Subaru has launched the 2002 model Impreza WRX, adding an automatic transmission option, keypad alarm to all WRX variants and closer ratio gears in the manual version.
The Impreza WRX automatic features a gated selector, and an instrument cluster display of gear selection. It is priced at $43,440 for the automatic sedan and $43,890 for the automatic hatch.
The keypad alarm, linked to the immobilizer, is the same sophisticated system used in the recently-introduced Liberty B4, taking Impreza WRX security to new heights.
The model year 2002 WRX manual version also has revised gear ratios for improved driveability, and increases of up to 16 per cent in in-gear performance.
Revised pricing of $41,490 for the Impreza WRX manual sedan and $41, 940 for the manual hatch makes it even more competitive.
The manual gear ratios have been further optimized for Australian driving conditions and in response to customer feedback.
Final reduction gear ratio is now 4.444 compared to 3.9 for the MY01 model.
The adoption of closer gear ratios and altered final drive ratios allow the car to be driven with the engine operating in its optimum speed range for the best performance.
By narrowing the gap between the ratios, it is much easier to maintain the engine speed within the most desirable power output range.
The change in the final drive ratio, along with the close ratio gearbox, allows for greater in-gear acceleration particularly in second, third, fourth and fifth gears.
MANUAL TRANSMISSON |
MY02 IMPREZA WRX |
MY01 IMPREZA WRX |
Gear ratio 1st |
3.166
|
3.454
|
Gear ratio 2nd |
1.882
|
1.947
|
Gear ratio 3rd |
1.296
|
1.366
|
Gear ratio 4th |
0.972
|
0.972
|
Gear ratio 5th |
0.738
|
0.738
|
Gear ratio Rev |
3.333
|
3.333
|
Axle ratio (Final reduction ratio) |
4.444
|
3.900
|
|
MY02 IMPREZA WRX |
MY01 IMPREZA WRX |
35-90 km/h in 2nd gear |
4.29 seconds |
4.81 seconds |
50-120 km/h in 3rd gear |
7.52 seconds |
8.56 seconds |
70-140 km/h in 4th gear |
10.34 seconds |
12.3 seconds |
Data independently collected by the RACV.
Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia, said: "It is part of our plan to move vehicles in the Australian market away from technical aspects more suited to the autobahns of Europe, which don't reflect our everyday conditions."
Additions to the MY02 Impreza WRX range include a window integrated radio aerial and an outside temperature display.
MY02 Impreza WRX specification:
- ABS anti-lock brakes
- Aluminium bonnet
- Aluminium lower suspension arm - sedan only
- Aluminium pedals
- AM/FM radio with single in-dash CD
- Cruise control
- Dual trip meters
- Front and rear fog lights (single rear)
- Momo signature leather steering wheel
- Outside temperature display
- Rear spoilers for sedan and hatch
- Remote central locking, integrated with hazard lights for visual recognition
- Semi-automatic air-conditioning
- Super Seat Lifter height adjustable driver's seat
- Two sub-floor storage spaces in Impreza WRX hatch
- Unique tumble-generating valves in intake manifold
- Variable intermittent windscreen wiper control
- Window integrated radio aerial
- 4 pot front and 2 pot rear brakes, all discs ventilated
- 17 inch five-spoke alloy wheels
MY02 Impreza WRX pricing:
Impreza WRX manual sedan |
$41,490 |
Impreza WRX automatic sedan |
$43,440 |
Impreza WRX manual hatch |
$41,940 |
Impreza WRX automatic hatch |
$43,890 |