Subaru Impreza e-Boxer | Preview

8 June 2020 Redazione News

Words by Marco Rallo / Photos by Subaru Italia

Subaru keeps walking on path taken at the end of last year, thus extending the mild-hybrid propulsion to the new generation Impreza. It is therefore the third model, in addition to the XV and the new Forester, which embraces the cause of an engine that allows you to reduce fuel consumption, running costs and emissions, without however losing those characteristics that have always distinguished the brand, which are the boxer engine and the symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

By now we know, at least as things stand at this moment, that we no longer have to place the name Impreza alongside the image of an arrogant sports car ready to amuse on any type of road, but rather we are dealing with a compact five-door that recalls the winning design of the XV, but with a reduced ground clearance that makes it equally suitable for everyday life, especially in urban environment. We do not have a particular stylistic update, since the Impreza undergoes just some modernization as for the optical groups and the care for a sober and functional interior, but rather for the technical content already introduced with the other models mentioned a few lines above. The Impreza e-Boxer, thanks to the new engine positioned lower, therefore has a better weight balance, does not lose space in the luggage compartment because of its 13.5 kW lithium-ion battery pack placed right over the rear axle and offers as only option the Lineartronic automatic transmission, which as we have learned by now, rewards a more relaxed driving style and goes well with the kind of engine we have here.

Being mild-hybrid, the main purpose is precisely to improve the general usability of the car, also by taking advantage of incentives related to hybrid units. However, the Impreza e-Boxer manages to maintain its identity, thanks to a fair height from the ground and an excellent traction that will make you untangle even on roads that are anything but ordinary. Compared to the petrol version there is an increase of just 110 kg, but the 2020 update also brings with it a greater stiffness of the cell that keeps safe those on board and enough technology to raise both the safety factor (including EyeSight v3, collision system and automatic braking) and all the sensors and cameras that contribute to making movements safer in any direction, even and especially for blind spots and during reverse maneuvers. Continuing to focus on the engine, the 2-liter 4-cylinder boxer delivers 150 horsepower on both axles between 5,600 and 6,000 rpm, with a maximum torque of 194 Nm at 4,000 rpm, which thanks to the assistance of the small but interesting 16,7 hp and 66 Nm of torque electric motor contributes to a better management of overall fuel consumption, especially in urban areas and when you need an instant torque boost, which is also essential when tackling routes far from the comfortable streets of the city center.

As mentioned, on-board technology is really a piece of cake here and takes up what we have already seen with the XV and the Forester, offering the driver greater comfort and practicality for a 360 degrees coexistence. At the center of the dashboard there is the 8″ touch display that allows you to control infotainment, connectivity and satellite navigator, above it and horizontally, a smaller but fundamental 6.3″ display that thanks to the numerous screens summarize the information you want to keep under control, while in front of the driver, there is another 4.2” digital screen, with on-board computer. The new Impreza e-Boxer starts from € 32,500 for the already complete Style NAVI version, while with € 35,000 you check all the other boxes and take the Premium home.