Joining the Impreza sedan, the new hatchback is designed to offer a more involving driving experience and higher levels of comfort.
This is the all-new five-door version of the Subaru Impreza, the first model -along with the sedan- of the brand that gets to use the new global platform.
Compared to the previous model, the new Impreza rides on a longer by 1.0in wheelbase with the rest of the car being wider by 1.5in, 1.6in longer and 0.4in lower. The lower height helps in improving the shape of the new Impreza, making more aerodynamic with a lower drag coefficient.
As ever, the new generation will continue to be offered with Subaru’s permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and flat-four engines with the company adding the also new Eyesight array of technologies which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, plus a Lane Keep Assist function as standard.
Subaru takes pride on their new global platformwhich is now 70 per cent stiffer and improves crash energy absorption by 40 percent when compared to the one it replaces. The newfound rigidity allowed the company to further lower the center of gravity and re-engineer the suspension setup, with Subaru saying that this is the biggest-ever leap in the brand’s performance evolution.
More specifically, Subaru was able to mount the rear stabilizer bar of the double wishbone suspension directly to the body which helped reducing body roll by a whopping 50 per cent compared to the outgoing model. The better straight-line stability makes the new Impreza more relaxing to drive on the motorway with the company also claiming to improve dramatically the agility of the whole construction.
Both the sedan and the hatch models will be available initially with the company’s revised 2.0-litre boxer petrol engine which now makes 152hp (vs 148hp before). Subaru added direct fuel injection and made other smaller revisions to boost both the performance and drivability. As before, Subaru will offer a CVT Lineartronic transmission which offers seven preselected ratios in manual mode in higher trims.
Sport models will come equipped with Active Torque Vectoring, exclusive suspension setup and 18-inch alloy wheels and aim to become the handling benchmark in their segment. Other exclusive features include LED daytime running lights (DRL), black-finish front grille, body-color rocker panels and turn signal side mirrors. The Impreza Sport Hatchfeatures gloss black rear gate trim with the Sedan getting a rear spoiler.
The Starlink infotainment system offers the latest in connectivity and digital music playing, with Subaru to offer Safety and Security Connected Services as one of the most affordable telematics options in the market, including SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts, Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.
Who else is really excited for the STI versions?
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