Subaru has unveiled the all-new 2017 Impreza sedan and hatchback ahead of the New York International Auto Show.
The first model to be underpinned by Subaru’s advanced new Global Platform architecture, the new Impreza is engineered to deliver significantly higher levels of driving pleasure, agility, crash protection and ride comfort. The Subaru Global Platform will underpin a variety of upcoming Subaru vehicles, including hybrids and the next generation of Subaru’s supremely capable, all-terrain SUV and crossover models.
As before, every Impreza is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which maximises driving agility, stability and traction on all surfaces, and gives the car a key advantage over front-wheel drive competitors.
Subaru’s new design language puts the brand’s signature hexagonal grille and ‘hawk-eye’ headlights onto a more sculptural body, its athletic stance accentuated by prominent wheel arches and flowing lines. The dramatic new look carries into the cabin, with an ‘outward-flow’ design that echoes that of the front of the car.
The 2017 Impreza rides on a 2,670 mm wheelbase, up 25 mm compared to the current-generation Impreza, while overall length is up 41 mm and width increases by 38 mm. The larger dimensions create a roomier cabin, while a 10 mm lower height aids aerodynamics with a lower coefficient of drag. Although sleeker in appearance than the previous models, the 2017 Impreza preserves excellent all-around visibility.
Subaru’s hallmark technologies – four-cylinder horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and the EyeSight driver safety assist system – join the new Subaru Global Platform in providing the core foundations of next-generation of Subaru vehicles. Set to form the basis of all future Subaru models, the highly-adaptable platform is suitable for a range of different body styles and powertrains, including Subaru’s all-terrain crossover and SUV models.
The Impreza’s new platform incorporates several types of high-strength steel to significantly enhance straight-line stability, agility and ride comfort, while suppressing noise, vibration and harshness to a degree not seen in the compact class. Specifically, the new platform increases rigidity of the unitised body structure by over 70 percent compared to the current Impreza model.
A lower centre of gravity and revised suspension systems contribute to the biggest-ever leap forward in Subaru’s dynamic capabilities. The double-wishbone independent rear suspension mounts its rear stabiliser bar directly to the body, reducing body roll by 50 percent. Greater hazard-avoidance capability is another benefit of the Subaru Global Platform. In addition, resolute straight-line stability makes the 2017 Impreza more relaxing to drive and is also an important constituent of the autonomous driving capability this platform will support in future Subaru vehicles.
The new Impreza is equipped as standard with Subaru’s latest infotainment system, controlled by a large touchscreen and using Subaru’s latest-generation voice control system. The display screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera and navigation. The system’s smartphone-style functionality extends to a range of apps that can be downloaded onto users’ mobile devices, which pair up via Subaru STARLINK to offer the latest in digital music playing, Bluetooth® wireless capability, iPod® control, smartphone integration and more. Other functions include weather and traffic updates and news updates.
The all new 2017 Impreza 5-door hatchback is currently under consideration for the European market.
