Subaru outs its 2017 Impreza sedan at the New York Auto Show. Is there enough newness here or too much of the same?
We now have our first few full looks at the next Subaru Impreza, where some images were handed out by the Japanese marque themselves just prior to the unveil event at the New York Auto Show.
Let’s get a couple of things out of the way: the exterior design and interior design (especially) is a substantial jump over the previous generation of Subaru small sedan, which had the Impreza name taken away, leaving it to be called just WRX.
Speaking of the WRX and WRX STi, the Subaru Global Platform makes its debut here on the all-new and much-missed Impreza, and will set the manufacturer up for its new generation of cars under which the aforementioned new platform will also sit, from friendly family wagon to turbo-nutter STi models.
There’s no reason to believe that the Australian market won’t be receiving the same sedan version that’s been revealed in New York, with an as-yet hatchback variant earmarked for prime time following this sedan.
An early picture of the interior is even more encouraging, showing fresh layout and a more choice of materials, as well as what looks to be a new seat design. All of which we’re keen to sample.
Subaru wants even the entry level models to be a fun and engaging drive, squarely aiming at the Ford Focus and Mazda3 to unseat for affordable handling competence.
While the exterior of the new 2017 Impreza isn’t quite as striking at the concept shown late last year, we do concede that it is a step in the right direction.
The new Impreza is also longer by 41mm and wider by 38mm than the car it replaces, with an interesting dip in height by 10mm, which, coupled with the flat-four engine, should let it stay quite flat through the bends.
Yes, of course that Boxer engine makes a return, as does the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive – it wouldn’t be a true blue Subaru otherwise. This new-generation powetrain, however, would also feature first-time features for Subaru such as intelligent cylinder deactivation.
An STi model should be on schedule for reveal pretty soon too, likely powered by a 2.0-litre turbo Boxer with power figures within shooting distance of the most recent entrant(s) into the fast family hatch game (ahem..Ford Focus RS).
