Just a few months ago, Subaru unveiled the latest concept design for their new Impreza sedan. We’ve been given some special insights into the exciting new design direction for this popular model. As you’ll see, this new concept follows Subaru’s “Dynamic & Solid” design philosophy, and the new Impreza is slated to the be the first offering in Subaru’s next generation of automobile designs.
The Unveiling
The new Impreza concept was unveiled at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show, in October 2015, with the 5-door hatchback model.
Image courtesy of subaru.com.
The sedan version of the concept car made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show a month later.
Image courtesy of caranddriver.com.
The new design plan is called “Dynamic & Solid,” marrying exciting character lines to finely engineered aerodynamic surfaces. The style elements double as functional elements, helping to direct airflow smoothly around the vehicle while it’s in motion. The Impreza concept, along with its later production counterpart, will lead the vanguard of Subaru’s next generation of vehicles, in line with the company’s “Prominence 2020″ design plan.
The concept car is expected to make its way into production next year, with the first production models available for sale in late 2016.
The Concept: A True Marvel
Image courtesy of subaru.com.
The Impreza Sedan is envisioned as the first of Subaru’s next-generation vehicles. The design focus is on the blending of design and function, which Subaru identifies as “Dynamic & Solid.” The car’s body is a cohesive three-dimensional structure, with the front, sides and rear of the vehicles joined together seamlessly. The new concept stretches the limits of what it means to be a compact car; the wheelbase on the new car is 105 inches, and the overall vehicle is 180 inches long. The new concept is slightly lower to the ground than the current production model at 57 inches tall, but the available headroom in the cabin is identical to the production model.
Image courtesy of subaru.com.
The new styling on the Impreza concept begins at the front, with a hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights. From the front, the vehicle appears wide and low, giving the viewer a sense of power and control. The lines that define the concept begin with this front profile, spreading to the sides and flowing to the rear of the vehicle cohesively. Flared fenders add to the visual impact, increasing the profile of the vehicle. The increased width isn’t just an illusion; the concept is 70 inches wide, a full 1.5 inches wider than the current production vehicle. Subaru has indicated that they’re just getting started; an inside source suggests that the final production vehicle will be even wider than the new Impreza concept.
Image courtesy of caranddriver.com.
As your eyes trace from the front of the vehicle to the sides, one of the major differences between the current production Impreza and this new concept becomes apparent. In the current version of the Impreza, the character lines from the fender flares end abruptly as they join the main body panels. In the new concept, these character lines extend along the sides of the body and run all the way to the rear of the vehicle, giving the vehicle a cohesive and dynamic look from front to rear.
Image courtesy of subaru.com.
The wheel wells house a set of 19-inch wheels, with body-color accents outlining the blades on the 5-spoke wheels. The arch of the cabin traces a smooth, shallow curve along the length of the side.
Image courtesy of subaru.com.
The side mirrors are also smaller than the current production car, giving the vehicle a touch of sophistication while avoiding a low-budget off-road look.
Image courtesy of caranddriver.com.
The character lines continue to the rear, wrapping around the rear lights. The lights share the same hawk-eye stylings from the front of the vehicle, further contributing to the cohesive look of the new concept car. Muscular lines and an oversized rear fender complete the package, giving the sedan a strong and sporty feel. The concept is dressed in a ruby red paint job with black accents. Overall, the new Impreza concept is designed with a quality and weight that exceeds its class.
The Unknown: Specifications
Image courtesy of subaru.com.
At present, many of the details of the final production car haven’t been revealed. There are some details that have been revealed, and Subaru has given us some hints of what the final specifications will be. Most likely, the new Impreza will continue with a four-cylinder 2.0L boxer engine, though it may be updated from the current production model. However, if Subaru continues with the current engines, then the base model would feature a 148-horsepower engine; the WRX and STI trim levels would receive the turbocharged engines with either 268 or 305 horsepower. At this point, however, those numbers are pure speculation.
The drivetrain will likely continue with the current specifications as well, with both manual and continuously variable automatic transmissions available.
Likewise, the Impreza will probably continue to be offered in both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive transmissions, without a two-wheel drive option. There’s been some speculation that the manual transmission would gain an extra speed to end up as a six-speed manual transmission, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
The Wait: What’s Next?
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For now, all we can do is watch and wait. The production car is expected to be revealed at the New York Auto Show in March; Subaru is expected to provide more details about the new vehicle’s specifications at that time, including trim levels, transmission details and engine performance specifications.
The new production vehicle will be the first to be built on Subaru’s new global platform, and assembly on the new car will begin in the company’s factory in Lafayette, Indiana, in the middle of 2016.
In addition to the sedan model, the new Impreza will also be offered as a 5-door hatchback.
Conclusion: Excitement Awaits!
Image courtesy of subaru.com.
As news about the new Impreza continues to trickle out, you can be sure that we’ll be paying attention. With production slated to begin next year, we should soon learn more about the final form of the next-generation Impreza. With any luck, you may be able to see the newest Impreza by this time next year.
We wish to hear your opinion!
- What do you think about the new concept line for the Impreza?
- Do you like it or do you prefer the current design?
- Do you think there will be many differences between the concept and the new production model?
Let us know in the comments below!