Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza with e-Boxer

Subaru is the world’s largest manufacturer of all-wheel drive vehicles – but it flies a bit under the public perception radar in this country. This may also be due to the fact that the Japanese tend to show up at trade shows like “Jagd und Hund”, but not at major industry conferences like the IAA in Munich. Subaru has never followed hot design trends – it has always been more about providing very loyal customers with solid, indestructible cars. The warranty of five years or 160,000 kilometers that the manufacturer provides is not a coincidence. The impressive 26.2 percent increase that Subaru recorded in Germany last year may seem modest considering the total of 4,700 new registrations. But thanks to two new products, the sixth-generation Impreza and the new Crosstrek, things are set to move out of the niche this year.

If you’ve never heard the name Crosstrek before, you don’t need to worry. The successor to the compact crossover XV was originally called in North America, but now the European market is also adopting the name. The now discontinued XV was the brand’s best-selling model in this country last year, ahead of the Forester and Outback – ahead of the Impreza. Which was not difficult, as it was one of the most exotic cruisers on German roads with 137 brand new registrations in 2023.

But they at Subaru are familiar with foreign affairs. Since 1966, all Japanese models have had boxer engines. And just like in the blessed days of the VW Beetle, thanks to smooth running and reduced mechanical stress: a boxer that runs and runs and runs. The new Crosstrek and Impreza are equipped with a two-liter engine that produces 100 kW (136 hp) on the road – previously it was 110 kW (150 hp). Subaru justifies the reduction in performance for better fuel economy.

As the so-called e-boxer, the compact hybrid is supported by a battery of only 0.6 kWh, which provides power to a 12.3 kW (16.7 hp) electric motor. With its torque of 66 Nm, it helps acceleration and can also push the car a few meters at low speed without the intervention of the petrol engine. A continuously variable automatic CVT, called Lineartronic at Subaru, takes care of converting energy into motion. It is better to take it easy and avoid high-revving engine, loud noise.

And what are they using now, the two new ones? The value of the WLTP standard for the Crosstrek is given as 7.7 liters per 100 km, the slightly flat Impreza is said to consume 7.3 liters per 100 km. The two are also close in terms of performance: the Impreza accelerates to 100 km / h in 10.6 seconds, the Crosstrek needs 0.2 seconds more, and in both cases the propulsion ends below the mark of 200 km / h.

The Impreza is more comfortable in everyday driving on the road. Compared to the Crosstrek, its lower center of gravity reduces body movements, even with transverse joints and bumps; This is especially noticeable for passengers in the back. Curves can also be taken more quickly with the more compact Impreza model, and the smaller wheels support better suspension comfort.

Driving, however, shows no difference. In both models it works well enough directly, but without awakening the spirit of sports of the driver. But that fits well with Subaru’s relaxed character. With all-wheel drive at the touch of a button and three settings – “Snow and Gravel”, “Normal” and “Deep Snow and Mud” – two all-wheel drive models are also equipped for all scenarios.

And how do they show themselves to the viewer? At first glance it might be mistaken for a facelift – but they are actually new cars. Subaru Impreza is 4.49 meters long, Crosstrek is five millimeters longer due to modified bumpers. Its black wheel arches indicate high off-road prowess. At 22 cm, the Crosstrek’s ground clearance is not only higher than most comparable SUVs, but also 8.5 cm higher than that of the Impreza. In general, the new generation of Impreza and Crosstrek looks a little better than the models of its predecessor. The small Impreza hatchback sedan is aimed at customers who don’t want to drive an SUV.

There is just no tie when it comes to the position, which is quite adequate in both series. The cockpit with its 11.6-inch vertical display is also similar – the large touchscreen now also has climate control. The available driving aids are also in good condition; A standard lane warning system emits an audible signal and aggressively directs you back into the lane. What should be highlighted is the standard Eyesight front radar, which now has three cameras and can also be used to detect pedestrians or cyclists approaching from the side. This means that Subaru clearly stands out from the competition, some of which are more expensive.

And the price is really attractive. The Crosstrek starts at 34,790 euros, the Impreza costs at least 34,990 euros. This can be seen by comparison – the Tiguan 2.0 TSI compact SUV from VW with all-wheel drive, which has entered the market, costs at least 49,000 euros – with low-level equipment. These two new compacts from Japan will certainly not be sold – but they will continue to follow the path of Subaru.

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