Making its world debut in New York, the all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza reflects a total remake of this mainstay model, which once again will be available in Sedan and 5-Door hatchback body styles. In addition to a bolder look, new architecture and more efficient powertrain, this generation will offer significantly upgraded comfort/convenience/safety features and also become the first Impreza built in America when it rolls off the assembly line later this year at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive.
Outer beauty, inner strength
Both the Sedan and 5-Door offer the first look at Subaru’s latest design language, an edgier and more sophisticated exterior treatment that melds crisply sculpted lines with signature cues like a hexagonal grille framed by hawk-eye headlamps and flared wheel arches. Slightly longer and wider than the current model, the 2017 Impreza also is marginally lower and gains a full inch of wheelbase. These changes improve packaging and aerodynamics.
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Equally critical, the new Impreza is the first to ride on the new Subaru Global Platform. Stiffer, stronger and coupled with improvements to the suspension, this more robust core gives the car a lower center of gravity along with superior ride and handling along with better straight-line stability. Destined to underpin all Subarus, the new architecture is said to do a superior job of banishing noise/vibration/harshness from the cabin.
Direct-injected boxer engine
While the 2017 Impreza will be fitted with the automaker’s FB 2.0-liter “boxer” 4-cylinder engine, this time around, it adds direct fuel injection and a number of other tweaks that bump horsepower from 148 to 152 and improve overall drivability. In high-line Impreza variants, it will be backed by a Lineratronic CVT automatic with seven virtual ratios selected using steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. As always, the every Impreza comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Subaru will offer the new Impreza in four distinct trim levels: 2.0i base, Premium, Sport and Limited. Even in 2.0i form, the roomier and better-appointed cabin boasts generous list of standard features that include a full range of power assists, air conditioning, a 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, and an audio system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Moving to Premium adds the Starlink Safety and Security features, 16-inch alloy wheels and an All-Weather Package with heated front seats, windshield and exterior mirrors along with automatic headlights. Aimed at enthusiasts, the Impreza 2.0i Sport matches unique exterior trim elements with a tauter suspension, Active Torque Vectoring and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, a Sport package adds bespoke black cloth upholstery, Starlink with an 8.0-inch screen, Harman/Kardon premium audio and more.
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The range-topping Impreza Limited has LED headlamps with corner-following capability as well as LED daytime running lights. Standard leather upholstery and automatic climate control can be further upgraded with available navigation and Subaru’s latest EyeSight technology that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert also are available.
The 2017 Subaru Impreza Sedan and 5-Door Hatch models will begin arriving in dealers late this year, although versions fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission won’t turn up until next January. Pricing for the new Impreza 2.0i/5M Sedan starts at $19,215 — a mere $100 bump from 2016 — with a CVT-equipped version kicking off at $20,215. The 2.0i Premium 4-door commences at $22,015 with the 2.0i Sport models stickering at $22,815 (5M) and $23,616 (CVT), respectively. The top-line Impreza 2.0i Limited Sedan commands $24,915 while the 5-door Hatch side of the family adds $500 to each of those numbers.
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