For conservative Brits not accustomed to change, the pace at which
manufacturers from the Far East change their models can come as a bit of a shock
to the old system. It seems barely a few weeks back that the current Scooby was
causing a fuss for being bizarrely styled. Now it's time to stir things up again
with the new look model which was unveiled at the Paris Show yesterday.
On sale in the UK in February 2003, the new-look Impreza boasts a totally
different front-end combining an aggressive presence with pedestrian-friendly
safety features and aerodynamic efficiency. The facelift is shared with the 2003
World Rally Car which will benefit from a similar reduction in drag coefficient
and improved high-speed stability.
Key design changes include a new front bumper, spoiler, bonnet, wings and
3-Dimensional headlamps. In addition, circular lamps are inlaid in the main
headlamp units themselves.
At the rear, all models have new bumpers and light units with a curved dip to
their inner edges – similar to the headlamps.
The WRX STi gains a larger high-rise rear spoiler, front corner spoilers and
new side sill spoilers which all contribute to improved high-speed stability.
Meanwhile, a larger bonnet air intake enhances intercooler cooling.
Big news for WRX fans is an increase in power from 218 to 225 PS for the
turbo-charged 2.0 litre ‘boxer’ engine. Equally important is improved
throttle response thanks to revisions to the exhaust manifold aimed at smoothing
the flow of exhaust gases.
Meanwhile, the cooling performance of the 265 PS STi engine has benefited
from a change in the shape of the intercooler water spray nozzle and the air
baffle plate inside the air scoop.
The STi also has improved front suspension thanks to strengthened mounts for
the transverse linkages and new cross-performance rods. As a result, handling
and steering response are even better thanks to a reduction in geometry change
during hard cornering.
Prices and more detailed improvements will be announced closer to the
new-look Impreza’s February 2003 on-sale-date.
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