Item: 2012 Subaru GP/GJ Impreza
Rating: 2.5

Economical 2.0-litre petrol engine with ‘Auto Start Stop’
Comfortable ride
All-wheel drive traction (albeit via two different systems)
High standard of interior fit and finish
Short-throw manual transmission easy to use…

… but ratios not well-suited to the engine
Body roll when cornering; dynamics fall well short of Mazda BL Mazda3 , Ford Mk.3 Focus and VW Mk.7 Golf
Whining noise from continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Reports of high oil consumption for 2.0-litre FB20 engine

Review: Subaru GP.I and GJ.I Impreza (2012-15)

Overview

Released in February 2012, the fourth generation Subaru Impreza was available as a small hatchback (GP) or sedan (GJ). Manufactured in Ota, Japan, the all-wheel drive GP and GJ Imprezas were powered by 2.0-litre flat four-cylinder petrol engines that were mated to either six-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmissions (Subaru’s ‘Lineartronic’) which had six preset ratios. Furthermore, the GP/GJ Impreza range consisted of 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S variants.

FB20 engine

The 2.0-litre FB20 horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy cylinder block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (Subaru’s ‘Dual Active Valve Control System’) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The FB20 engine also included Subaru’s ‘Auto Start Stop’ system which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic to reduce fuel consumption.

Dimensions and body

Compared to their GE/GH Impreza predecessors, length was unchanged for the GP hatchback and GJ sedan at 4415 mm and 4580 mm, respectively. The GP/GJ Imprezas, however, were 10 mm lower (at 1465 mm) and had 25 mm longer wheelbases (2645 mm). Furthermore, the increased use of high-strength steel contributed to an increase in bending stiffness increased of approximately 25 per cent, while mass was reduced by 10 kg.

Suspension and steering

The GP/GJ Imprezas had MacPherson strut front suspension, double wishbone rear wishbone and an electric power-assisted steering system.

Subaru GP/GJ Impreza specifications
Body	Engine	Variant	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
Sedan, hatch	2.0-litre FB20 petrol F4	2.0i, 2.0i-L	6sp man., 6sp CVT	110 kW at 6200 rpm	196 Nm at 4200 rpm
Sedan, hatch	2.0-litre FB20 petrol F4	2.0i-S	6sp CVT	110 kW at 6200 rpm	196 Nm at 4200 rpm

AWD systems

For Subaru GP/GJ Impreza models with manual transmissions, the centre differential incorporated a viscous limited-slip differential. In normal conditions, this all-wheel drive system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. In the event that there was any slip in the front or rear wheels, however, the viscous coupling could act to adjust the torque distribution to the wheels with most grip.

For GP/GJ Impreza models with the CVT, the all-wheel drive system used an electronically-controlled multi-plate transfer clutch (Subaru’s ‘Active Torque Split’ system). The system provided a default front:rear torque split of 60:40 in normal conditions, though additional torque could be sent to the rear wheels if slip was detected at the front wheels.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Subaru GP and GJ Impreza included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners (double pretensioners for the driver) and load limiters.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , the Impreza received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.33 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, maximum points were awarded.

Features: Impreza 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S

Standard features for the Subaru GP/GJ Impreza 2.0i included 16-inch steel wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), climate control air conditioning, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser. Models with CVTs were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The Impreza 2.0i-L was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, reversing camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob and rear privacy glass. The 2.0i-L also featured a trip computer which displayed the fuel efficiency of various driving styles and the efficacy of the Auto Start Stop system.

Beyond this, the Impreza 2.0i-S added 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, alloy pedals, side skirts and integrated door mirror indicators.

2014 Impreza 2.0i Luxury

In June 2014, the Impreza 2.0i Luxury was released. Compared to the Impreza 2.0i, the 2.0i Luxury edition was further equipped with high-lustre 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, a rear view camera and an upgraded multi-function display.

2014 Impreza 2.0i X

Based on the 2.0i, the Impreza 2.0i X was released in 2014 and further equipped with polished 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seat trim, rear view camera, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.

Brochures