apexjapan Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Some first impressions from the drivers seat in the new Impreza. This is the Japanese version, of course, as the American car has not been launched yet. Or is even finished yet, for all we know. And as it is the Japanese version, the specifications are likely going to be different from Japan to America. For one, it is a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat four, instead of the turbocharged 2.5-liter flat four that will hit American shores. It also uses a single twinscroll turbocharger, heavily related to the turbocharger in the Japanese Legacy GT. That is not the only bits that are related to the Legacy. The entire front end looks to have been neatly lifted over and used nearly intact. Not only the engine, but the suspension as well, and likely the steering wheel and rack. So it is unsurprising that it feels much like being behind the wheel of a Legacy, except that it is a lighter and more nimble Legacy. Never fear, that is not a bad thing! It feels much nicer than the outgoing Impreza for this. Turn-in is much better, and is a bit more aggressive than the soft Yokohama tires it comes with stock. The rear end has a lot more bite as well, which leads to a bit of understeer during aggressive maneuvers. Body roll is damped much better than the older car as well. Power delivery is quite good for a car of this price class. While it does not feel the claimed 246hp, more like 230, it does scoot along quite well. Torque comes in very early and smoothly. Smooth is the name of the game here, with the peaky delivery of the old car eliminated entirely. It removes some of the generic turbo excitement, but replaces it with a much more pleasurable driving experience. Speed builds deceptively and you do find yourself going quite a bit quicker than you thought you ought to be. Refinement is the name of the game here. It simply feels more refined. There is more space inside, not just in width, but in height. At 6ft high, I still had loads of head space, enough for a full race helmet with room to spare. Priorities, you know. The interior design and materials are much nicer than before, you feel as if you are getting your moneys worth. It's quieter, no noisy thrashing around from the engine bay. No boxer beat either, which is a bit of a shame. While it may have lost some of that unique character that the previous car had, a lot of the discarded character is no great loss. In it's place is a legitimate player in the small, sporty hatch wars. http://www.avoturboworld.com/images/stories/07_news_images/07_impreza_preview/07_impreza_001.jpg http://www.avoturboworld.com/images/stories/07_news_images/07_impreza_preview/07_impreza_002.jpg http://www.avoturboworld.com/images/stories/07_news_images/07_impreza_preview/07_impreza_003.jpg http://www.avoturboworld.com/images/stories/07_news_images/07_impreza_preview/07_impreza_004.jpg High-performance Golden Cocker Spaniel (aka Kintama) courtesy AVO Turboworld Japan http://www.avoturboworld.com/images/stories/07_news_images/07_impreza_preview/07_impreza_005.jpg Cheers, Paul Hansen http://www.sevenphotos.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meier motor sports Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 why is he driving with his eyes closed? http://www.avoturboworld.com/images/stories/07_news_images/07_impreza_preview/07_impreza_004.jpg but this looks a lot nicer then the spy shots i saw. maybe its the lack of the uppper grill? i dont rally have time to study it right now but my first thought is that it looks nicer. LATER! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 I take it that was a "stripped" version. The more I look @ the car I am really starting to like it. Lets see if Ins. companies drop it's rates now that is based on a legacy.......... If they don't it will not even be looked @ for replacing the wagon;):) Ins. for the current Impreza line is rediculous:lol::lol: Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gitster Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 I cant wait to test drive it in STi form !!! Boo naysayers ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Ahem....... Sorry but no test drives in the STi......... :lol::lol: Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gitster Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 What did I do now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joon525 Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Does the dashboard rattle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fzanetti Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 Very nice pics man.. Thanks for the post!! Flavio Zanetti Boston, MA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedi Pimp Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 I really like the idea of a Legacy hatchback, but anything with WRX on it is $$$$ insurance....can't wait to see the STi version and if it keeps the old turbo placement/intercooler arrangement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted June 13, 2007 Share Posted June 13, 2007 LGT fittment is my guess;) Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Wilson Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Its Me My eye on the left I got a bit off steel in it yesterday I was in pain But still I had to drive the new car I like it if the SGT is this good the LGT will be even better. AVO Turboworld Japan Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyd2005 Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 Any pictures under the hood? I'm really interested to know what that turbo and intercooler looks like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DukeTrout Posted June 14, 2007 Share Posted June 14, 2007 [snip] High-performance Golden Cocker Spaniel (aka Kintama) courtesy AVO Turboworld Japan http://www.avoturboworld.com/images/stories/07_news_images/07_impreza_preview/07_impreza_005.jpg Paul - that cocker spaniel is sooo JDM. What is the part number from the AVO catalog and when can we order a LHD version for US LGTs? Ich bin echt viel netter, wenn ich nuechtern bin. Echt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Specb122 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 I hate the back and the way the lights are aranged.... is that wood grain on the back? ugly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Specb122 Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 I hate the back and the way the lights are aranged.... is that wood grain on the back? ugly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obsessotron Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 What else is "the name of the game here"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red beast Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 how does the clutch feel? is it light for everyday traffic? does the clutch pedal snap back up? i sat in the one at the wicked big meet and at 5'11" 200lb the seat felt pretty good. does the seat bottom out on your ass? the 04 wrx i had was not to great in the bottom seat cushion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red beast Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 are you going to search around for a alternative for those crappy taillights? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sponge Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 My vB Gallery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanboy Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 turbo to intercooler is different on JDM versus USDM. The 08 WRX continues with the little pipe from turbo to intercooler, just like JDM LGTs (versus our direct connect). -B http://www.standardshift.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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