The compact car war is certainly heating up this 2014 as Subaru distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas launches its most affordable Impreza yet, the 2.0i. Priced at just P 1,128,000, the 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i comes equipped with the company’s efficient and responsive Lineartronic CVT as standard. It replaces the even more expensive 2.0i M/T that cost P 30,000 more. It’s also cheaper than the previous generation (GH7) Impreza’s automatic transmission that would have been P 60,000 more.
And yet, a glance at the 2014 Impreza 2.0i spec sheet reveals even more technology for the price.
From the outside, the 2014 Impreza 2.0i comes equipped with HID headlights with pop-up washers (the previous model had halogens), front and rear fog lamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55R16 tires. Inside, the 2.0i receives automatic climate control with an anti-dust filter along with steering wheel-mounted controls for the audio and standard Bluetooth hands-free. The Impreza 2.0i also comes with USB audio input, multi-function display, and 60/40 split-folding seats.
Shunning the manual transmission for Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, the Impreza 2.0i is equipped with the next-generation FB20 horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder Boxer engine. With 150 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque, the 2.0i promises to be both responsive and fuel efficient. The Impreza’s all-around independent suspension with front MacPherson Struts and rear Double Wishbones promises exhilarating and responsive handling. And like before, the Impreza 2.0i comes with six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, and Vehicle Dynamics Control or VDC.
The introduction of the 2.0i CVT means that the Impreza comes in two flavors: the P 1,128,000 2.0i and the P 1,298,000 2.0i-S which get more luxury and convenience features such as 17-inch alloys, sunroof, leather seats, and dual zone climate control among others.
The all-new 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i comes with a 3-year/60,000 kilometer warranty and is available at all Subaru dealerships nationwide: Greenhills, Global City, Alabang, Batangas, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.
Is there a significant technological difference between this 'Lineartronic' CVT than your typical CVT (say that of the Altis 2.0V)?
ReplyDeleteLineartronic CVT is a Subaru trademark.
DeleteSubaru uses a steel chain (rather than a belt) connecting pulleys that vary in width in order to adjust for acceleration or top speed. In fact, the company has been using CVT transmissions as early as 1987 and it's been adopted by Nissan that now forms the basis of their own CVT, XTronic.
The Lineartronic CVT transmission is somewhat different because it has to work seamlessly with the company's Symmetrical AWD system. In addition, Subarus are known to "over spec" their transmission from their M/T, A/T, and even their CVT. This is because Subaru is a small car maker. And being a small car maker, they cannot afford to keep different kinds of transmissions in stock. Therefore, they simply negotiate for a transmission that will suit both low torque and high torque configurations and use them throughout the line-up.
Toyota also uses a steel belt design for its Corolla Altis but with a torque converter for improved low-speed feel.
Does this mean that low speed feel for the impreza is glaringly bad?
ReplyDelete