New 2015 Subaru Impreza gets a grade up on the WRX

When Subaru unveiled the new 2015 WRX, fans were disappointed that the performance car wouldn’t be offered in a 5-door hatch. Subaru wanted to separate the high-performance car from its sibling Impreza compact. Even though WRX sits on a modified Impreza platform, it has an all-new body. Subaru is separating the WRX from the Impreza to beef up its sports car lineup, which includes the BRZ coupe jointly developed with Toyota. But the Impreza offers what WRX doesn’t, a 5-door hatchback model.

The new 2015 Subaru Impreza still features 5-door versatility and offers sporty driving dynamics with a 2.0-liter boxer engine that develops 148 horsepower and 145 lb. ft of torque. Of course it doesn’t compare with the WRX’s 2.0-liter turbo engine that develops 268 hp, but Impreza gets an EPA estimated 37 mpg highway fuel mileage with the new CVT.

The new Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission features steering wheel paddle shifters that lets the driver engage the manual mode of the Lineartronic CVT for a more sporty and engaging driving experience. And the new 2015 Impreza still comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Versatility of Impreza

Where the new Impreza gets a grade up on the WRX is in its 5-door hatchback versatility. The Impreza 5-door features 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space space and has 60/40 folding rear seats. Why is it such a big deal for Subaru to offer a 5-door hatch in addition to the sedan? For Subaru buyers, it’s all about the versatility and utility that the hatchback offers. Many Subaru owners use their cars for everything and they love the extra functionality that the hatch offers.

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It can be used for recreational activities like transporting mountain bikes, snowboards, and surfboards for use on the weekends. Many Subaru owners have dogs, and the 5-door hatch is ideal for transporting their four-legged friends to the vet and taking them along for their active lifestyles on the weekends. And Impreza offers the same Symmetrical AWD as the WRX.

All-weather ready

The 2015 Impreza uses the Symmetrical AWD system that Subaru uses in all their cars and it’s what sets the brand apart from the competition. The 5-speed manual Impreza uses a continuous AWD that features a viscous-coupling locking bevel-gear center differential built into the transmission case and distributes torque 50:50 front-to-rear. Slippage at the front or rear wheels causes torque to transfer (up to 100%) to the opposite set of wheels.

Impreza models with the CVT use an Active Torque Split with an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch that actively manages torque distribution in response to driving conditions, acceleration, deceleration and cornering. Slippage at the front or rear wheels causes torque to transfer (up to 100%) to the opposite set of wheels.

The new 2015 Subaru Impreza 5-door hatchback model is a versatile, all-weather capable vehicle that is still sporty and fun to drive. It may not be a performance machine like the WRX, but it features the utility of a hatch that the 2015 WRX doesn’t have. Check out the new 2015 Impreza 20-page digital brochure.