Subaru Impreza 2.5i Versus the Competition: Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium is an excellent value in the market place, and has many important advantages...   Did You Know? The Subaru Impreza 2.5i is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for three years in a row. The Honda Civic, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and Volkswagen Jetta are not IIHS Top Safety Picks. The Subaru Impreza 2.5i has a standard 170 horsepower engine that has 30 more horsepower than the Honda Civic LX-S sedan and the Nissan Sentra SL sedan, and 22 more horsepower than the Mazda3 iTouring sedan The Subaru Impreza 2.5i has standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive which is not available on the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra or Volkswagen Jetta at any price The Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium has standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist, which is not available on the Honda Civic LX-S sedan or Mazda3 iTouring sedan The Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium has a standard AM/FM audio system with 6-disc CD changer, 10-speakers and MP3 capability. The Honda Civic LX-S sedan, Mazda3 iTouring, Nissan Sentra SL sedan and Volkswagen Jetta SE do not The Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and has an MSRP that is less than the front-wheel drive Mazda3 iTouring sedan, Nissan Sentra SL sedan and Volkswagen Jetta SE sedan   For more information on comparing Subaru vehicles to its competitors, Come to Folger Subaru of Charlotte, and see for yourself. Also, ask about taking a Free Extended Test Drive Experience! Visit us at 5701 East Independence Blvd., Charlotte NC. Click here for directions: http://www.folgersubaru.com/dealership/directions.htm Located not far from uptown Charlotte, you'll find our location very convenient and easy to get to from North Charlotte, South Charlotte, Lake Norman, Mooresville, Concord, Gastonia, or Rock Hill S.C. Folger Subaru is located in Charlotte, NC. We are family owned and locally operated. We are famous for treating our customers like part of our family. We offer a wide selection of Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicles that compliments the largest selection of our New Subaru inventory in North Carolina and the surrounding area...including the all new Award Winning Subaru Forester, Outback, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, STI, and Tribeca. Our experienced and Subaru Certified Sales Staff is eager to share its knowledge and enthusiasm with you. We encourage you to browse our online inventory, schedule an extended test drive, and investigate our financing specials and options. Or, take a tour of our website at www.folgersubaru.com Check out our monthly New Subaru SPECIALS at: http://www.folgersubaru.com/specials/new.htm Call us direct at: 888-693-4199 ...read more

SUBARU INTRODUCES 2011 IMPREZA ® WRX® MODELS WITH NEW WIDE-BODY DESIGNS AND ENHANCED HANDLING PERFORMANCE FOLGER SUABRU OF CHARLOTTE NC....LARGEST WRX AND STI  INVENTORY:VISIT  US ATWWW.FOLGERSUBARU.COM OR CALL 704-536-9635New WRX 4-Door and 5-Door Models Adopt Wide-Body Design Wider Track and Tires Enhance Grip NEW YORK, March 22, 2010 – Subaru of America, Inc. today introduced the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models, which now use a wide-body design like the brand's iconic WRX STI® performance flagship model. The wider body designs give the 2011 WRX an aggressive road presence and also allow wider track dimensions. An approximately 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires deliver improved grip in the 2011 WRX. The standard wheels are now 17 x 8-in. vs. 17 x 7-in. in the 2010 model, and tire size is now 235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17. "The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. The 2011 Impreza WRX 4- and 5-door models arrive in Subaru dealerships this summer. Both are powered by a 265-hp turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-liter 4-cyl. SUBARU-BOXER ® engine teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission. This highly responsive engine produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The WRX has been the focus of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2009 model received the 265-hp engine and a significant chassis tuning upgrade. For 2010, the new Limited trim lines expanded the WRX model's appeal to a broader range of driving enthusiasts. The 2011 Impreza WRX uses the Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling locking center differential nominally distributes torque 50:50. Should slippage occur, this system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction. The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard. Incline Start Assist, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline. New Designs for 2011 Both the WRX 5-door model and 4-door model will now feature a wide-body design for 2011 similar to that of the WRX STI, underscoring the high-performance character of both models . The new design is based on a "wide and low" concept and gives both cars an aggressive street presence. The design also maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability in the vehicles. Significantly, curb weight for the 2011 WRX models increases by just 33 pounds over the "original body" 2010 models, preserving their powerful acceleration performance. In front, the 2011 WRX models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings. For the 2011 WRX 4-door model, the wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, accentuating a look of stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient. Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior In the WRX models, exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery accented by red stitching sets the tone for the sporty interior. The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In the 5- 2011 Subaru WRX and WRX STI /3 door, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience in both models and the 4-door also features a rear seat fold-down center armrest. All WRX models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. As a sporty accent, the instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design and features control switches for Bluetooth ® hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and has XM/SIRIUS satellite radio capability (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling. Proven Subaru Safety The Impreza models are built around the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones. This design has been proven in Subaru models for over a decade to provide outstanding crash protection. Side-curtain airbags are standard on all Subaru models, as is a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.Stop by at Folger Subaru of Charlotte NC to inquire more about the New 2011 Subaru WRX and Sti.Contact us at 704-536-9635 or visit us atwww.folgersubaru.com ...read more

By Jewel Gopwani, USA TODAYDETROIT — When Russell Levine's lease on his 2006 Subaru Forester was coming to an end, his car hunt was quick.Levine picked out another Forester SUV, his fourth. Levine, 48, of Huntington Woods, Mich., was not tempted to try another brand. "The data speaks for itself. It's highly rated by independent agencies. The mileage is good," said Levine, an information technology architect who recently started commuting to a new job at General Electric's technology center. Subaru's message of high safety ratings, fuel economy and resale value is resonating with more drivers, especially highly educated ones that automakers like to capture. Last year, Subaru's sales rose 15.4% even as U.S. auto industry sales fell 21%, the best performance of any automaker. That helped the Japanese automaker's U.S. market share grow from 1.4% to 2.1%. That 50% market-share gain is a huge jump for a niche automotive brand. Subaru is seen as a quirky company that appeals as much to drivers who need their cars to haul skis as it does to engineers and professors looking for a practical vehicle. "We always like to refer to ourselves as the best-kept secret in the auto industry," said Tom Doll, chief operating officer of Subaru of America. James Bell, Kelley Blue Book executive market analyst, calls Subaru one of the most well-placed companies in the industry. "They seem to be limber enough and flexible enough to find a way to make themselves successful no matter what the rest of the market tends to do." "The stars kind of aligned for us," said Tom Doll, COO of Subaru of America. Since mid-2008 — as U.S. auto sales started to dive — Subaru has updated its lineup. It also has received high safety ratings and praise from magazines such as Consumer Reports and Motor Trend. Subaru's sales really took off last year with the government's cash-for-clunkers program. The automaker's U.S. sales growth went from 6% before the program to 15% by the end of 2009. Subaru's momentum, however, didn't stop last year. The company's sales are up 33% through February. Doll said he expects sales to be higher in 2010 and that Subaru will hang onto a 2%-plus market share in the U.S. George Glassman, owner of Glassman Subaru in Southfield, Mich., said he has seen former Jeep, Saab, Lexus and BMW owners switch to Subarus. "Subaru today appeals to everyone, whereas years ago it really did have a limited audience," Glassman said. Subaru can peg some of its sales success on having the right vehicles at the right time. The company's Outback, Forester and Tribeca fit into the crossover market, which grew from just 3.4% of U.S. auto sales in 2000 to 20.3% in 2009, according to J.D. Power and Associates. Jeff Schuster, executive director of forecasting at J.D. Power, warns, however, that Subaru will have to work to protect its sales in the market. "Competitive pressures are only going to intensify," Schuster cautioned, noting that growth in the crossover market is expected to flatten. But so far, Subaru has developed a loyal following. With low inventories — fewer than 10 days for the Legacy and Outback — Subaru has kept incentives low and residual values high. In fact, Subaru boasts that it has some of the highest resale values in the industry. Those high resale values allowed Subaru to maintain its attractive leasing programs even in the credit crisis. Moderate lease payments have helped Subaru grow its customer base, said Felipe Mendiola, a partner at Hodges Subaru. Mendiola has seen more young couples come into his dealership in Ferndale, Mich., compared with what he described as his primary demographic of people over age 40 five years ago. Cultivating niche identity To meet rising demand, Subaru this year plans to hire 200 to 400 employees at its plant in Lafayette, Ind., where the Legacy, Outback and Tribeca are built. Subaru, whose parent company Fuji Heavy Industries is partially owned by Toyota, also builds Camrys there. Subaru's Indiana plant is an example of how the company has tried to distinguish itself as a niche brand. Workers noticed eagles, foxes, deer and blue heron on the 800 acres around the plant. They contacted the National Wildlife Federation, which designated the plant's backyard a wildlife habitat. That's not surprising from a company that is known for sponsoring garden and flower shows as much as it is for backing a road rally team. "We know where our customers are and how to speak to them," Subaru spokeswoman Heather Ward said. Subaru also knows its customers do research. According to J.D. Power, 68% of Subaru drivers have at least a four-year college degree, compared with 55% of other new-car buyers. Subaru customers, Doll said, are "happy with who they are. They could afford to buy anything. But they prefer to buy a Subaru."Contact Folger subaru of Charlotte for your guaranteed lowest price on your next Subaru!Call us at 704-536-9635 or vist us at www.folgersubaru.com ...read more