Exhaust emissions have also been cut. Subaru claims the 2-litre Impreza with CVT produces 157 gr/km of CO2, 24 per cent ahead of the outgoing four-speeder. The manual 2-litre produces 164 gr/km - a 21 per cent improvement.
Both the petrol-powered all-wheel-drive sedan and hatchback introduce a new multi-function display, which provides the driver with information such as how much fuel was saved by the use of stop-start, which Subaru says can account for up to 30 per cent of a journey in busy traffic.
The display, controlled using the multi-function steering wheel, also offers information on the electronic stability control system, maintenance, faults, seatbelts, air-conditioning, airbags ... and so on.
The Impreza is available in four specifications, starting at $34,990: entry-level 2.0i; 2.0i-L; 2.0i-S; 2.0i-SL. The standard model gets 16-inch wheels, the others wear 17-inch alloys. The 2.0i also misses out on a reversing camera.
The top-end 2.0i-SL is the only Impreza variant with satellite navigation, leather seats, electric sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat as standard.
"Price for price we are really up there," says Subaru NZ managing director Wallis Dumper.
"Impreza sends the strongest possible message that Subaru's new design direction is a winner on so many fronts, from technology to quality, comfort, efficiency and style.
"We are delighted by the significant advances represented by new Impreza and that's already been reflected in the level of showroom interest since details started emerging last year," he says.
"Based on that feedback we see a bright future for a car that is a cornerstone of our range."
Dumper says he will sell as many as he can get.
A poser for Subaru is this: what effect will the Impreza have on XV sales and vice versa? The old XV badge sat on an Impreza. The new XV is a stand-along SUV.
"I don't know how much the XV will impact on the Impreza," says Dumper. "The difference is the old XV was included in Impreza numbers.
"The new XV, although it is built on the Impreza platform, is not an Impreza any more. It is so strong as an SUV that we could sell three to four thousand if we could get them."
Subaru will aim the Impreza line-up at buyers considering front-wheel-drive European cars with similar economy but smaller engines.
Subaru, as usual, is keen to point out its permanent all-wheel-drive feature as a consideration when comparing the Impreza with rivals.
The system provides 50:50 front/rear torque split on manual models and 60:40 for those with CVT. An electronic system in the CVT and a mechanical limited-slip differential in the manual distribute drive to the axle with most traction.
The third-generation 2-litre flat four engine delivers 110kW at 6200rpm and 196Nm at 4200rpm, identical power and torque to the the outgoing model.
But the reworked Euro5 engine is lighter and its variable valve control system provides performance and efficiency gains. Pistons and connecting rods are 18 and 20 per cent lighter.
The Impreza's body is 10kg lighter, too, but its torsional rigidity is stronger by around 25 per cent.
A ring of reinforcements around the passenger compartment, shock-absorbing brake and clutch pedals and measures contribute to a five-star ANCAP crash-test rating.
Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control, all-wheel drive and a hill holder (manual variants only).
All models come competitively equipped, with climate control, cruise control, six-speaker CD sound system with iPod, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a height-adjustable driver's seat, height and reach steering wheel adjustment and two interior 12-volt power outlets.
Production boost
It looks as though Subaru will build considerably more BRZ, Toyota GT 86 and Scion FR-S units. The president of Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries, Yasayuki Yoshinaga, says that 100,000 units of the sports coupe will be produced in Japan each year.
In the US, Toyota has received 7000 orders for the GT 86 and Subaru 2700 for the BRZ - seven and six times more than each company's monthly sales goals. Subaru planned to sell only 6000 BRZ units in the US in the first year.
The GT 86 will go on sale in New Zealand in August and the BRZ in December.
Subaru and Toyota collaborated on development of the coupe but Subaru builds all three models.
How much
* Impreza 2.0i 6-speed manual sedan/hatch $34,990
* Impreza 2.0i CVT sedan/hatch $36,990
* Impreza 2.0i-L 6-speed manual sedan/hatch $37,990
* Impreza 2.0i-L CVT sedan/hatch $39,990
* Impreza 2.0i-S 6-speed manual sedan/hatch $39,990
* Impreza 2.0i-S CVT sedan/hatch $41,990
* Impreza 2.0i-SL 6-speed manual sedan/hatch $44,990
* Impreza 2.0i-SL CVT sedan/hatch $46,990
