IN the car business, imi-
tation is not oniy the
sincerest form of flat-
tery, it’s the quickest
way for vehicle manufac-
turers to cash in on a
hot design trend.

Japanese and Korean car
companies offen initate design
concepts originated by ieading
car companies such os
Mercedes: Benz and BMW,

t when the
Mercesdes- Benz E-Class came
out in the mid-1980s, many
manufacturers, including,
Hyundai. imitated the Drege
tnangular-shaped taillights, a
design that remains popular
even today.

tn the case of the Subaru
impreza Outback Sport,
Subaru designers didn’t have
to go very far to find a suc-
cessul design. The Legacy
Outback, the “world’s first
sport-utility wagon,” has been
4 hor seller since it was intro-
duced in the Fallof 1995, Not
surprisingly, Subaru decided to
try the same concept with the
smaller Impreza. The first
Impreza Outback was wtre-
duced in mid-1996 as a trim
option on the all-wheel-drive
wagon model. [t inciuded the
larger 2.2-litre four-cylinder
engine, fwo-tone paint, roof
rack, higher ride height, alloy
wheels and front fog lights.

For 1997, the Impreza
Outback Sport adds iarger 15 -
inch tires (up from 14-inch), a
huge, raised hood scoop and
two additional air vents, and a
more aggressive front bumper
with a larger grille, Mast of
these features were added for
effect -— the ides was to make
the Impreza Ourback look
more aggressive.

9

FOR 1997, the Impreza Outhack Sport adds larger 75-inch tires (up from 14-inch), a huge,
and a more aggressive frant bumper with a larger grille.

at 1235 Marine Or. (980-2464).

Horsepower on the stan-
dard 2.2-fitre horizontally-
opposed four-cylinder engine
has been upped from 135 to
137, which is plenty of power
for a vehicle of this size. From
astanding start, the Impreza
Outback is very responsive.
really enjoved diving this car
around town because it’s easy
to drive, has great visibility,
good brakes, and excellent
maneuverability, Like most
four-evlinder motors, engine
noise 1s intrusive ac higher
revs, and there is some wind
and road noise ar highway
spceds.

Fuel econemy is reason-
able: 10.1 litres per 190 kits
metres (28 nepye jin che city,
and 7.2 litres per 100 kilome-
tres (39 m.p.g.ion the high-

ISG@SE Paothlinder ME
The all-new authentic sportiutility vehicle, 3.3L V6,
automatic transmission, dual airbags, ABS, air
conditioning, 160 watt 6 speaker AMIFM with CD
player and much more!

ST# GO91 model SCLG76AE00

MSRP $31,900

: Ourtback’s cide and
handling gets top marks, Nor
oniy is the suspension fully
independent, but all four
wheels have a MacPherson
strut system which provides
exvellent damping and
rebound control — better in
my opinien than the common

MERCED

Friday, December 13, 1996 — North Shore News — 49

raised hood scoop aid two addition

an,

7° Phato submitted

al aly vers,

Test drive the new Outback at Specialty Volvo Subaru, located in North Vancouver

rear multi-fink
The all drive system

continually feeds 50% of the

's power to the rear

and 50% to the froar
wheels, IC's imperceptib!: on
dry roads, but provides notice-
ably better grip on wet and
snowy roads. This is a full-time
systent: vou don’t have to

move it in and out of four-
wheel-drive, However, there is
no low range for truly serious
of road situations.

The fmpreza Ourback’s
intenor is simple and attractive
with a high grade seat cloth
and a full complement of fea-
tures as standard equipment,
including: power windows and

ES BENZ OWNERS

If you wish vo sell your vehicle directly to Mercedes Benz or if vou would like a current
; y y
evaluation of your vehicle, please contact the Sales Manager at your convenience.

. a

various models iefi
te choose fvom

é

Over dealer invoice
on all remaining Altimas

711 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, B.C. (694) 985-3311

Alt above prices are net of factory incentives. Appraiser on site to pay top dollar for trades. Extra concessions made by all chartered banks
for immediate delivery & special rates, Purchase only. No feet companies. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

: $279/mo $04

door locks, 80-watt stereo, air-
conditioning, power mirrors,
tachometer, and a rear wiper -
and washer. There are no
adjustable rear head restraints.
The cargo area has a sturdy
tubber tray which is useful for
storing wet chings, like skis,
snowboards, bikes, sports
equipment or outdoor equip-

See Impreza page SO

5 ms om

\ 4 Venture Pacific §

GROUP OF COMPANIES FR

VEHICLE LEAS!

* NEW & USED ¢ CARS & TR
2 ALL MAKES .

an & nen, &
aH ino. leave,
Te $10,000

feste,
Te $14,160 &
down. pha taces

lene OAC
TP $43,419 §

Lr $20 582