The 2017 Subaru Impreza will be the first model to use the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), on which future models of the brand will be mounted, including SUVs, and that can accommodate both combustion engines and hybrid and electric. With the new platform has been achieved, according to the manufacturer, an increase in rigidity of 70% and a reduction of the balance of 50%, whose immediate consequences are: agility, greater ride comfort, reduced vibration, increased passive safety and stability in a straight line. This last feature is important in self-driving vehicles and Subaru seems to have taken it into account.
The new Impreza, in detail
Body and design
Subaru has shown in New York two body styles: four-door sedan and compact five-door, the first with a length of 4.63 m and the hatchback with 4.46 m. This fifth generation of the Impreza grows in every way discreetly: the length increases by just over 4 cm, the width increases by 3.81 cm, and the wheelbase is now 2.54 cm longer than the previous generation. The only thing that decreases is the height, and it does so by 1 cm. The new measures involve slight changes in the characteristic grille of the brand and its falcon type headlights. Visually more stylized lines are perceived.
Engine and transmission
Subaru continues to rely on its 4-cylinder, 2-liter, direct injection, non-turbocharged boxer engine, which due to slight changes increases power to 152 hp, compared to 148 hp of the previous generation. Being a primarily American version, there is no mention of diesel engines.
The transmission is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with a seven-speed manual mode. The brand's signature S-AWD (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive) system is retained.
Safety
The safety chapter is especially careful in the 2017 Subaru Impreza, from the 40% improvement in shock energy absorption compared to the previous generation, to the full integration of new driving assistance technologies that the Japanese brand calls EyeSight. Under this name are grouped several systems that have a front camera as a common axis, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, lane keeping assistant and obstacle detection in blind spots. Safety in the rear is also taken into account with a rear camera that feeds systems that detect and warn of rear traffic, detect obstacles and brake, if necessary, in reverse maneuvers.
To the above must be added the new four-way tire pressure monitoring system, capable of detecting pressure loss in each of the wheels, as well as an intelligent lighting system (automatic change of high beams) and active (the beam follows the trajectory determined by the turn of the steering wheel).
Multimedia and connectivity
These two chapters so considered these days, are resolved differently depending on the equipment levels offered. Subaru covers under the name STARLINK multimedia systems that offer the latest in digital music technologies, Bluetooth, mobile phone integration, iPod control and a few more binary subtleties. Of note is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as the debut of NFC (Near Field Communication) connectivity technology, in the 2017 Subaru Impreza.
Equipment Levels
The 2017 Subaru Impreza will be available with four trim levels in the U.S. when it goes on sale: base 2.0i, Premium, Sport and Limited. All Impreza models will include front and side airbags in the front seats, curtain airbags, and knee airbags in the driver's seat as standard equipment.
The base 2.0i version has a comprehensive set of features, the most important of which are:
- 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Power windows with automatic up/down on both driver and passenger sides
- 60/40 split folding rear seats
- Central door locking and automatic folding exterior mirrors
- Multi-function display with fuel consumption information
- Steering column tilt and reach adjustment
- Engine immobiliser security system
The Premium level adds:
- More safety and security features to Subaru STARLINK.
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Extra climate control package: heated front seats, windshield and outside mirrors
- Automatic headlights
- Roof rack rails (only on five-door model and not available on Sport trim level)
- Optional equipment such as power moonroof and the driver-assist technologies described above
The Sport trim level adds to the above list:
- 8-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Harman/Kardon audio system
- Keyless entry and ignition switch
- Aluminum pedals
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever (with special knob)
The highest trim level, called Limited, features luxury appointments and an increase in extra features that add to the previous level:
- LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Responsive headlights
- Double-stitched leather trim on instrument panel and door armrests
- Six-way power driver's seat (included for the first time on Impreza)
- Automatic climate control
- Other styling details
Pricing information for individual markets is not available at this time.
