December 2001 Volume 82 Number 12
"serving the protectors"
| December 2001 Volume 82 Number 12 "serving the protectors" |
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Motoring |
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| By Jim Barnett |
Complete with rear spoiler, bonnet scoop, alloy wheels and large exhaust outlet, the new Subaru B4 sedan has a sporty appearance. But it’s really a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Under the bonnet is a highly powerful, twin-turbo version of the fabulous 2.0-litre, four-cylinder “Boxer” engine, for which Subaru is renowned. While the famous WRX boasts 160kW of power, the B4 belts out a whopping 190kW at 6,400rpm and has 320Nm of torque on tap at 4,800rpm.
Although the B4 is more powerful, its additional 100kg of weight and different gearing make it slightly slower than the WRX. It’s still wickedly quick – Subaru claims a top speed of 220km/h and 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds. The B4, however, is a more refined package: beautifully balanced and just as exhilarating to drive.
At low revs the first turbo comes on boost. Then, at around 4,500rpm, the second turbo comes on line and thrusts the car all the way to redline (7,500rpm). The engine is extremely smooth and quiet, until it’s pushed hard.
For ultimate traction, B4 features Subaru’s sophisticated All-Wheel Drive system, while an all-coil, fully independent suspension ensures excellent ride and handling. For safe stopping, big ventilated discs all around feature with ABS. As well, B4’s standard five-speed manual transmission is a delight to use.
One of the car’s stunning interior features is leather upholstery. The Police Journal test vehicle came with a combination of dark blue and black leather on the seats, door trims and steering wheel. The seats are comfortable and their sports design enhances support. The driver’s seat has six-way electric adjustment.
The dash layout – with large, backlit gauges, white numbers and bright red needles – is excellent. Other features include:
Incorporated into the remote central locking is an immobilizer and alarm system that features pin-code engine start and anti-hijack immobilization. In this mode, the engine will stop if the driver is removed from the car. Starting the engine takes a little more than just turning a key – one must first enter a four-digit code. Get it wrong and off goes the alarm.
At $55,130, B4 is not for everyone, but is an exceptional four-door sports tourer.
Subaru has expanded its Impreza line-up to offer four different sedan models and four hatchbacks. A new RS sedan features a larger 2.5-litre engine, while a new 2.0-litre RV hatch offers two-tone paint and new trim. The Police Journal test-drove a smart red and silver automatic RV hatch.
The 2.0-litre auto was a little hard to get used to after the stunning B4, but it performs well. And what Subaru calls a hatch is really a swanky little sports wagon. Its large round fog lamps, smart 16-inch alloy wheels and two-tone colour scheme make it extremely appealing.
The seats – pleasantly upholstered in dual grey woven fabrics – are comfortable. And, with functional dash and gauge layouts, the driver has everything at his or her fingertips. In light of its exterior dimensions, the RV is surprisingly roomy. And, to carry a load, one need only fold one – or both – of the 60/40 split fold rear seats forward to reveal a large cargo area.
Standard RV features include:
Power comes from Subaru’s proven 2.0-litre “Boxer” engine, which develops 184Nm of torque at 3,600rpm and produces 92kW of power at 5,600rpm. The engine is smooth, economical and drives all four wheels through either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. RV manual features a dual-range transmission while the auto version has a gated gear selector.
If this eye-catching, youthful-looking RV could speak, it would say: “I’m fun to own.” And, like all Subarus, it is well built, efficient and safe. At $29,990 (manual) and $31,980 (auto) it won’t break the bank either.
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