What's all this about?
Subaru, the purveyor of slightly left-field, all-wheel drive, boxer-engined cars, has given the Impreza a thorough overhaul. The new Focus rival is based on the company's new Global Platform, like the recently launched XV, a feature that is claimed to bring about big improvements in safety and chassis dynamics.
Doesn't look all that different...
Look closely, and you'll see a gentle massaging of proportions has resulted in a lower and wider bodyshell with a longer wheelbase. The 'hawkeye' front remains, but attention has been focused on the rear of the car to give a sleeker, more resolved look. Mind you, only five paint choices are available, so you'd best not be too fussy.
And the interior?
Subaru claims a higher standard of fit and finish without losing any of the famed durability, but it's hard to tell that from the pictures. Of interest is the fitment of an eight-inch touchscreen as standard, from which features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB radio can be controlled. An increase in legroom and boot space is the benefit of those body revisions.
What about the oily bits?
Staying true to its boxer engine philosophy, a duo of petrol units will be offered in 1.6-litre and direct-injection 2.0-litre capacities. Both engines are mated to the 'Lineartronic' CVT all-wheel drive transmission, with a claimed weight saving of nearly 8kg over the old car. The engines are also said to benefit from less vibration thanks to revised internals and extra mounting points. The new platform has multiple benefits for chassis stiffness, allowing greater body control and responsiveness, as well as a 40 percent improvement in collision energy absorption.
Anything else?
The Impreza features a host of safety aids under the name of 'EyeSight', including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and emergency braking and acceleration functions. There's also a rear-facing radar to help with lane changes and blind spot detection.
Maurice Malone - 12 Sep 2017