Impreza was launched by Fuji Heavy Industries in 1993 as an up scaled compact car. Though its contemporaries like Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer and Evolution etc focused on producing larger volumes, Subaru Impreza opted for a slightly different strategy. Subaru produced Impreza in lower volume but kept all the model range more up scaled and sporty compared to its competitors in compact car category. Also Impreza has always remained an AWD car, to compete with Subaru; Mitsubishi had to launch AWD versions of Evolution and Lancer.
First generation (1992-2001) was offered in 3 body styles of 2 door coupe, 4 door sedan and 5 door wagon respectively. Four engine capacities were introduced initially which included 1.8 litre, 2.0 litre, 2.2 litre and 2.5 litre engines either with a 4 speed auto or 5 speed manual gearboxes.
Second generation (2000-2007) was the bubbled eye sporty Subaru Impreza, which became famous because of its astonishing performance in WRC, was offered in 4 door and 5 door body trims, either as a sedan or as a hatchback respectively. A total of 6 varying engines could be opted with second generation Imprezas and they ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 litre engines, producing horse power in range of 125 to 300. It came equipped with either 4 speed auto or a choice between 5 or 6 speed manual gearboxes.
Third generation (2007-2011) Impreza was also offered only in two body trims, either as a 4 door sedan or as a 5 door hatchback. Engine was offered in 6 variations from 1.5 litre to 2.5 litre and Subaru also incorporated two turbo charged engines of 2.0 and 2.5 litre capacity as well. Additionally 4,5 and 6 speed auto as well as manual gearboxes were included in options in third generation Imprezas.
Some of the engines along with their respective engine codes that Subaru used in Impreza are as follows.
EJ15 Engine; it was 16 valve 1.5 litre petrol engine produced from 2005 to 2007, and then again in 2007 and 2008.
EJ16 Engine; these engines were 16 valve 1.6 litre petrol engines produced from 2000 to 2005. These engines incorporated Single Cam technology.
EJ16 (2WD); this version of EJ16 engine was 2WD 1.6 litre 16 valve petrol engine with Single Cam technology. It was used in Subaru Impreza from 1993 to 2001.
EJ18 Engine; this 1.8 litre FWD petrol engine had 16 valves and was produce from 1993 to 2001.
