2014 Subaru Impreza returns to UK with new fuel-saving feature

Subaru pulled the Impreza out the UK market due to poor sales, but the UK public is getting the 2014 Subaru Impreza back with some fuel-saving updates. It will come with an even better drivetrain and with a new fuel-saving feature. The UK Impreza will be powered by a more efficient non-turbo 1.6-liter boxer engine and two choices of transmission. But it will also feature a new Auto Start Stop system that boosts fuel savings. The new UK Impreza will come in the five-door hatchback body style.

Up until now, Subaru has only offered this Auto Start Stop system on their new XV Crosstrek Hybrid. But the new 2014 Impreza will also get the fuel-saving feature when it comes to the UK this spring. Of course, Impreza will come with the latest version of Subaru’s hallmark All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, and an impressive range of safety features. And two new transmissions will be offered.

The new 2014 Impreza Auto Start Stop system, will help boost fuel savings in stop and go traffic. A special starter motor and ‘In-rush Current Reduction’ (ICR) ensure the Auto Start Stop is as unobtrusive as possible to vehicle occupants. The ICR stabilizes the power supply when the engine cuts out when stationary, ensuring that the dashboard instruments and displays don’t flicker. When equipped with the Lineartronic automatic transmission, Auto Start Stop restarts the engine in 0.2 seconds.

The new UK Impreza will be available with a choice of five-speed manual or Lineartronic (CVT) transmissions. The Lineartronic improves the environmental performance of the Impreza, that includes a wide ratio coverage and a six-speed manual-shift mode for more sporty performance. The Impreza returns fuel economy of 44.1mpg on the European combined cycle and emissions of 147g/km, improving to 46.3mpg and 140g/km when fitted with Lineartronic gearbox.

The Impreza will be the only car in the compact UK segment to offer All-Wheel Drive as standard on every model. Manual-transmission models feature a center differential incorporating a viscous limited-slip differential (LSD), with a basic 50/50 per cent front/rear torque split.  To improve traction on low-grip surfaces, this system can detect any slip in front or rear wheels and adjust the torque distribution to the front or rear accordingly.

Lineartronic models, fitted with an electronically-controlled Multi-Plate Transfer clutch, control and distribute torque to the rear wheels. A 60/40 front/rear torque split can be adjusted, with more torque sent to the rear wheels if the system detects slipping front wheels.

How much will it cost? The new 1.6-litre Impreza five-door hatch will be priced from 17,495 British Pounds (on-the-road) for five-speed manual models and from 18,995 for models fitted with the Lineartronic automatic transmission.

The latest Impreza has been enjoying significant sales success in both its home market of Japan and in the U.S. since its launch in 2012. A combination of a more favorable exchange rate and persistent customer demand has led to the decision to make the Impreza available again in the UK market in small volumes. Subaru UK brings the 2014 Impreza back to the UK with a new 1.6-liter engine, two transmissions and an auto/start fuel-saving feature. The 2014 Subaru Impreza goes on sale throughout the network starting May 1.

Other 2014 Subaru Impreza stories of interest.

• What’s new with the 2014 Subaru Impreza
• 2014 Subaru Impreza offers compact car fuel-efficiency with AWD benefits