New Impreza and Tribeca Introduced at NYIAS

Japanese automaker Subaru has just pulled the wraps off of two major introductionsfor this year’s New York International Auto Show.

The third-generation Subaru Impreza is the one that we’ve all been waiting for. In a matter of a few short years, the Impreza gained the reputation of a sport compact king with the turbocharged WRX, and a supercar slayer with the WRX STi. Such performance from an otherwise ordinary package generated a lot of interest, but it had a couple of shortcomings, particularly in the appearance and interior quality department. Subaru hopes to quell critics with its the all-new 2008 Impreza.

The new model will be available in two body styles, a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, which takes the place of the wagon. All in all, the new Impreza looks more modern than the current car, with its chromed grille and clear-lens headlamps.

It’s slightly larger than the car it replaces too; the main difference is in its wheelbase that’s been stretched to make a roomier cabin. Morerear legroom and headroom are the two greatest changes inside, although the designers responsible for its new dashboard, inspired by the organically-shaped Tribeca’s interior, might beg to differ. The perceived quality of interior materials is reportedly better than ever thanks to the use of low-sheen plastics.

Mechanically speaking, the new Impreza is very similar to the current car, featuring the same engines with mild modifications. Power outputs for the base 2.5-liter flat-four and the WRX’s turbocharged engine are about the same, though efforts have been made to improve refinement and power delivery. Also, all Imprezas now have a multi-link rear suspension for improved road holding.

Meanwhile, the largest vehicle that Subaru makes, the Tribeca (the B9 designation has been dropped) underwent a major update. Despite being a fairly competent people mover, despite cramped rear quarters, the Tribeca nevercaught on with the masses due to its unusual styling. Much of the controversy centered on its front end styling, in particular the airplane-inspired three-piece grille. Now, the new Tribeca will sport a more conventional face with a rather plain looking grille and rectangular headlamps that give it a more SUV-like appearance. Other exterior changes include a revised rear window and new, taller side-view mirrors for improved visibility.

Inside, Subaru left the well enough alone, with the exception of a redesigned second row seat which slides and tilts forward for better access to the third row.

But the update doesn’t just stop at new styling, as Subaru has given the Tribeca a brand new powertrain. The horizontally-opposed six-cylinder has grown significantly from 3.0 to 3.6 liters, thanks to a larger bore and longer stroke, increasing engine output to 256 horsepower. Thanks to advances in engine management and cooling, the Tribeca will consume as much fuel with its new engine as it does with the current one, not to mention doing so with regular gas instead of premium. Now that’s what we call a major improvement!

The new Tribeca and Impreza will go on sale during the summer, with pricing announced closer to the delivery date.