Subaru debuted its all new Impreza at the New York International Auto Show.
As before, every model is equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), for maximised driving agility, stability and traction on all surfaces, says Subaru.
Power comes from four-cylinder horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engines, while a new Subaru Global Platform is set to form the basis of all future Subaru models. The 'highly-adaptable' platform is suitable for a range of different body styles and powertrains, including Subaru’s all-terrain crossover and SUV models.
A new design language sees the brand’s signature hexagonal grille and ‘hawk-eye’ headlights fitted to a more ‘sculptural body’, with the new car’s its athletic stance accentuated by prominent wheel arches and flowing lines. Overall length is up 41 mm and width has been increases by 38 mm. The larger dimensions create a roomier cabin, while a 10 mm lower height aids aerodynamics with a lower coefficient of drag.
The Impreza’s new platform incorporates several types of high-strength steel to ‘significantly’ enhance straight-line stability, agility and ride comfort, while suppressing noise, vibration and harshness. Subaru claims the new platform increases rigidity of the unitised body structure by over 70 percent compared to the current Impreza model. The double-wishbone independent rear suspension mounts its rear stabiliser bar directly to the body, reducing body roll by 50 percent.
The new model provides higher levels of safety than the outgoing car, by accommodating the EyeSight collision avoidance technology for the first time, as well as crash energy absorption figures improved by 40 percent over the old Impreza. The EyeSight system acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead of potential hazards. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, plus a Lane Keep Assist function. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available.
Also new are Steering Responsive Headlights, which can illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them, and High Beam Assist, which automatically activates and deactivates the high-beam headlamps based on driving conditions. All models include as standard equipment front seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. New driver-assist technologies, include Reverse Automatic Braking and the display of steering lines for the standard rear-vision camera. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
High connectivity comes via the Subaru STARLINK touchscreen infotainment. Controlled by a large touchscreen and using Subaru’s latest-generation voice control system, the display screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera and navigation.
Subaru says the new Impreza 5-door hatchback is currently under consideration for the European market.