RE: Next Subaru WRX revealed?
Discussion
StottyZr said:
In 1994 Subaru launched the Turbo 2000 in the UK, the spec is as follows:
214bhp
0-60:6.1
Top Speed: 144mph
Weight:1235kg
MPG:28
In 2008 they launched the latest Subaru hatch with the following spec:
226bhp
0-60:6.3
Top Speed: 130mph (figure seems wrong but is only one I can find)
Weight:1395kg
MPG:27
So the 15yrs newer model is slower and worse on fuel.
With my very basic understanding of car development this is why I think the Impreza is almost dead in the UK.
Exactly, slower, worse on fuel not to mention monumentally uglier! Small point: the first Turbo 2000s were only 208bhp 214bhp
0-60:6.1
Top Speed: 144mph
Weight:1235kg
MPG:28
In 2008 they launched the latest Subaru hatch with the following spec:
226bhp
0-60:6.3
Top Speed: 130mph (figure seems wrong but is only one I can find)
Weight:1395kg
MPG:27
So the 15yrs newer model is slower and worse on fuel.
With my very basic understanding of car development this is why I think the Impreza is almost dead in the UK.
I think it looks alright in Subaru racing blue and gold. I guess most people here have ridiculously high standards.
Also, since when have modern racing cars been 'pretty' let alone rally cars? Is the RS200 or MG 6R4 pretty? Hell no they're not but they are monsters on and off the road. The Impreza isn't meant to be achingly beautiful, they're meant to be the ultimate point and shoot weapons.
Also, since when have modern racing cars been 'pretty' let alone rally cars? Is the RS200 or MG 6R4 pretty? Hell no they're not but they are monsters on and off the road. The Impreza isn't meant to be achingly beautiful, they're meant to be the ultimate point and shoot weapons.
johnmacdonald said:
That is horrible. Have owned 5 Imprezas since 1998 and will now simply keep my 2006 "Hawkeye" WRX 2.5 PPP until it expires! How can Subaru get it so wrong (again)? 
Lovely looking hawk! Edited by johnmacdonald on Tuesday 12th November 16:01
What's the ride like on the 18s? How does it compare performance wise to a classic?
jamespink said:
It defies belief that Subaru are still doing everything humanly possible to stop people buying their performance cars. You would have to be one of the ten people in the UK that are THAT in love with "the Subaru thing" to actually spend money on something that looks like that with an '80s Japanese interior. Quite extraordinary...
Exactly my thoughts.They must have a team of designers with Steve Wonders standard eyesight working the clay models they are using to shape their next gen cars!!
I suspect just like Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota it is down to dumb ass accountants leading and forcing the design process, such that very little of sporting pretence comes from these manufacturers any more. (apart from BRZ!)
To be honest, those debating the styling are missing the point.
It wasn't styling, image, lack of WRC link or performance that killed the Impreza WRX. It was the CO2 output.
Like it or not, car manufacturers need to make a profit to fund making the cars that we enjoy. If your cars pump out a lot of CO2 in tests compared to other cars, you're never going to be anything more than niche producers in today's world.
We can debate the rights or wrongs of it, how the tests aren't a reflection of the real world, how if people in general weren't so boring we'd all drive V8's to Tesco etc etc, but the reality is that the bigger market doesn't care. When Golf R's, Megane 265's etc pump out under 200g/km of CO2 you're going to really struggle to sell anything for which people pay £500 in road tax every year.
If Subaru want any sporting success in the UK ever again (because let's be honest, the BRZ isn't setting sales charts on fire), it needs to provide decent performance and fun without making a hash of the CO2 testing. If they fluff that again, I think you can kiss goodbye to anything but personal imports.
It wasn't styling, image, lack of WRC link or performance that killed the Impreza WRX. It was the CO2 output.
Like it or not, car manufacturers need to make a profit to fund making the cars that we enjoy. If your cars pump out a lot of CO2 in tests compared to other cars, you're never going to be anything more than niche producers in today's world.
We can debate the rights or wrongs of it, how the tests aren't a reflection of the real world, how if people in general weren't so boring we'd all drive V8's to Tesco etc etc, but the reality is that the bigger market doesn't care. When Golf R's, Megane 265's etc pump out under 200g/km of CO2 you're going to really struggle to sell anything for which people pay £500 in road tax every year.
If Subaru want any sporting success in the UK ever again (because let's be honest, the BRZ isn't setting sales charts on fire), it needs to provide decent performance and fun without making a hash of the CO2 testing. If they fluff that again, I think you can kiss goodbye to anything but personal imports.
blearyeyedboy said:
It wasn't styling, image, lack of WRC link or performance that killed the Impreza WRX. It was the CO2 output.
If Subaru want any sporting success in the UK ever again (because let's be honest, the BRZ isn't setting sales charts on fire), it needs to provide decent performance and fun without making a hash of the CO2 testing. If they fluff that again, I think you can kiss goodbye to anything but personal imports.
So the only way it can be saved is if it has an efficient and clean engine, a soundtrack that does justice to its forebears, and is quick with huge levels of grip. If Subaru want any sporting success in the UK ever again (because let's be honest, the BRZ isn't setting sales charts on fire), it needs to provide decent performance and fun without making a hash of the CO2 testing. If they fluff that again, I think you can kiss goodbye to anything but personal imports.
Oh, and the engine has to be strong and reliable.
If Subaru pull all that off all while complying to EU regulations, I'd be amazed.
Hellbound said:
So the only way it can be saved is if it has an efficient and clean engine, a soundtrack that does justice to its forebears, and is quick with huge levels of grip.
Oh, and the engine has to be strong and reliable.
If Subaru pull all that off all while complying to EU regulations, I'd be amazed.
Exactly. They've got a tall order. They need to produce an engineering marvel, find another USP that sells well or become irrelevant as a market force.Oh, and the engine has to be strong and reliable.
If Subaru pull all that off all while complying to EU regulations, I'd be amazed.
johnmacdonald said:
That is horrible. Have owned 5 Imprezas since 1998 and will now simply keep my 2006 "Hawkeye" WRX 2.5 PPP until it expires! How can Subaru get it so wrong (again)?
That's the kind of Impreza I imagine every time I hear the word. Thank god they're not naming the new car that way, it doesn't seem to deserve it. Edited by johnmacdonald on Tuesday 12th November 16:01
People say that an Impreza doesn't need looks to be a good car because it's all about the driving experience - I don't think that's true, the car in this pic shows that a real Impreza also looks great, and not like every other japanese sedan
Hi HonestIago & Sampaio. Many thanks for your comments. The WRX with its Prodrive Performance Pack, straight through exhaust centre section, quickshift, Prodrive spring kit, Pipercross filter, 18x8J Prodrive PFF7 alloys and Pirelli P-Zero Neros is an absolute joy to drive. Runs on Millers Nano engine, 'box and diff oils. The Prodrive spring kit transformed the handling - of course it's stiff, but not a problem (wife doesn't complain much). Must admit that it compares favourably with a previously owned RB5 PPP and a widetrack 2.0 STi PPP type UK. RB5 though was frantic!! Now 65, but unable to accept the thought of not owning a proper Subaru... 
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