Apr 2001 Volume 82 Number 4 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Cult Car

Subaru’s new Impreza was worthy of its cult-car status, the Police Journal found recently. And the new range so impressed Wheels magazine that it awarded Impreza Car of the Year 2000 out of a field of 34.

Impreza comes in three specification levels – GX, RX and the fabulous WRX – and all models are available as four-door sedans or five-door hatches.

A Police Journal test drive of a stunning red WRX sedan showed this car’s blistering performance, second-to-none cornering and flawless combination of steering, suspension and braking – on any surface. Its powerful, turbo-charged engine – coupled with its rally-bred all-wheel-drive system – makes WRX so explosive.

Under the bonnet sits a turbo-charged, 2.0-litre, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. It features double overhead camshafts, 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection, and delivers a massive 160kW of power at 5,600 rpm and 292Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Subaru claims WRX will accelerate from 0 to100km/h in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h. The standard Impreza 2.0-litre engine – with 92kW of power and a top speed of 190km/h – takes 10.2 seconds to achieve the same task.

The turbo comes on boost at just under 3,000rpm. Below that mark, performance is docile. Once on boost, however, acceleration is excitingly quick – all the way to red line (7,000rpm). The delightful, short-throw five-speed gearbox is well matched to the engine, and its proper use ensures the turbo is kept on the boil, especially on winding roads.

The new WRX maintains a sporty appearance with the trademark bonnet scoop, and large front air dam with its massive air intake and fog lamps. New oval-shaped front headlamps have drawn criticism but are an improvement. Enhancing the profile are:

• Flared front and rear mudguards.
• New 17-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres.
• A large boot spoiler.
• Dual chrome exhaust outlets.

The interior layout is simple and user-friendly. Driver and front passenger – as long as they’re the right shape – get comfortable bucket seats that fit like gloves. Side bolstering ensures one can’t slide off when WRX is pushed through a corner.

A delightful leather-bound and airbag-equipped MOMO steering wheel features, and alloy pedals and footrest match Impreza’s silver gauges and centre facia panel.

• Standard equipment includes:
• Dual airbags.
• Semi-climate control air conditioning.
• Six-disc, in-dash CD player.
• Power windows.
• Central locking.
• Cruise control.
• ABS.

At $43,800, the legendary WRX is perhaps the best value, true high-performance car available. It’s also versatile and economical enough for use as a family sedan.

Pinnacle of engineering

Subaru has introduced a third, more luxurious model of its classy Outback wagon. Designated H6 – and with more safety and comfort features than Outback and Limited models – it boasts a perky new 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.

As the pinnacle of Subaru engineering, the H6 offers a lot but breaks through the $50,000 price barrier.

The 3.0-litre Boxer engine is superb under all conditions. It has 34 per cent more power than the standard 2.5-litre engine, and is smoother and quieter. The H6 delivers power (154kW) and low-down torque (282Nm) that the 2.5-litre engine lacks, particularly in towing. The engine will rev to redline (6,500rpm) in most gears, and one can overtake with ease.

Four-cylinder Outbacks come with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, but H6 only comes with an electronically controlled four-speed auto box. The transmission is smooth and well matched to the more powerful engine. Outback’s transmission selector has a gated design, which has drawn some criticism – it seemed, to the Police Journal, easy to use.

Only badges and new 16-inch alloy wheels identify the new model. Inside, it features:

• Leather trim.
• Wood-grain panelling.
• Climate control.
• Twin sunroofs.
• Eight-way, electric driver’s seat.
• Six-speaker, six-disc audio system.
• Mahogany and leather-bound MOMO steering wheel.

In addition to the usual array of safety features – which includes dual airbags, ABS and Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system – the new model has Vehicle Dynamics Control. This system continually monitors destabilizing influences and uses the combination of ABS brakes, throttle and four-wheel drive to prevent under-steer and over-steer.

Particularly at home on loose gravel, this Outback is the best of all. It is arguably one of the safest available on such surfaces. Its low centre of gravity, sure-footed 4x4 system, and excellent brakes, steering and suspension give it the edge over large four-wheel drives. It’s no match for the big boys in serious off-road settings, but that was never the intention.

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