These five new models are now available at Motor Image:
Impreza Turbo WRX
This is essentially the flagship of the Subaru lineup. Think “Subaru” and you can’t help picture an Impreza WRC racer blasting through the twisting roads around Monte Carlo or the forests of Finland. The Turbo WRX is a compact sedan that packs a monster of an engine. The turbocharged 2.5 liter engine produces 225 bhp and 320 Nm. The engine mates to a five-speed manual transmission and of course the permanent all-wheel drive system. Maximum speed is 230 km/h. Independent struts are at all four corners, as are ventilated disc brakes. The Impreza rides on 215/45 R 17 tires. Sporty cues such as rear spoiler and bucket seats are standard. The Impreza retails for a competitive P1.8 million.
Legacy
The Legacy is Subaru’s mid-size sedan offering. The 4665-mm sedan is relatively compact compared to its portly competitors. That’s supposed to pay off dividends when it comes to responsiveness and handling. A 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine provides 162 bhp and 187 Nm; the engine mates to a four-speed automatic with manual override function. Suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link set up rear. As with all Subaru cars sold by MIPI, the Legacy is equipped with ABS. It goes for P1.5 million.
Outback
The Outback is the wagon version of the Legacy, with increased ground clearance and a lot of extra equipment. Fully-loaded at P2.2 million, the Outback comes with leather seats; a two-stage sunroof; McIntosh premium audio system; power driver’s seat; and front, side and curtain airbags. A 3.0 liter flat-six engine with 240 bhp and 297 Nm provides a lot of grunt. If you’re looking for the comfort and handling of a midsized sedan combined with the huge luggage space of a wagon, the Outback deserves your attention.
Forester 2.0X and 2.5 XT
The tall, raised wagon billed as a compact SUV returns with refreshed styling and a choice of two engines. The base Forester 2.0 X is propelled by a 2-liter flat-four with 155 bhp and 186 Nm. The 2.0 X retails for P1.3 million.
The one to go for is the higher-spec Forester 2.5 XT. This one has the 225-bhp engine of the WRX Turbo under its hood. It adds rear disc brakes, 17-inch alloys, side airbags and a sunroof. It even undercuts the Impreza at P1.65 million.
A sixth model, the B9 Tribeca seven-seater SUV, is set to join the lineup later on. Quirky, thoughtfully-engineered, and promising a lot of driving enjoyment: the new Subarus are not the usual choice and certainly worth considering. The gleaming new Subaru showroom is at 187 EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan (southbound lane, between Annapolis and Connecticut streets), and the company’s website is www.motorimage.net .
 |
| Out to steal some thunder from the Mazda6, the other driver-oriented executive sedan, the Legacy has similar horsepower and torque but with a much cleaner, butcher body. |
 |
| Based off the Legacy, the Outback is in essence, a raised wagon. With the company's new 3.0-liter flat-6 engine, the Outback promises unparalleled performance and refinement. |
 |
| A refreshed styling and aggressive pricing puts the Forester back into contention. This time though, there's the addition of the 2.5XT--a compact SUV powered by the Impreza's 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4! |
