Subaru - scoop pictures

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Subaru's new-look Impreza has set a precedent: it is the earliest facelift in the carmaker's history.


The nip and tuck to front and rear styling was in response to slower sales of the Impreza in mainstream Subaru markets since the "goggle-eyed" model was launched two years ago.


The previous Impreza remained unchanged for about four years - and then only the bonnet, bumper and headlights changed.


The cost of restyling the Impreza apparently worked out to more than Subaru originally budgeted.


But it had to be done - the Impreza is Subaru's hero car and the goggle-eyed look was drawing too much negative publicity.


The new model was completed in Britain earlier this year and signed off before Subaru hired its new design chief, former Alfa Romeo stylist Andreas Zapatinas.


He is expected to put his European-style stamp on the new Legacy, due late next year.


The Impreza was unveiled at the Paris motor show and will be launched in New Zealand just before Christmas. The most obvious styling change is the car's new nose, incorporating a new bumper, bonnet, front mudguards, headlights and grille - and bigger WRX bonnet scoop, bigger again on the STi.


The high-beam lenses of the headlights are cut slightly into the bumper and the lights themselves, says Subaru, provide a greater spread and depth of light for safer night driving.


The interior is largely unchanged, except for new materials and colour schemes and the addition in some markets of side airbags. There is a new steering wheel for the high-performance STi.


Subaru says the revised aerodynamics and lower drag co-efficient have small benefits in economy but provide additional downforce front and rear to improve the chassis balance on the WRX and Sti.


There are also different side skirts and rear spoilers as a result of the aerodynamic changes. Tail light clusters have also been redesigned for all models. They are rounder, not unlike those of the Honda Integra. Under the new Impreza's skin there have been a wide number of mechanical changes to aid performance.


These include engine modifications on some models and active and passive safety improvements across the entire range


Body rigidity has been increased and there have been changes to the steering and suspension to improve handling and comfort plus added security features. The design team was understood to have worked closely with Subaru's British-based rally team.


But not everything went according to plan, according to one story out of Britain.


The bigger boonet scoop in the STi missed the final inspection date of September 15 because Japanese executives were reluctant to fly to Britain on or around the first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack on New York. The scoop now dominates the front of the car. It has "gone from a letterbox to a postbox," said one observer at the launch in Paris.


The New Zealand model range will continue with the 2-litre fuel-injected RX, the 2.5- litre RS, and the WRX and STI. Specifications and prices will be announced at the launch on December 18.