Subaru's Impreza is hardly short of pace, but Subaru's Tokyo motor show concept demonstrates the Japanese maker's commitment to trying to provide a touch of economy as well for its replacement.
The curious styling of the B5-TPH (Turbo Parallel Hybrid) mates coupe, hatchback and 4x4 cues, and despite Subaru's claims that it doesn't preview any forthcoming models, Autocar.co.uk sources claim that the hatch gives a clue to the looks of the next Impreza, due in 2007.
Power comes from a flat-four engine converted to run the high-efficiency 'Miller Cycle' and mated to a twin-scroll turbocharger to produce 257bhp and 252lb ft. Mounted between the petrol engine and its transmission is an electric motor producing 13.4bhp and a hefty 110lb ft of torque to boost acceleration and reduce fuel consumption under load. In tune with Subaru tradition, power id delivered to all four wheels and the electric motor is powered by Subaru's revolutionary new manganese lithium battery, which can be charged to 95 per cent of its capacity in just five minutes.
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