Subaru Australia has confirmed a Melbourne debut for the all-new 2012 Impreza next month. This follows news last week that its new XV Concept will also appear at the event.
The local unveiling of the new Impreza at July's Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) will also mark the first appearance of the new Impreza in right-hand-drive form. Even Japan will not see the new model until December's Tokyo Motor Show.
“We are honoured that Fuji Heavy Industries has chosen Australia to be the first market outside North America to see new Impreza ‘in the metal'," Subaru Australia MD Nick Senior said.
"The current Impreza is the best-selling version of Subaru’s small car to date and we are confident that this fourth generation will bring even greater success.”
The 2012 Impreza will be offered in Australia in both sedan and hatch form, with both bodystyles scheduled to show in Melbourne next month.
The 2012 Impreza is powered by the 2.0 litre version of Subaru's new third-generation boxer engine, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or - for the first time in the Impreza - Subaru's Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, revised to be lighter, quieter and more compact.
Models equipped with the CVT transmission also feature a six-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters.
Producing 110kW and 196Nm of torque, power remains unchanged from the current engine. Subaru promises significant improvements in fuel consumption, although figures have yet to be released.
Sale dates for the new Impreza have yet to be revealed. Subaru is likely to reveal local pricing, specifications and dates at AIMS.
The Australian International Motor Show opens at 6pm on Friday 1 July and runs through until Sunday 10 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This info and more can be found at: http://www.themotorreport.com.au
right off.
