With the all-new 300-horsepower Impreza WRX STi taking the role of the brand's new performance flagship, Subaru is introducing significant changes throughout the Impreza model lineup. All Impreza models share a bold new front-end design with the WRX STi, and all gain performance enhancements to the braking and suspension systems. Additional feature content increases the already outstanding value of all Impreza models.
The diversity of the Impreza model line puts it in competition with a variety of premium compact vehicles. As with all Subaru vehicles sold in North America, the Impreza models are equipped with full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. In addition to WRX STi, the Impreza model line for 2004 now includes the 2.5 TS Sport Wagon, 2.5 RS Sedan, Outback Sport, WRX Sedan and WRX Sport Wagon. A WRX Sedan with Premium Package joins the line for 2004 and includes an optional power moonroof.
The expressive new front end design is the result of close consultation with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) engineers and the Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) to reduce air resistance, optimize lift force balance, maximize engine cooling and provide Impreza models with a bolder, more dynamic appearance. The new design incorporates four-beam aerodynamic contoured multi-reflector halogen headlights for better visibility at night. Rear styling features a revised fascia and taillights.
New for 2004, Impreza 2.5 TS Sport Wagon adds standard 4-wheel disc brakes - the same brake system as on the sporty 2.5 RS Sedan. On all Impreza models, the standard 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) now incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). This system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.
New multiple-phase valves in the suspension struts of all models except WRX STi contribute to an even smoother ride and more positive steering response in maneuvers such as lane changes. Stacking a series of thin steel plates of different diameters inside the damper tube, the new design achieves the performance enhancement of a more complex multiple-valve design. WRX STi is equipped with its own rally-derived inverted strut suspension system.
In Impreza 2.5 TS, 2.5 RS and Outback Sport models, new active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce whiplash injury in a frontal collision. All 2004 Impreza models are equipped with a safety brake pedal system that is designed to yield during a serious frontal impact in order to help reduce injury to the driver's lower limbs.
WRX Power and Versatility
The rally-inspired WRX enters its third season with a new look outside and inside. WRX is powered by an exclusive intercooled and turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 227 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
The WRX Sport Wagon combines the performance of the sedan with greater utility and versatility for carrying passengers and cargo. The standard 60/40-split rear seatback folds down against the cushion to extend the cargo area. All Impreza wagons provide 790 litres (27.9 cu. ft.) of cargo space with the rear seatback up and 1,744 litres (61.6 cu. ft.) of space with the seatback folded down.
The all-new front end adds more function to WRX models with standard projector-beam halogen foglights and a larger hood scoop to channel air to the intercooler. The sporty WRX interior picks up more design elements from the rally car that inspired it. New performance design front bucket seats feature large side bolsters and integrated head restraints. The revised sport instrument cluster features a centrally located 9,000 rpm tachometer, gauges with a black base plate, white indicators, red illuminating needles and silver trim rings. The audio bezel and faceplate and dashboard vents receive a new dark gray metallic finish for a more upscale appearance.
Impreza 2.5 RS and 2.5 TS Powered By High-Torque Boxer Engine
Impreza 2.5 RS Sedan, 2.5 TS Sport Wagon and Outback Sport models are powered by a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine that produces 165 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This responsive, efficient engine provides strong performance at all engine speeds.
Impreza models deliver a taut, European driving feel thanks to 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes and variable-assist power steering. Impreza 2.5 RS Sedans shares a close kinship with the WRX Sedan, including that model's wide-fender body design, sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, spoiler, fog lights, and leather steering wheel and shifter. In Impreza 2.5 TS, 2.5 RS and Outback Sport models, the instrument panel appearance has been revised with a dark blue base plate, white indicators and red illuminating needles. The 2.5 TS and Outback Sport gauge displays feature black trim rings, and the 2.5RS uses silver trim rings.
Outback Sport - The Sporty Crossover
Based on the Impreza 2.5 TS Sport Wagon, Outback Sport combines the utility and outdoors appeal of a small SUV with the performance, safety and ride comfort of a sporty passenger car. Outback Sport gets its go-anywhere attitude and trail driving capability from 4-wheel fully independent heavy-duty raised suspension, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 all-season tires. This model features the additional versatility and utility of a standard 12-volt cargo power outlet, roof rails with cross bars and a rear bumper step pad.
Outback Sport shares the new front-end design and mechanical enhancements with the other Impreza models and also gains a new steel gray metallic lower body colour and standard projector-beam halogen fog lights.
Better Value Than Ever
Subaru continually enhances its models to make the driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable, so the 2004 Impreza models benefit from a number of detail improvements to comfort and convenience. The standard driver's seat height adjuster is now easier to use and on wagon models the rear gate lock cylinder has been deleted to improve vehicle security.
Highlights of the comprehensive standard equipment for all 2004 Impreza models include:
- AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player (6-disc in-dash CD changer for WRX models)
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Height-adjustable driver's seat
- Power door locks and heated power exterior mirrors
- Power windows with one-touch driver's side auto-down
- Remote keyless entry with answer-back chirp
- Tilt-adjustable steering column
Three Types of All-Wheel Drive
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive acts as both a performance advantage and an all-weather handling aid, especially when compared to front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicles. Impreza 2.5 TS, 2.5 RS and WRX models come equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission teamed with Full-Time All-Wheel Drive, which uses a bevel-gear centre differential with locking viscous coupling integrated into the rear of the transmission. This full-time system divides engine power 50 per cent front /50 per cent rear. When the front wheels lose traction, power is shifted to the rear wheels. When the rear wheels lose traction, power is transferred to the front, ensuring that the wheels with the best traction, front or rear, receive power.
Automatic transmission-equipped Impreza 2.5 TS Sport Wagon, 2.5 RS Sedan and Outback Sport models come equipped with Active All-Wheel Drive, which uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch housed in the transmission tailshaft. Active All-Wheel Drive responds to wheelslip at the front or rear wheels, directing the power to the wheels, front or rear, with the best traction. Under acceleration, the system routes power to the rear wheels to compensate for weight transfer to the rear. Under deceleration, the system directs power to the front wheels to respond to weight transfer to the front.
Impreza WRX models equipped with the 4-speed electronic automatic transmission (4EAT) feature Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive. The VTD automatic transmission uses an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch that works with a planetary gear-type centre differential to control power distribution between the front and rear wheels. VTD All-Wheel Drive splits the power 45 percent front /55 percent rear, with the slight rear-wheel bias enhancing the performance driving feel. VTD All-Wheel Drive constantly monitors throttle input to account for weight transfer and responds to driving conditions to continually optimize power distribution on all road surfaces.
Performance Built In, Not Added On
The high-integrity Impreza platform provides an ideal base for crisp handling that both driving enthusiasts and family car buyers can appreciate. The front suspension features a Subaru-optimized MacPherson strut layout and the rear uses a dual-link strut design. WRX and 2.5 RS Sedans use a 10-mm wider front track than the wagon models. WRX STi is equipped with its own rally-derived inverted strut suspension system.
Rings of Safety
The Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure provides the 2004 Impreza models with outstanding protection in many types of collisions, including frontal offset, side and rear. A hydroformed front subframe and side sills, along with tailored-blank welded B-pillars provide an exceptionally strong structure that is very stiff in bending and twisting strength. The high degree of rigidity improves handling response and ride quality while helping to reduce interior noise.
Standard safety features include 3-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, a 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS) and dual front airbags. The WRX and WRX STi models include standard head/chest side airbags mounted in the front seatbacks. The front 3-point seatbelts have electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters. Sedans feature integrated headrests for the rear seats and wagons use removable headrests to enable rear seatback folding. All models are equipped with the LATCH child restraint anchorage system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) for use with compatible child safety seats.
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