The New York auto show hosts the world premiere of the fourth generation Subaru Impreza, showcased in both 4-door and 5-door body styles. Developed under the Subaru’s concept of “Redefining Value, Redefining Class”, the new Impreza is allegedly more fuel-efficient and fun to drive, while offerings better interior space, despite having the same exterior dimensions as the outgoing model.
The wheelbase has been enlarged by 25 mm, the bottom end of the A-pillar has been extended 200 mm toward the front and the door structure has been redesigned, with all these changes resulting in increased shoulder and elbow space, extra foot room for the rear passengers and an improved field of vision for the driver. Naturally, cargo space is larger in the sedan with Subaru claiming that it can transport four golf bags, while the hatchback can accommodate three.
Mechanically, the base U.S. models feature Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and the third generation 2.0-liter boxer engine, mated either to a 5-speed manual, either to the new Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission.
Rated at 148 horsepower (22 less than the outgoing model’s 2.5-liter unit) and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) of torque, the smaller engine achieved a preliminary in-house fuel consumption rating of 36 mpg (6.5 liters/100 km), a record for a U.S.-market AWD production car. This is also due to the vehicle's low weight (1,320 kg/2,910 lbs), the optimized aerodynamics and the standard low-rolling resistance tires.
Subaru says the exterior design follows the “Smart & Classy” concept, with the result being an elegant but somewhat understated look. The car's styling highlights include the hexagon grille with spread wings in the center, “hawk eye” headlights and bulged wheel arches, with the latter being a reference to all-wheel drive capability.
The new Impreza's interior appears to be inspired by German cars, with ergonomically placed controls and a classic setup. The three-spoke steering wheel and the round speedometer and rev counter add a hint of sportiness, but nothing to get excited about. Subaru didn't offer any details on pricing and launch dates.
By Dan Mihalascu
*All Live Photos Copyright Carscoop / Phil Alex
16 Comments:
Not too bad, but the rear end could use some sprucing up and the interior could have been more exciting.
Better then the last one, but not quite there yet.
The grill looks like the new Taurus.
Is that my 2010 Legacy?
And this is from the same company that brought us the "2011 mediocrity"?
'That's one black kettle' said the pot.
compared to corolla,the new civic,and the sentra this is a triumph. The hyundai looks ridiculous. Not to mention AWD and great mileage. I hope they keep the STI in both hatch and sedan models. Both will look outstanding once they're done up. WRX hatch will be a next purchase.
Looks OK. The rear quarter could use something. Seems roomy and has heighth. Beltline is normal, which is great compared to the hideous high belt line trend. Visibility should be good. Interior is nice and conservative, beats the weird Civic interior.
What the heck happened to the concept?
This thing's hideous!
There goes Subaru - gone in 10 years!
Ford Focus made in China... - ugly
Looks like a Prius for the poor and the interior is cheap and 80s style... boring.
What a disappointment....!..Just...depressing...! Time to consider Imprezas from like '02 to '07 as Collector Items....!
Who took these photos? Did you use a camera phone, it looks like it.. They make the car look even worse.
When reporting on a motor show at least use a proper camera please. One thing I can't stand, struggling to take a decent photo at a show because there's 10,000 fools using mums digicam or their iPhone to take identical dreadful photos that would shame a webcam.
The sedan looks like a baby Legacy. The hatchback is a recycled Toyota Matrix. The interior looks ok, but could they have used something other than the Legacy/Outback steering wheel? Overall, not worth the wait.
Subaru of late is killing us with uninspired me-too mediocrity.
Every last ounce of these two models is made up of bits and pieces of other cars and ones that aren't anything special. Every last cliché bit and piece.
It looks like the passenger seat is still down on the floor, a typical Subaru trait common in many of their cars, causing passengers knees to be way up off the seat.
At least the earlier bug-eyed models were distinctive and interesting.
The previous model looked way better with the A-pillar more to the back. How could they design such a mediocrity ? This can't possibly be turned into a sports car without everyone laughing...there is only one more step to this car looking as ugly as the Nissan Tiida.
Stupid !
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