Subaru launches new Impreza Sport Hybrid with advanced safety technology

Subaru has just introduced the second hybrid model in their all-wheel-drive lineup. The new 2016 Subaru Impreza Sport Hybrid will be launched in Japan this summer. Subaru has opened up an official website for the new Impreza Sport Hybrid for the Japan market and are accepting orders now. Subaru will deliver the new hybrid model at a future announced date.

The new 2016 Subaru Impreza Sport Hybrid will follow the XV Crosstrek Hybrid that was launched globally back in 2013 as a 2014 model. The Impreza hatchback hybrid will also feature a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain. In the XV Crosstrek, the electric drive motor augments the 2.0-liter Boxer engine that generates 160 hp and 163 lb. ft of torque. That’s an increase of 12 hp and 18 lb. ft of torque over the standard XV 2.0-liter engine.

The new Impreza Sport hybrid should see the same power numbers and possibly get even better fuel mileage than the XV Crosstrek Hybrid’s 31 mpg combined, 27/36 city/highway. Subaru will release power and fuel mileage specs on the new compact hybrid closer to its launch later this summer. The hybrid drivetrain will be mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

While Subaru intended this to be for it’s all-weather capability, it also works on dry roads while pushing hard through the curves. This unique system takes input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, and the Active Torque Split AWD optimizes traction and steering response when...read more.

Impreza Sport hybrid will have sporty driving dynamics

Like the XV Crosstrek hybrid, the new Impreza Sport Hybrid’s CVT will include a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters which will give it sportier driving dynamics. The hybrid system will use a nickel-metal hydride battery and it will be strategically located low in the vehicle, which will contribute to greater handling agility. Impreza Sport hybrid will likely get a a quicker-ratio electric power steering and special suspension tuning for better cornering ability like the XV hybrid.

New Impreza hybrid will come with EyeSight

Impreza Sport Hybrid will come with Subaru’s new-generation EyeSight that uses a stereo camera to recognize objects and distance for their pre-crash braking and cruise control functions. This includes a speed tracking function, mis-active lane keeping and rear vision suppression control. The new EyeSight version 3, will feature a new brake lamp recognition control that takes EyeSight’s cognition abilities even further. Subaru will be introducing this technology in the new Impreza hybrid.

Subaru will now have two hybrid all-wheel-drive vehicles in the lineup. The 2016 Subaru Impreza Sport hybrid will begin arriving in Subaru showrooms in Japan this summer. Subaru will likely launch the new Impreza hatchback hybrid in other global markets next year. Stay tuned.