The Impreza is a car that was produced by Subaru, and the vehicle was released to the public in 1993. It is a compact vehicle that takes its name from the Italian word "Impresa" which is used to describe a great achievement. Impreza is also a word used in the Polish language to describe a party or event. The Impreza came in three different body styles, and these were a 5-door wagon, a 2-door coupe, and a 4-door sedan. When this car was first showcased, the Front Wheel Drive feature was heavily advertised. The 2-door coupe version would not be introduced until 1995. The engineers continued the company tradition of adding a flat engine to the vehicle, a practice which had been done with other company models.
The engine types which were available to buyers included the 1.8, 2.0, and 1.6 litre. Turbocharged engines were offered as well. The WRX, which was the Japanese version, was capable of producing up to 280PS, which varied depending on the model. The sport version of the Impreza would come with alloy wheels, and it would also use a 2.0 litre engine. In 1994 the company released version that were specifically aimed at the European market. This was the STi, or the Subaru Tecnica International. There were a number of upgrades that differentiated these models from the WRX.
The transmission, suspension, and engine of the STi was much more powerful than the WRX, and the car became a hit with those who enjoyed either street races or rallies. The top speed for the Impreza was approximately 155 miles per hour. The STi was light in weight, it had a more powerful engine, and the center differentials could be controlled by the driver. The quality of the STi allowed it to emerge victorious in a number of World Rally Championships. In 1997, the company made the decision to enhance the design of the Impreza, and they designed the car body with a wide arch in the style of rally cars.
While the company worked on enhancing the exterior design of the Impreza in 1997, they focused on the interior in 1998. It should also be noted that while turbocharged versions of the Impreza were introduced, the company never officially sold them in the United States. Because of this, the models which were sold in the U.S. generally came with a no more than a 2.2L engine. Despite this, there was a small portion of the American public that was well aware of the international success of the Impreza, and they wanted the turbocharged version.
The company finally decided to cater to consumers within this niche, and in 1999, the 2.5RS version was offered. This car had much larger breaks, and it had the body of a coupe. The wheels were 16 inches, and showcased gold spokes. In 2001, the company decided to release an entirely new Impreza to the public. It was larger and a lot more refined, and consumers as a whole were very impressed. This new model was also known for its high level of performance.