Subaru have used this year’s New York motor show to unveil the brand new 2017 version of their Impreza sedan, and while it may not look all that different from the one it replaces, there are some new changes laying under the skin.
Visually, the new Impreza features some new sculptured creases down the side, along with squintier looking headlights – after which the designers must have called it a day and gone home. As we hinted at before though, the Impreza now sits on Subaru’s all new vehicle platform, one which will form the basis of all manner of hatchbacks, saloons, estates and SUVs. Subaru says the new platform offers tidier handling, higher comfort levels and less harshness from noise and vibration.
Subaru’s new platform can also house all manner of modern powertrains, hybrids included, and this latest-gen Impreza sticks initially with Subaru’s tried-and-tested combination of a four-cylinder boxer petrol engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. It’s longer and wider than before, though at 10mm lower, it is said to offer a better drag coefficient than its predecessor. Subaru also claims that the lower centre of gravity and revised suspension calibration has also given the car its “biggest ever leap forward” in dynamic ability.
On the inside, Subaru has replaced most of the buttons on the dashboard with a new infotainment system, and whose appearance resembles most smartphones. Safety is high up the agenda too, with Subaru’s Eyesight technology suite on board. As well as the predictable bunch of lane assist and blind spot detection systems, its automatic braking system will function while reversing, as well as travelling forwards.