Steve Williams

About time Why don't all cars have this as well??

ChristianR

iTrader: (1)

what is deadlocking ?

jon44w

Its cost savings, disappointing but economical

carl

Deadlocking is locking the doors such that they can't be opened by using the interior handles/lock releases.

So if you car is deadlocked, the tea leaf can't smash the window and open from the inside, or (I guess) slimjim the lock or do the coathanger trick.

Stephen Read

P.S. Only Joking!

philgr

"Initial production capacity is being devoted exclusively to the WRX
and STi models which are available from late January 2003.

So successful was the run-out campaign on the old model that the
introduction of WRX and STi models has been brought forward"

Does this mean that my car which im expecting delivery for in march, i can get it sooner???

Phil G

Knight Rider

This is indeed a very thorough press release.

But how much does it weight?

I´m afraid it has put on a few pounds since MY01/02

GaryC

Press Release source - Steve Breen, IWOC (www.egroups.com)..


* Aggressive yet more aerodynamic new front styling
* Power boost for WRX - now 225 PS
* Higher top speeds for all models
* Fuel economy boost for all models by as much as 5.8 mpg
* Lower exhaust emissions for all models
* Improved engine cooling for 265 PS STi Type-UK
* New dampers and steering for WRX and GX Sport for even better
handling
* STi gains more rigid front suspension, sharper steering
* Safety boost includes active front head-restraints, ISOFIX rear
child seat mounts, impact-absorbing brake pedal and
pedestrian-friendly wipers and bonnet
* Deadlocks and shielded door locks now fitted
* Other safety initiatives include electronic brake force distribution
(EBD) and dual-stage passenger airbag
* Lower prices - WRX now £19,995 on-the-road - down by £1,500
* STi prices down by £2,500 at £24,995 on-the-road

Faster, safer, more economical and with a striking restyle, Subaru's
new-look Impreza is now on sale, costing £19,995 on-the-road for the
WRX saloon - down by £1,500, despite many safety and performance
improvements.

The WRX 5-door is priced at £20,495 - a reduction of £1,500 - and the
STi Type UK is now £24,995 compared to £27,495 for the previous
Prodrive-Style version which it effectively replaces.

Initial production capacity is being devoted exclusively to the WRX
and STi models which are available from late January 2003.

So successful was the run-out campaign on the old model that the
introduction of WRX and STi models has been brought forward.

The new 2.0 litre GX Sport saloon and 5-door will not be available
until spring 2003 when prices will be announced.

Boasting a totally different front-end, the new-look Impreza combines
an aggressive presence with pedestrian-friendly safety features and
improved aerodynamic efficiency.

However the surprise news is higher top speeds for all models combined
with better fuel economy and lower emissions.

For example, the 265 PS Impreza WRX STi now has a 151.5mph top speed
(up by 3.5mph) while the 2.0 litre GX Sport automatic gives 43.5mpg on
the Extra Urban Cycle - an improvement of 5.8mpg.

Exhaust emissions are down for all models meaning Benefit-In-Kind tax
reductions for most company car drivers.

Despite enjoying a power and performance boost, owners of the new 225
PS WRX will find themselves in the 27% tax band for 2003-2004. The
previous model would have been in the 32% band.

Styled With A Purpose
The facelift is shared with the 2003 World Rally Car which will
benefit from a similar reduction in drag coefficient and improved
high-speed stability.

Unlike some WRC competitors, Subaru has always striven to ensure its
road cars inherit the technical and design DNA of its rally machines.

Key design changes include a new front bumper, spoiler, bonnet, wings
and 3-dimensional headlamps. In addition, circular lamps are inlaid
in the main headlamp units themselves which have a striking curved dip
to their inner edges.

A strong flowing character-line sweeps from the lower edge of the
circular headlamps and runs over the more steeply sloping bonnet to
the windscreen. The top edge of the bumper is rounded, giving a
sleeker look with improved airflow.

The front wings now have a muscle-bound appearance and this menacing
presence is complemented by larger air-intakes both above and below
the number plate.

In order to improve cooling performance, both the WRX and WRX STi
Type-UK have larger bonnet air scoops - the former heightened by 20 mm
and the latter by 30mm.

At the rear, all models have new bumpers and light units with a curved
dip to their inner edges - similar to the headlamps - to enhance
design integration.

The WRX STi gains a larger high-rise rear spoiler - previously only
available on the Prodrive Style version - front corner spoilers and
new side sill spoilers. These all contribute to improved high-speed
stability. Meanwhile, a larger bonnet air intake enhances intercooler
performance.

The drag coefficient for all saloons is now 0.33 Cd with the GX Sport
5-door recording 0.34 Cd and the WRX 5-door 0.37 Cd.

More Power, Better Handling
Big news for WRX fans is an increase in power from 218 PS to 225 PS at
the same 5,600 rpm. This turbocharged 2.0 litre 'boxer' engine also
produces more torque which grows from 215.4 lb ft at 3,600 rpm to
221.3 lb ft at 4,000 rpm.

Top speed rises by 3 mph to 143 mph for the WRX 5-door, while the
saloon now reaches 144 mph. Both versions have quicker 0-60 mph times
with the saloon recording 5.6 seconds and the 5-door 5.8 seconds.

The WRX engine has been retuned to run on 98 octane fuel but
efficiency gains mean improved economy. For example, the car now gives
39.8 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle and 30.7 mpg Combined - improvements
of 4 mpg and 3 mpg respectively. However, the WRX can still be run on
95 Octane fuel.

Equally important is improved throttle response thanks to revisions to
the exhaust manifold aimed at smoothing the flow of exhaust gases,
increased boost pressure and a new engine management system. Both the
valve gear and exhaust system have been modified for even better
durability during conditions of extreme heat.

Meanwhile, the cooling performance of the 265 PS STi engine has
benefited from a change in the shape of the intercooler water spray
nozzle and the air baffle plate installed inside the air scoop.

The STi also has improved front suspension thanks to strengthened
mounts for the transverse linkages and new cross-performance rods. As
a result, handling and steering response are even better thanks to a
reduction in geometry change during hard cornering.

Both the WRX and naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre Impreza also have
crisper handling characteristics, with increased steering precision -
already highly praised by road-testers and customers alike.

Also helping sharpen handling are sophisticated new shock-absorbers
featuring multiple-layer valves. This means damping forces are
optimised in various speed ranges, with enhanced ride comfort as an
added bonus.

All new-look Imprezas also have revised steering. Now with a
variable-capacity steering pump, the system combines even greater
straight-line stability at speed with a lighter, more sensitive feel
during low-speed manoeuvring.

Interior Quality Upgrade
New, high-quality cloth is used throughout the 2003 Model Year Impreza
range with each model having its own pattern and character.

In addition, there will be a new luxury WRX model later in the year
badged 'SL'. This features factory-fit black leather seat trim, heated
front seats and an electric sunroof. The saloon will cost £21,495 and
the 5-door £21,995 on-the-road.

On all models the centre console which houses the audio and heating
controls is now in a dark metallic tone instead of being
silver-coloured.

Sporty changes for the WRX include gun-metallic finish wheels and the
repositioning of the rev-counter to the centre of the instrument
display like the STi. The STi itself gains a new, smaller-diameter
(375 mm) Momo steering wheel and blue carpets to match the seats and
door trim.

Passenger And Pedestrian Safety Boost
Both occupants and pedestrians are better protected by the 2003
Impreza thanks to a whole series of extra safety measures. These
include new anti-raindrop door mirrors which stay cleaner, enhancing
visibility.

Like the new Forester, the new-look Impreza GX Sport has active front
head-restraints which reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. The brake
pedal is now energy-absorbing, being designed to snap away under
severe impact, protecting the driver's lower limbs. In the rear seat
are two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings.

The passenger airbag is now dual-stage which provides progressive
protection matched to the severity of the impact and the standard
anti-lock brakes (ABS) now come with electronic brakeforce
distribution (EBD). This juggles the braking force between front and
rear wheels according to load shifts during deceleration.

All WRX models will now come with side airbags in combination with
high-backed rally-type front seats. Previously, side airbags were only
available on the WRX saloon when fitted with standard seats.

Outside, pedestrian injury is reduced thanks to a more rounded contour
to the top of the front bumper, a gently curved bonnet and windscreen
wipers which crush, softening any impact.

Extra security measures shared with the new Forester include
deadlocking and special shields around the driver's door lock.

In addition, all Imprezas continue to benefit from keyless-entry
central-locking and a Category One remote alarm/immobiliser. The WRX
STi Type-UK also has a satellite tracking system.


[Edited by GaryC - 1/5/2003 10:43:56 AM]

Beemer_Deano

"Despite enjoying a power and performance boost, owners of the new 225 PS WRX will find themselves in the 27% tax band for 2003-2004. The previous model would have been in the 32% band."

Woot! And Woot! to most of the other stuff as well

Deano




[Edited by Beemer_Deano - 1/4/2003 2:24:09 PM]