Originally published March 24, 2016 on autoTRADER.ca
Subaru launched the all-new Impreza in both sedan and wagon body styles yesterday at the New York International Auto Show. The 2017 Impreza is the first model built on Subaru’s all new Global Platform. Subaru claims that the new platform lowers weight, lowers center of gravity, and increases rigidity by 70% over the outgoing model.
The new car is slightly larger and wider for improved interior space, but the new platform allows a lower roof height for improved aerodynamics. Available on the new model will be Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and lane guidance assist function. The new Impreza also adds steering responsive headlights and automatic high beam control.
Under the hood is a revised version of the previous 2.0L boxer four cylinder that adds direct injection for 2017. This boosts horsepower from 148 to 152, and should also provide improved fuel economy. The only transmission Subaru mentioned is a CVT with seven-speed simulated manual mode.
Available trims will include base 2.0i, Touring, Sport, and Sport-Tech (which replaces the old model’s Limited trim level). Sport-Tech adds an 8.0-inch touch screen, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels as well as keyless entry and push-button start. WRX and STI models were not discussed, but are expected to follow in the next year or two.
The 2017 Subaru Impreza is expected to arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year.
