2008 Subaru Impreza Sedan Australian Release

Many Subaru pundits were vocal about the hatch-only release of the Impreza range when it hit our shores mid-2007. Subaru has now countered with the release of the R, RX and RS Impreza sedans.

Carrying a price tag identical to the equivalent model hatch, buyers can now add the sedan to their list of choices, without paying a price penalty, across the all-wheel drive Impreza range.

Like the hatch, the sedan model boasts a five-star ANCAP crash rating for occupant safety with Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control stability system standard on all models.

Averaging over 1000 sales per month and having seen an increase of 12.5 percent on year-to-date figures, the Impreza hatch has already proven to be more successful than its predecessor. Subaru is expecting an increase of 200 units per month. It will be interesting to see if it meets those expectations, or simply sees a shift in sales from hatch to sedan variants.

Subaru's Managing Director, Nick Senior, is quietly confident of the Impreza's future.

“Impreza is one of Australia’s fastest-growing models of 2008. We can only see that improving with the addition of the naturally aspirated sedan versions,” he said.

Sitting 35mm higher and on a 95mm longer wheelbase, the Impreza sedan will provide additional head and leg room compared to the previous model. Boot space is also up thanks to the use of double wishbone suspension and the addition of split/fold rear seats - a first for this model.

As with the hatch, the Impreza sedan will come with buyer's choice of five-speed manual or four-speed SPORTSHIFT automatic transmission. Buyers will be able to tick the box for an optional sunroof for the Impreza RX, while Impreza RS variants will offer leather trim plus the sunroof package.

We have to wait until December before we see the WRX sedan, but as far as the aspirated variants go, who's got the look... sedan or hatch?

Pricing starts at $24,990 for the Impreza R 5-speed manual.

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