Latest news with #SubaruImpreza
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
New models continue Subaru's unblemished safety record
The Subaru Crosstrek and closely-related Subaru Impreza have both received five-star ANCAP safety ratings following their MY25 safety updates. These scores apply to Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles built from April 2025 and on sale from June 2025. Because this pair is so similar under the skin, shared test results were used to determine the safety ratings for these models. Collision avoidance performance tests were conducted on the Subaru Crosstrek together with the full-width frontal, oblique pole and side impact tests. Meantime, frontal offset (MPDB) testings was conducted on the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza also underwent its own side impact and pedestrian tests to confirm comparable performance. Read out review of Subaru Crosstrek here. For Adult Occupant Protection both models achieved an 83 per cent result. They offered Good levels of protection for the driver in the full width frontal, side impact and oblique tests. Here, full points were scored. Front passenger protection in the frontal offset test was also deemed Good. A centre airbag between the front seats resulted in mixed performance following side impact crashes. Both models achieved 91 per cent crash test results for Child Occupant Protection. They scored maximum points in the two crash tests that featured the six- and ten-year-old child dummies. Similar results were recorded for Vulnerable Road User Protection (Crosstrek 85%; Impreza 84%). In physical impact tests, the bonnet and windscreen of both models provided Good protection to the head of a struck pedestrian. But Poor results were noted on the stiff windscreen pillars. Both models have the ability to detect and automatically avoid or reduce the severity of a crash with pedestrians and cyclists. Safety Assist systems garnered a 73 per cent result for both models. Each is fitted with Subaru's EyeSight technology. So they offer AEB, lane keep assist, emergency lane keeping, speed assistance systems, and a direct driver monitoring system. The Impreza offered slightly better head and lower leg protection for pedestrians than the Crosstrek. But femur protection provided by the Crosstrek was superior to that of the Impreza, giving it a slightly higher Vulnerable Road User Protection score.
Irish Times
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Peugeot E-3008: Electric all-wheel-drive is like a cheat code for fast cars
Four-wheel drive was the magic sauce, that indefinable thing that generates desire, that feeds an obsession. Ever since Audi first thought of adding four-wheel drive to a low-slung coupe to turn it into the most fearsome rally weapon of them all, having power going to all four wheels was a minimum requirement for dream car status. Although I'm slightly too young to have lusted much after an Audi Quattro during its heyday, I certainly craved the cars it inspired — the Sierra Cosworth, the Lancia Delta Integrale, the Toyota Celica GT4, and latterly the glorious original Subaru Impreza. All cars based on humble family machines that put their copious power down through all four contact patches. On the west Cork roads of my youth, that made for a far more enticing proposition than any Ferrari or Lamborghini. Sadly, the hot all-wheel-drive car seems to have fallen out of favour in the years since. Improvements in tyre tech, and especially in the arcane electronics of stability control have in part erased the tractive advantage of the flame-spitting 4WD country-fried supercars. READ MORE Equally, the cost of running such a machine – the extra weight and friction of four-wheel drive and the consequent effects on fuel economy and emissions – meant many just bought two-wheel-drive cars and shoved their old rally-star dreams to the back of a drawer. Now, though, there's a chance – a slim one but a chance all the same – that electric power offers us a cheat code for clawing back our fast, four-wheel-drive dreams. Adding an extra electric motor for more power and performance is a relatively simple thing to do, and although it will impact efficiency and range, that impact is cushioned by the fact that charging up at home is always going to be much, much cheaper than pumping in litres of former-dinosaur juice. Which means that this new Peugeot E-3008 Dual Motor GT seems oddly compelling, to me at least. The existing front-wheel-drive electric E-3008 is one of the more notably impressive mid-size EVs when it comes to delivering usable real-world range. The Peugeot e-3008 is good-looking car with impressive range efficiency. Photograph: Tibo - The Good Click Peugeot e-3008: really tight corners with fast approaches will remind you, very quickly, that this car weighs an unhelpful 2.2 tonnes and that is a limiting factor. Photograph: Tibo - The Good Click It also looks sharp, with those almost malevolent headlights, the grille that melts in and out of the front bodywork, and the chopped roofline that genuinely gives it the air of a kinda-sorta-coupe. It's handsome. Oddly, this range-topping Dual Motor version is no more handsome. For a car with 325hp, all-wheel drive and a tweaked, sportier chassis, you'd have expected more visual thrills, or at least a badge with more evocation than 'Dual Motor'. However, as Emmanuel Varene, head of the E-3008's development told The Irish Times: 'We didn't want to over-promise with a badge like GTI or Peugeot Sport Engineered. Besides, a car with those badges should be one level above this model.' We'll start to see what Varene means with the imminent reveal of the E-208 GTi, the first EV to wear those hallowed letters. In the meantime, making do with the E-3008 Dual Motor will be no hardship at all. As with the exterior, there's nothing on the inside to tell you that this is the hottest 3008. It's still a cracking cabin though, even if it's a bit tight in the back for anyone who's graduated from national school. The boot's a bit smaller too, due to the space taken up by the 112hp rear motor, but you'd be churlish to call this anything but a reasonably practical car (and the far roomier E-5008 Dual Motor will be just across the showroom floor…). What really makes the E-3008 Dual Motor stand out, though, is what Peugeot has done under the skin. The springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars have all been stiffened up, but the best bit is the revised steering, which has some actual feel and feedback, and turns the standard model's over-assisted rack into something far sharper and more engaging. It's a bit tight in the back of the Peugeot e-3008. Photograph: Tibo - The Good Click Peugeot e-3008: stylish interior. Photograph: Tibo - The Good Click In combo, the tighter steering and tauter suspension make this E-3008 really quite a rewarding companion on a challenging road. Really tight corners with fast approaches will remind you, very quickly, that this car weighs an unhelpful 2.2 tonnes and that is a limiting factor. However, on slightly more open roads with longer radius corners, the E-3008 Dual Motor is properly enjoyable to drive, with engaging responses and a sense of sporty crispness. You do pay for the stiffer suspension with an urban ride that's considerably harder-edged, though. However, you don't pay all that much for the extra lower and 90kg of extra weight. This Dual Motor model uses the same 73kWh battery as the regular E-3008 (we're still waiting for the long-range 98kWh version with its 700km range, but production slowness at Peugeot's battery producer is slowing things up) and that means a reduction in official range from 527km to 490km. However, Peugeot may be a touch pessimistic here. Over a long day's driving on motorways, in crowded towns, and on some vertiginous country roads, we averaged 18.5kWh/100km, only slightly worse than the official WLTP figure and that was driving almost all the time in Sport mode with the air conditioning on. A touch more care should see you do better than that, and so the efficiency and range penalty for the extra power and poise might just be minimal. Figure on a fairly reliable 440km real-world range, not much worse off than the front-wheel drive model. [ The VW Buzz is a superhero, here to save us from villainous SUVs Opens in new window ] That's a small price to pay for the impressive boost in performance (0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds with hugely enjoyable mid-range thrust for overtaking or fast motorway merging) and the extra traction which made the E-3008 feel rock-steady when the heavens opened and a huge burst of rain hit the tarmac in front of us. The 325hp is way more power than that offered by any of my 1980s and 90s rally heroes, and now I can have it at hardly any running cost penalty? Yes please. The downside is that there will still be a chunky cost penalty – Peugeot Ireland still hasn't set prices as this Dual Motor model won't be with us for at least six months yet, but it's likely to top the €55,000 mark. That's a lot of cash, so once again, probably few Irish buyers will take the plunge. I'd be tempted, though…
Observer
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Al Zubair leads Merc 2 of N group in Jordan Rally
Omani rally driver Abdullah al Zubair topped the N group in Merc 2 in Jordan International rally which was a strong and more than impressive result, achieving fifth place in the overall rally standings in his Subaru Impreza, followed directly by his teammate Zakariya al Amri. The rally, which consisted of 12 stages, between mountainous and near the Dead Sea, witnessed success in terms of organisation and participation, as 22 cars participated in various categories. Champion Abdullah al Rawahi topped the morning stages on Friday in Til Hilali, Karamah, and Baptism, but he lost the title against Nasser Al Attiyah meanwhile Abdullah al Zubair and his navigator Taha Soomar continued to dominate the Merc 2 group despite the attempts of the rest of the competitors to catch him, especially his direct competitor Zakariya al Amri and his navigator Mohammed al Mazroui and other local competitors from Jordan and Lebanon. Nevertheless, Al Amri still leads the category by 9 points over Al Zubair, who aspires to win the title this year. Abdullah al Zubair secured the lead in his group from the day one and took it easy on himself on the second day, slowing down after securing a significant lead over the competitor chasing him. Al Amri, meanwhile, had a great race but encountered some problems with his car on the day one, which he was able to recover on the following day and gain good times. The second day of the rally, which took place in Panorama, Suwayma and Wadi Nar, in the Merc 2 group witnessed competition between colleagues Abdullah al Zubair and Zakariya al Amri to seize the category title, but Al Zubair presented a balanced and exceptional performance and implemented a clear strategy to maintain the difference between him and the rest, he was able to decide the matter in advance during the first day& 39s competition, and his strong and fast time in the group gave him the lead in the Jordan International Rally category, and he secured 30 points in the category in the Middle East Rally Championship after concluding his fourth round in Jordan, towards competing for the lead. The winner of the first place in the in (N) category, Abdullah al Zubair, with his navigator Taha Soomar, said that the rally was special in terms of the competition, which was fierce in many stages, but thank God I outperformed many of the competitors who had stronger cars and in a larger category than my category, and we succeeded in achieving the goal, which was to win first place in the category to reduce the lead in the group with my colleague Zakariya al Amri, and I am happy with this, I also hope that private sector companies will support the competitors who achieve international successes in the name of the Sultanate, especially since these sports are very expensive. I thank everyone who stood behind us in this rally and championship, the supporters, Taha Soomar's my assistants, and the technical team for the great job, it is worth mentioning that many of those witnessed and drivers at the rally asked Al Zubair to participate next year with an R5 category car, as he was one of the fastest drivers in the rally. For his part, competitor Zakariya al Amri said that the rally was difficult and arduous and he faced some problems in some stages, but he was able to overcome them and and recover and presented an ideal race despite the fierce competition, rough stages and hot weather. He added, 'Thank God, we are still at the top of the Merc 2 group and we will try to maintain this lead in the upcoming rallies and win the category. I thank my navigator Mohammed al Mazroui for all the support, as well as the audience who came to support us in this rally in Jordan from Oman.'
Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Al Zubair wins Merc 2 in Jordan International Rally
Muscat: Omani rally driver Abdullah Al Zubair topped the N group in Merc 2 in Jordan International rally which was a strong and more than impressive result, achieving fifth place in the overall rally standings in his Subaru Impreza, followed directly by his teammate Zakaria Al Amri. The rally, which consisted of 12 stages, between mountainous and near the Dead Sea, witnessed success in terms of organization and participation, as 22 cars participated in various categories. Champion Abdullah Al-Rawahy topped the morning stages on Friday in Til Hilali, Karamah, and Baptism, but he lost the title against Nasser Al Attiyah meanwhile Abdullah Al-Zubair and his navigator Taha Soomar continued to dominate the Merc 2 group despite the attempts of the rest of the competitors to catch him, especially his direct competitor Zakaria Al-Amri and his navigator Mohammed Al-Mazrui and other local competitors from Jordan and Lebanon. Nevertheless, Al-Amri still leads the category by 9 points over Al-Zubair, who aspires to win the title this year. Abdullah Al Zubair secured the lead in his group from the day one and took it easy on himself on the second day, slowing down after securing a significant lead over the competitor chasing him. Al Amri, meanwhile, had a great race but encountered some problems with his car on the day one, which he was able to recover on the following day and gain good times. The second day of the rally, which took place in Panorama, Suwayma and Wadi Nar, in the Merc 2 group witnessed competition between colleagues Abdullah Al-Zubair and Zakaria Al-Amri to seize the category title, but Al-Zubair presented a balanced and exceptional performance and implemented a clear strategy to maintain the difference between him and the rest, he was able to decide the matter in advance during the first day's competition, and his strong and fast time in the group gave him the lead in the Jordan International Rally category, and he secured 30 points in the category in the Middle East Rally Championship after concluding his fourth round in Jordan, towards competing for the lead. The winner of the first place in the in (N) category, Abdullah Al Zubair, with his navigator Taha Soomar, said that the rally was special in terms of the competition, which was fierce in many stages, but thank God I outperformed many of the competitors who had stronger cars and in a larger category than my category, and we succeeded in achieving the goal, which was to win first place in the category to reduce the lead in the group with my colleague Zakaria Al Amri, and I am happy with this, I also hope that private sector companies will support the competitors who achieve international successes in the name of the Sultanate, especially since these sports are very expensive. I thank everyone who stood behind us in this rally and championship, the supporters, Taha Soomar's my assistants, and the technical team for the great job, it is worth mentioning that many of those witnessed and drivers at the rally asked Al Zubair to participate next year with an R5 category car, as he was one of the fastest drivers in the rally. For his part, competitor Zakaria Al Amri said that the rally was difficult and arduous and he faced some problems in some stages, but he was able to overcome them and and recover and presented an ideal race despite the fierce competition, rough stages and hot weather. He added, 'Thank God, we are still at the top of the Merc 2 group and we will try to maintain this lead in the upcoming rallies and win the category. I thank my navigator Mohammed Al Mazrui for all the support, as well as the audience who came to support us in this rally in Jordan from Oman.'
Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Al Zuabir leads Merc 2 in Jordan International rally after superb driving followed by Al Amri
Muscat: Omani rally driver Abdullah Al Zubair topped the N group in Merc 2 in Jordan International rally which was a strong and more than impressive result, achieving fifth place in the overall rally standings in his Subaru Impreza, followed directly by his teammate Zakaria Al Amri. The rally, which consisted of 12 stages, between mountainous and near the Dead Sea, witnessed success in terms of organization and participation, as 22 cars participated in various categories. Champion Abdullah Al-Rawahy topped the morning stages on Friday in Til Hilali, Karamah, and Baptism, but he lost the title against Nasser Al Attiyah meanwhile Abdullah Al-Zubair and his navigator Taha Soomar continued to dominate the Merc 2 group despite the attempts of the rest of the competitors to catch him, especially his direct competitor Zakaria Al-Amri and his navigator Mohammed Al-Mazrui and other local competitors from Jordan and Lebanon. Nevertheless, Al-Amri still leads the category by 9 points over Al-Zubair, who aspires to win the title this year. Abdullah Al Zubair secured the lead in his group from the day one and took it easy on himself on the second day, slowing down after securing a significant lead over the competitor chasing him. Al Amri, meanwhile, had a great race but encountered some problems with his car on the day one, which he was able to recover on the following day and gain good times. The second day of the rally, which took place in Panorama, Suwayma and Wadi Nar, in the Merc 2 group witnessed competition between colleagues Abdullah Al-Zubair and Zakaria Al-Amri to seize the category title, but Al-Zubair presented a balanced and exceptional performance and implemented a clear strategy to maintain the difference between him and the rest, he was able to decide the matter in advance during the first day's competition, and his strong and fast time in the group gave him the lead in the Jordan International Rally category, and he secured 30 points in the category in the Middle East Rally Championship after concluding his fourth round in Jordan, towards competing for the lead. The winner of the first place in the in (N) category, Abdullah Al Zubair, with his navigator Taha Soomar, said that the rally was special in terms of the competition, which was fierce in many stages, but thank God I outperformed many of the competitors who had stronger cars and in a larger category than my category, and we succeeded in achieving the goal, which was to win first place in the category to reduce the lead in the group with my colleague Zakaria Al Amri, and I am happy with this, I also hope that private sector companies will support the competitors who achieve international successes in the name of the Sultanate, especially since these sports are very expensive. I thank everyone who stood behind us in this rally and championship, the supporters, Taha Soomar's my assistants, and the technical team for the great job, it is worth mentioning that many of those witnessed and drivers at the rally asked Al Zubair to participate next year with an R5 category car, as he was one of the fastest drivers in the rally. For his part, competitor Zakaria Al Amri said that the rally was difficult and arduous and he faced some problems in some stages, but he was able to overcome them and and recover and presented an ideal race despite the fierce competition, rough stages and hot weather.
