Subaru Impreza (Part 2)

The 211HP turbo-engine performs miracles!
All the systems and components of this car were specially chosen to fit the engine, which is a half-aviation engine with low compression and a high-pressure turbine. The accurate and light transmission with short strokes of lever, and of course, the perfectly chosen gear ratios provide an instant and precise gear selection. Thanks to the permanent four-wheel drive and independent suspension, there is no chance that the car will go into a skid. The car admirably demonstrated real qualities of stability and reliability on the road at any speed. All the maneuvers were performed with ease, as if a smooth step aside.

The controllability of this car can’t cause anything but admiration. The steering is accurate and sensitive. The “Impreza” is distinguishable for probably one of the most correct power steering- it just helps the driver not to lose his close contact, for even a second, with the road. All this together creates that wonderful merging effect, thanks to which the “Impreza” becomes an organic part and continuation of human body.
It’s quite natural that the systems of passive and active safety are adequate to the abilities of this car. The brakes provide an effective deceleration at any speed- the ABS system intervenes only in case of real need. The two air bags and intensified power elements of the body are ready to shield the passengers giving them a maximal protection.

To the credit of the creators of the civil version of the “Impreza”, it must be said, that they managed to achieve a truly unique combination of, at first glance, incompatible qualities. This car is capable of delivering true pleasure to the connoisseurs of aggressive driving. Moreover, in some cases, the good-sized salon and the specious trunk allow it to act like a family sedan.
The primary thing in the”Impreza” is the process of handling, and only it provides the highest pleasure. You only once need to hear that exciting symphony of the soft engine roar, turbine howl and the rustling tires on asphalt, and your heart will be conquered once and for all.

Subaru Impreza (Part 1)

At first sight, there is nothing special. The car has typical shapes for a modern vehicle. But there are a few characteristic details that give the “Impreza” a particular expressiveness. The large “nostril” of the intercooler in the center of the hood, the massive spoiler on the trunk and the huge and rough fog lights in the front bumper call from your subconscious such names as “Paris-Dakar Rally”, “Pharaons Rally” and “Monte Carlo Rally”. While testing the car, I had an obsessive feeling, as if it was not just a car, but a breathing creature with a powerful charge of energy. When I first saw this car, my legs were trembling  with inexplicable fear-  it sent a chill down my spine- I was filled with turbulent emotions until the door opened and I got into the car.

My first impression of the interior was slightly discouraging- the finishing seemed to be slightly primitive with its dark tones. The number of devices and all kinds of knobs and buttons is minimized, but after a more careful study, I understood that everything was optimized to achieve the most important goal: the maximization of the driver’s contact with the car. The interior is poor, or to be more correct, it’s realized in an ascetic style, thus creating an atmosphere of maximal energy concentration and attention to handle the car. Speed is the paramount feature of the “Impreza”, therefore on the main site you can see the excellently visible and easily read speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges, which help the driver to control the movement and the speed of the car. The lights devices are controlled by means of the switch on the right sight of the steering wheel, so the driver needn’t remove the hand from the steering wheel to manipulate them- just pull the fingers! The same is with the mirrors and windows controls.

The “Recaro” anatomical seats are rather hard, but let’s not forget that this vehicle is not created for comfort.
I turned the key and the car came alive.  When the pointer of the tachometer crossed the cherished mark “3000”, there came the moment of truth- I understood the reason of that fear, when I first saw the car. As the turbine started to howl, I literally got stuck in the seat. From passengers’ side, I could hear hysterical exclamations, which are impossible to reproduce for censorship reasons.
To be continued...