs. A new variable capacity power steering pump is used throughout to improve fuel economy.

Wheel and tyre sizes have been optimised for each model’s suspension setting with the new Impreza 1.5R running on 195/65 tyres mounted on 15 x 6 ins alloy wheels and the 2.0R having 205/55 tyres on 16 x 6.5 ins alloy wheels. Finally, the sportier 2.0RX and 2.5 WRX boast 205/50 tyres on 17 x 7 ins alloys.

Dodge announced pricing today for the latest addition to Chrysler's popular Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicle lineup - the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.

Boasting 285 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. of torque and a 0-60 mph time in the low 6-second range, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is available for $22,995, which includes $560 for destination. The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 once again delivers the SRT mission of benchmark performance at the lowest price.

"Like all of Chrysler's SRT vehicles, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers customers an unmatched performance/value equation," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing Communications, Chrysler. "With 285 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. of tire-smoking torque, and numerous functional, race-inspired exterior and interior appointments, Dodge and SRT have once again boldly joined the sport-compact performance market in dominating fashion."

The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 showcases the renowned, five key aspects of any SRT vehicle: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 unquestionably delivers in all five areas.

Exterior styling includes an aggressive SRT stance, a front fascia with functional brake cooling ducts and a larger grille opening. The unique hood features a functional air scoop enhancing underhood cooling. A large integrated spoiler above the rear glass is tuned for smoother air flow and lift reduction. Available exterior colors are Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red.

Inside, the all-new Caliber SRT4 boasts sport seating with deep, performance bolsters, an SRT race-inspired instrument design, and an optional Reconfigurable Display (RCD), with exclusive "performance pages" that provide lateral and longitudinal G-force, 1/8-mile and 1/4-mile acceleration time and speed, 0-60 mph time and braking distance.

The Dodge Caliber SRT4's suspension is lowered 28mm in the front and 22mm in the rear, contributing to the unique SRT performance ride and handling characteristics. Chassis highlights include unique performance tuning, 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels and Goodyear three- or four-season performance tires.

Benchmark braking is delivered via four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with 340 x 28mm vented front rotors and 302 x 10mm rear rotors, with twin-piston aluminum front calipers.

And finally, a whopping 285 horsepower and tire-smoking 265 lb.-ft. of torque is delivered courtesy of Chrysler's 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 Turbo World Engine. An electronically tuned Brake Lock Differential and Getrag DMT-6 six- speed transmission help put the power to the ground.

2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Pricing:

The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is well-equipped and has a U.S. MSRP of $22,995 (including $560 destination).