Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza was launched in 1993 to replace the company’s Leona model. Featuring a lightweight design that was ideally suited to all-wheel drive capability, this Subaru also included the manufacturer’s signature flat engine. In 1994, Japanese and European markets saw the introduction of the STi variant of the car. These upgraded models featured a wide range of upgrades, including high-performance transmissions, engines and suspensions, though they weren’t initially introduced to the North American market. Rather, Subaru planned to keep its image as a manufacturer of economical cars intact, initially limiting availability of the Impreza to a 1.8-liter engine only. In 1995, a 2.2-liter engine became optional.