2020 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Sport-Tech with EyeSightJil McIntosh LAFAYETTE, Ind. Having redesigned the Impreza into its fifth generation for 2017, Subaru kept the updates to the 2020 version simple its a mild enough refresh that you might miss some of the changes.Theres an updated front bumper and Legacy-style grille, revised taillights for the hatchback, and all but the base trim level get LED fog lamps. All get automatic door locks, a rear seat reminder system, and easier-to-access USB ports. All trim levels with a CVT now get EyeSight, Subarus camera-based suite of active safety features, as well as Subarus SI-Drive throttle mapping system for a sportier drive. Most notable from behind the wheel are tweaks to the springs and dampers for a more comfortable ride, and better steering feel. All models still use Subarus 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine, meaning the pistons lie flat on either side of the crankshaft, rather than upright as in most four-cylinders. Its rated at 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or the aforementioned CVT.All-wheel-drive is standard, of course. Subaru calls it symmetrical, which actually refers to the drivelines mirror-image layout on either side of the cars axis, rather than the amount of torque sent to each wheel. Imprezas with the manual transmission splits power 50/50 between the front and rear, while CVT-equipped cars send a bit more to the front. While many AWD competitors run only the front wheels under most driving conditions and send power to the rear only when needed, Subarus system constantly powers both axles.With the manual, the Impreza sedan starts at $19,995 and the hatchback at $21,995. For the CVT, its $20,995 and $22,995, respectively, which includes the EyeSight system. Apparently, adapting some of its functions to a manual transmission is a complex operation, and so few people buy the stick that the company has held off on the investment needed. I drove the top-line Sport-tech with EyeSight, which comes only with a CVT the sedan version is $30,795, while my hatchback tester was $31,695. Getting AWD and the technology for the price is the big deal here, because the little engine is tepid on acceleration; its also noisy, and the CVT often drones. Many automakers have done a superb job of making CVTs smooth and quiet, but the Imprezas seems rather dated. And the addition of SI-Drive doesnt really help much; it just keeps the engine revs higher, and adds more noise than power. Get past all that, though, and the Impreza is a fine little driver. It handles very well, the ride is bigger-car comfortable, and the brakes are quick and confident.I like the simplicity of the interior, with its large dials, physical buttons to access the infotainment system, and not to mention, the simple touchscreen. It can actually look a little too downscale in the top-of-the-line Sport-Tech, where youre topping $31,000. But on the other hand, you do also get leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a premium sound system, and dual-zone climate control. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency front braking, and an alert if the vehicle ahead of you at the light starts moving but please dont use it as an excuse to check your phone. Because the EyeSight cameras only look ahead, it doesnt include blind-spot monitoring, which comes only on the Sport and Sport-tech trim levels. The verdict overall? The Impreza may be leisurely off the line, but it hands back a smooth ride and great handling, along with an excellent all-wheel system. And even if the interior seems a bit stark, its very comfortable and everythings easy to use. Even if youre looking at a crossover or small SUV, its worth your while to give this hatchback a
Origin: Quick Spin: 2020 Subaru Impreza
Subaru
Car Review: 2019 Subaru BRZ Raiu
2019 Subaru BRZNick Tragianis / Driving OVERVIEW Subarus BRZ still has a few tricks up its sleeve PROSFantastic handling, low weight, sharp looks, excellent platform for tuners CONSShifter isnt the most precise, back seats are virtually useless, engine doesnt sound particularly refined at lower RPMs VALUE FOR MONEYGood WHAT TO CHANGE?I dont think it needs more power, but I cant help but think what itd be like with another 50 horses HOW TO SPEC IT?Sport-tech RS Car enthusiasts are a stubborn bunch. They chide automakers for building boring appliances devoid of soul and feedback, and for cramming an alphabet soups worth of driving assists and technology down their throats. Then, they list their demands of their perfect car as if theyve conducted countless hours of market research before taking all of Nakatomi Plaza hostage.We want a simple and fun rear-wheel-drive sports car! And we dont want it to cost a penny over $30,000! Oh, and a fully gassed-up helicopter waiting on the roof in five minutes, or else well, uhh, post even meaner comments online!Trouble is, when an automaker actually comes trough and gives enthusiasts what they supposedly want, theyre met with crickets. See, if theres anything most enthusiasts are exceptionally capable of, its not putting their money where their mouths are. Case in point, the Subaru BRZ. On paper, its the perfect affordable sports car. Two doors, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive is a solid formula, but after nearly seven years on the market, this plucky little number is largely unloved and ignored. Maybe its because it isnt a crossover, or because Subaru (and Toyota) refuse to give it more power. Whatever it is, the BRZ deserves more love, because hope youre ready for this hot take its still a damn good car. Period. At the heart of the BRZ is Subarus familiar 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine. Putting out 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque, its hooked up to a six-speed manual. For the most part, its a good combination although the engine sounds coarse, almost tractor-like puttering around town, it comes alive after 5,000 rpm. It loves to be wrung out, melting away most qualms you have about it needing more power. But if you do care about such metrics, the BRZ does the zero-to-100 km/h sprint in the mid six-second range. Yes, like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a V6-powered Sienna will outrun you at a stoplight. And yes, like the Miata, thats not what the BRZ is about. Its not a point-and-shoot type of car; you need to pay attention to your RPMs, gears, and your hands and feet.By and large, the BRZ is a satisfying drivers car. You sit low to the ground, the seats are well-bolstered, and steering is communicative and incredibly responsive, though its a bit disappointing to see Subaru succumbing to buttons on the steering wheel when earlier BRZs were blessedly free of such distractions. Steering wheels are for steering, after all. It does ride stiff over bumps and its loud on the highway, but come on, the BRZ is a sports car it lets you carry a fair bit of speed through tight corners and stays remarkably flat and composed when you push it. Its one of the very few sports cars today that lets you appreciate its performance capabilities on the road, without getting in trouble with the law.The six-speed manual is a bit of a mixed bag, though. It’s considerably more engaging than the automatic, especially considering the BRZ weighs about 1,270 kilograms. The stick is also pleasantly notchy, but not exactly precise; the shifter itself is rather tall, and theres a bit of play when youre actually in gear. And while the BRZ is an absolute riot to bang through the gears, downshifting can be frustrating going from third to second, the shifter sometimes catches on the reverse lock-out, lending to some less-than-graceful handiwork. Youll definitely need to finesse your technique a little bit. Its easy to knock the BRZ for its age save for a minor rework two years ago, the cars largely unchanged since it first launched for the 2013 model year but thats arguably what makes it good. Unlike the Miata, the BRZ doesnt quite become an extension of your mind and body, but the footprint is rather small and the car itself feels pleasantly mechanical. Youre actually in control when you sit behind the wheel, and there isnt a collection of computers programmed to make you look like a better driver than you really are. Oh, sure, you can tailor when exactly the stability and traction control intervenes, but thats about it. Fans of active exhaust systems, line lock, and launch control need not apply. Hell, you dont even get blind-spot monitoring, automatic braking, or various proximity sensors.You do, however, get Subarus snazzy Starlink infotainment system. Controlled through a seven-inch touchscreen, its rather intuitive and includes all the usual refinements GPS navigation, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Origin: Car Review: 2019 Subaru BRZ Raiu
Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Impreza for engine issues, ECU problems
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Subaru is recalling 2018 to 2019 model year Crosstrek vehicles; and 2017 to 2019 model year Impreza vehicles for an engine issue that could cause severe damage.According to the recall, vehicles equipped with aluminum positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves run the risk of falling apart and dropping pieces into the engine. Subaru says this happened because the valve cases had an insufficiently assigned press force value.To fix the issue, Subaru will contact owners and instruct them to bring their vehicles into dealerships, where the part will be inspected. All vehicles will have their valves replaced with steel-cased versions. If the valve is determined to have separated, the oil pan and separator cover will be removed and inspected, and if the separated parts are not found, the engine will be replaced.The recall affects 23,255 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles in Canada; and 205,000 in the United States. A second recall has been announced for the same vehicles, but this time for engine control unit (ECU) problems. If the ECU was programmed incorrectly, the internal temperature of the ignition coils may increase, which could cause a short circuit and blow a fuse, resulting in a sudden power loss and inability to restart the engine.Subaru owners will once again be asked to bring their vehicles to dealerships where the ignition coils will be inspected, and, if deemed faulty, replaced. Some 52,707 vehicles in Canada are affected by this issue.To see if your vehicle is affected by either of these recalls, visit
Origin: Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Impreza for engine issues, ECU problems
Subaru recalls almost 35,000 Foresters because airbags may not go off
2017 Subaru Forester XT Touring Subaru has issued a recall for its Forester for a sensor in the passenger seat that can cause the airbags to deactivate. The recall affects 35,806 Subaru Forester vehicles from model years 2015 to 2018.Some Subaru vehicles are fitted with occupant detection, which works by sensing if a person is sitting in the passenger seat and readying affiliated systems, like the airbag, if it needed to deploy.The recall states the electrical connection for the occupant detection system (ODS) could become loose over time and become disconnected. If the part becomes disconnected, it could leave the airbag for that passenger turned off in a crash, potentially causing serious injury.While the recall affects a relatively small number of vehicles here in Canada, in the United States, 366,282 Forester SUVs could experience the issue.Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require the use of an ODS to determine if the occupant sitting in the passenger seat is of adequate size to be protected by the airbag in a crash. Many of the newer systems do not use weight to measure if there is a person sitting in the seat, but rather an Electrostatic Capacitance Sensor that changes based on the electrical charge in a persons body. This way, the airbag will not be activated if a box or bag is placed on the seat.Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ODS sensor mat harness. If the part is found to be faulty, it will be replaced.To see if your vehicle is affected, visit Subaru.ca and type in the VIN of your Subaru, or call
Origin: Subaru recalls almost 35,000 Foresters because airbags may not go off
First Drive: 2020 Subaru Outback
2020 Subaru OutbackBrian Harper / Driving WHITEHORSE, Yukon Although its sales in Canada currently have it in third place in behind the Crosstrek and Forester, the Subaru Outback remains the manufacturers most iconic nameplate, as well as its most successful marketing coup taking a Legacy station wagon, jacking it up, adding on some macho body cladding, larger wheels and mud flaps, and then having Australian actor Paul Hogan (a.k.a. Crocodile Dundee) pitch it in commercials. Beating the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4 to market by a year or two, the public, sensing the need for compact, all-wheel-drive, winter-friendly transportation, ate it up.Twenty-five years later, the sixth generation version makes its debut, having long ago lost most of the plastic cladding that identified its predecessors, yet retaining the core attributes far more car-like ride and handling than the bulk of its crossover rivals, paired to characteristics that define both the Outback and Subaru, including standard full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive, 220 millimetres of ground clearance, and Subarus standard X-Mode assist with hill descent control.Of course, Subaru, not wanting to upset its very loyal customer base who, according to the companys marketing gurus, loath change for the sake of change has made sure the new model is instantly familiar to one and all. So, yes, the Outback is now packed with the latest in comfort, convenience and safety features, and its exterior dimensions and cargo room have increased slightly, though it retains the same wheelbase. But it looks a lot like the previous model which is to say, if you squint your eyes, its profile resembles a hiking boot.The standard 2.5-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is familiar, albeit now thoroughly overhauled with 90 per cent new parts and putting out a few extra horses 182 horsepower, to be exact, plus 176 pound-feet of torque as well as direct injection and automatic start/stop for reduced emissions. The optional 3.6L six-cylinder from the previous two generations has been deep-sixed in favour of a more powerful, turbocharged 2.4L Boxer four-cylinder that pumps out a solid 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. (It should not come as a surprise that these same two engines are found in the equally new 2020 Legacy sedan.) Towing capacity also increases to 3,500 pounds from the four-cylinders 2,700. Conservatively restyled it might be, but the 2020 Outback is now built on the modular Subaru Global platform that, along with an increase in the use of structural adhesive and ultra-high tensile-strength steel, means a much stiffer car. Subaru claims torsional- and front-suspension rigidity increase 70 per cent and front lateral flexural- and rear-subframe rigidity increase 100 per cent compared to the previous Outbacks platform. So the car a $40,995 Premier model with the 2.5L engine was more than tough enough to handle what turned out to be remarkably smooth (and lightly travelled) highways. We headed south from Whitehorse, through northern B.C. and into Skagway, Alaska for lunch, just in time to bump into a horde of tourists coming ashore from two cruise ships.The Outback proved to be impressively quiet over the entire route, no matter the road surface. Equally notable was the crossovers ride and handling. The Outback offered up well-damped suspension and an agility bordering on jaunty the standard active torque vectoring holding up its end in the sweepers. The steering is light to the touch and a bit remote, though, seemingly more so in models with the turbo-four.As with the new Legacy we sampled a few weeks ago, the Outbacks 2.5L Boxer four is smoother and quieter than the engine in the previous-generation model. The issue is a paucity of solid mid-range urge, the engine requiring a solid prod of the gas pedal needed for passing pokier RVs on steeper, longer inclines. Stepping up to one of the XT trim levels, which comes with the turbo-four and an additional 78 horsepower, renders this issue moot. An added plus is that the turbo engine is engineered to perform on regular-grade 87 octane.After lunch, we grabbed the keys to the newest addition to the Outback model range the Outdoor XT ($38,695) touted by Subaru as the most off-road-ready version to date. Though the engine and transmission are the same as the other two XTs (Limited and Premier), the Outdoor gets dual-function X-Mode, which adds Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes to the equation. There are a few detail differences as well, including all-weather seat surfaces, heavy-duty floor mats, a front-view camera and a full-size spare tire instead of a doughnut. A quick off-road detour onto a hilly and rutted dirt trail showcased the Outdoors competency as far more than a suburban mall assault vehicle. Whether out adventuring or just heading to the local Dairy Queen for a milkshake and a burger, families get the peace of mind that comes from Subarus standard
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Subaru Outback
New Subaru Levorg revealed as ‘grand touring’ estate
The new car has been designed to showcase bolder styling that reflects the latest version of Subaru’s ‘Dynamic x Solid’ design language, with the firm claiming that it “has been developed as a symbolic model of the new generation of Subaru”. The Levorg Prototype is fitted with the latest version of the the firm’s direct injection boxer powerplant. The engine has been developed to showcase lean-burn technology, which Subaru claims balances acceleration and environmental performance, while also offering strong torque. The firm has yet to reveal any performance figures. The new Levorg utilises a full inner frame construction chassis, which is designed for maximum body rigidity. The machine also features the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, which utilises a new wide-angle stereo camera and four radar systems, along with information gathered from high-definition mapping. That allows for systems such as pre-collision braking, automatic speed adjustment heading into corners and hands-free driving in heavy traffic. The car also offers a range of connected services, the first time they have been offered on a Subaru model in Japan. Subaru has given no information on when the new Levorg will be launched in markets beyond Japan. The first generation model went on sale in 2014 in Japan, and was launched in European markets the following
Origin: New Subaru Levorg revealed as ‘grand touring’ estate
New Subaru Levorg image leaks out
This is reported to be the first image of the new Subaru Levorg, which is set to be unveiled at the Tokyo motor show tomorrow. The image – published by Japanese media – suggests the new Levorg will be considerably more angular than the current model, taking cues from the Viziv Tourer Concept shown last year. Styling highlights include the sizeable wheel arches and rear spoiler, plus the horizontal taillight designs and dramatic grille. The report suggests the interior of the car will be largely conventional, but boosted by a suite of updated driver assistance technologies, which have helped earn Subaru high safety ratings, most notably in the US market. The vehicle on display is said to be a near production prototype rather than a
Origin: New Subaru Levorg image leaks out
2020 Subaru Impreza to still start at $20k despite added features
The 2020 Subaru Impreza will cost the same in Canada as last year, despite the fact it will arrive with much more value than previously offered.The base price remains $19,995 (or $20,995 for the hatchback) but theres a lot more standard features than on the 2019. Obviously you get all-wheel-drive standard, a long-standing feature of all Subaru models that make them the most affordable AWDs on the market.Subarus EyeSight driver-assist system is now standard on all Impreza models when equipped with the CVT gearbox; CVT models also gain a driver-selectable SI-Drive engine management system with either Sport or Intelligent mode. On top of that, theyll see standard adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure and sway warning, as well as lane-keep assist.As for tech, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now comes included on all Imprezas, as does cruise control, air conditioning, automatic door lock/unlock, power windows, 60/40-split fold-down rear seats and power side mirrors. Standard on most models is Subaru Starlink Connected Services, which uses the nationwide 4G LTE cellular network to enable Advanced Automatic Collision Notification in the event of a collision, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Concierge Service.The looks have also changed slightly, with a revised front fascia and 16-inch alloy wheels on Touring trims. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are available on the Sport trim, and 18-inch wheels are available on the Sport-tech trim.Touring with EyeSight and a CVT rings in at $24,695 for the sedan and $25,595 for the hatch to start, while Sport wth EyeSight and CVT is $27,895 sedan, $28,795 hatch. The top-of-the-line Sport-tech trim with a CVT comes in at $30,795 sedan, $31,695
Origin: 2020 Subaru Impreza to still start at $20k despite added features
Toyota and Subaru confirm they’re co-developing a next-gen 86 and BRZ
2017 Toyota 86 Toyota and Subaru confirmed late September there will be a next generation of their jointly-developed sports cars, the 86 and BRZ.The fate of the vehicle was on shaky ground for a while, and we didnt know if it was going to survive for another iteration. Luckily, it will apparently be part of a massive expansion of the alliance between the two brands, which will include a whole bunch of new products.The 86 is expected to arrive sometime in 2021, though powertrain possibilities are still up in the air at this point. Its possible the vehicle could migrate to the Toyota New Global Architecture platform instead of the modified Subaru platform it currently rides on; this would mean the Boxer engine could be replaced by Toyotas turbocharged inline-four. Whatever they decide to do with the car, it will apparently be engineered to spark more joy to drive than the Supra at least, according to Toyotas lead engineer. (Or was that Marie Kondo?)Among the other projects the automakers will work on together are a Battery Electric Vehicle; a host of connected and autonomous vehicles; and an AWD vehicle that will apparently offer the ultimate sensation in all-wheel driving. (Celica GT4, anyone?)Toyota also announced it would investing more in Subaru, increasing its stake in the company from 16.83 per cent to 20 per cent. Subaru will acquire shares in Toyota of equal value to the money Toyota
Origin: Toyota and Subaru confirm they’re co-developing a next-gen 86 and BRZ
First Drive: 2020 Subaru Legacy
Vernon, B.C. For a company that used to embrace weirdness SVX, XT, BRAT, Baja, anyone? Subaru has spent much of the 21st century becoming decidedly conventional. Not that going mainstream has done the manufacturer any harm; its sales growth, at least in North America, has outpaced most of its rivals. Still, when it comes to its cars, Subaru is turning into a Japanese version of what Volvo used to be, (with the exception of the street hoodlum WRX STI versions); safe, long lasting and kind of plain.Which brings us to the new Legacy, a genuinely affordable, honest, mid-sized, all-wheel-drive, four-door family sedan seemingly a perfect fit for a Canadian audience. Yes, those are a lot of qualifiers, but for those tired of seeing crossovers of various types and sizes in every driveway the 2020 Legacy delivers the goods with pretty much the same four-season capability as the higher-riding soft-roaders. In fact, the tag line for the new models launch is the SUV of sedans.And, for the enthusiasts out there who prefer a little more zip in their daily commutes, good news: The seventh-generation sedan sees the return of the turbocharged GT models, offering a sportier and more engaging driving experience. The turbocharged 2.4-litre boxer four-cylinder, first introduced in the Ascent crossover, pumps out a solid 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, a significant jump compared with the base models (Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier) normally aspirated, 182-hp 2.5L four. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission with eight discrete steps built in, so Subaru isnt building super-sport four-doors here. The new model might appear to be a subtle improvement over the previous generation, but there are a lot of subtle improvements, starting with small increases in length (up 38 millimetres) and wheelbase that result in increased room for occupants and a small uptick in cargo space. A base engine overhauled with 90 per cent new parts as well as direct injection and auto start/stop an all-new suspension, torque vectoring on all wheels, greater fuel efficiency, improved aerodynamics, more sound deadening, added content, tablet-style infotainment system, upgrades to the EyeSight safety system; the list goes on.As much as it would be a better test of Subarus vaunted full-time all-wheel-drive system to be driving in slippery, sloppy conditions, the Okanagan Valley was basked in summer-like heat and abundant sunshine. With the keys to a Limited model ($34,295) in our hand, we started the morning drive route north on Highway 97, hugging Okanagan Lake toward Vernon before dipsy-doodling onto various undulating back roads throughout the valley, including some gravel stretches to test out the effectiveness of the new Legacys additional sound deadening the car proved to be impressively quiet over the entire route, no matter the road surface. Equally deserving of praise is the sedans ride and handling. The car, whether powered by the 2.5 litre or the turbo 2.0L, offered up well-damped suspension while impressing with a sporty agility and a light touch to the steering on the twisty bits. Subaru puts its faith in the standard active torque vectoring for the cornering performance, as well as the cars highly rigid structure (the Subaru Global Platform underpinning the Legacy boasts an increase in the use of structural adhesive and ultra-high tensile-strength steel. In addition, torsional- and front-suspension rigidity has been improved by 70 per cent, and front lateral flexural- and rear-subframe rigidity increased 100 per cent compared to the previous Legacys platform). That might be a bit too tech-geeky for most people, but it speaks to the fact that this family four-door has some legit performance bona fides in the chassis dynamics department.If only the two engines offered were as impressive. OK, the news isnt horrible, just a little disappointing. The 2.5L boxer four is certainly smoother and quieter than the engine in the previous-generation Legacy, the caveat being that Subaru boxer motors have an inherent coarseness to them, especially on startup. The bigger issue is a lack of solid mid-range zip, the engine requiring a heavier foot on the gas pedal when it comes to passing power or on steeper, longer inclines.Jumping into a Limited GT version ($37,095) for the jaunt to Salmon Arm before pointing the car south highlighted what an additional 78 hp will bring to the table. The turbo-four spooled up quickly and gave the Legacy decidedly more urge when additional acceleration was required (zero to 100 km/h in just over six seconds). More noticeable with this engine, however, was that the CVT seemed to lag a bit when big throttle was applied. Looking inside, the Legacy cabin at least the tested Limited and Limited GT trims is striking in both content and execution. The most conspicuous improvement is the upgraded infotainment system, integrated into a vertically
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Subaru Legacy
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