Previewed by a concept car 
introduced at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, the next-generation Subaru Impreza has been unveiled in production form at the 2016 New York Auto Show. Details are still scant as of this writing, mostly because Subaru only published a handful of photos and no actual information on the sedan, but we should find out more later today.
For now, we get to take a closer look at the brand’s new four-door compact, which rides on the Subaru Global Platform, a new architecture that will underpin all the company’s upcoming models. Much like the previous generation, the new Impreza will also offer a five-door hatchback version, which is set to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show as well.
The fifth-gen model has been redesigned inside and out and received a new boxer engine, likely more powerful and efficient that the previous unit. Stay tuned for updates from New York and continue reading for what we already know about the new Impreza.
Updated 03/23/2016: Subaru dropped the first images and info on the new generation Impreza at the 2016 New York Auto Show.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Subaru Impreza.
Exterior
Styling-wise, the new Impreza is based on the concept we saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but, not surprisingly, most features have been toned down. Up front, cues that are reminiscent of the Impreza Concept include the grille with its redesigned and blacked-out mesh and the new bumper with the thinner center intake and revised side vents. The latter have smaller black inserts and are devoid of the chrome trim seen on the previous model. The headlamps have also been redesigned and, although they look sportier now, they have very little in common with the concept’s as they are missing the fancy, C-shaped LED pattern. The engine hood is also new, and unlike its predecessor, it no longer extends into the grille.
Styling-wise, the new Impreza is based on the concept we saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but, not surprisingly, most features have been toned down
The side view is where Subaru kept most of the features seen on the concept, including the arched front fenders and the beefy rear haunches. The Impreza now has a more muscular waistline that gives it a sportier stance, even without the WRX package. The wheels seem based on the concept’s as well, while the side skirts are more aggressive that last year’s model.
Significant changes are noticeable around back as well, starting with the redesigned bumper and the new taillights. Based on the concept’s, the taillights are slightly bigger and are a radical departure compared to the previous model, this time around extending well into the trunk lid. The license plate recess is slightly thinner and longer, giving the sedan a wider stance. Atop the trunk lid there’s a new spoiler finished in black. Down below, the Impreza features the same black-painted plastic piece underneath the bumper.
Overall, the new Impreza looks fresh and sports enough design cues from the concept car to be called attractive. It’s definitely sportier than its predecessor, which was rather mundane for a sporty, compact sedan.
Interior
Subaru had yet to release details of the interior, but the single photo it unveiled so far confirms the sedan features a fresh layout with a larger color touchscreen. The “multi-layered” dashboard has redesigned A/C vents at each corner, while the ones on the center stack are larger and set on each side of the touchscreen. The revised controls for the infotainment were moved below the screen. The center console is also new, featuring redesigned storage spaces and a new gear shifter.
The three-spoke configuration of the steering wheel was carrier over, but everything on it has been revised. There are new controls, a better-looking center section, and a larger aluminum insert for the lower spoke. Behind it, there’s a new instrument cluster. Other changes include sportier front seats and new door panels that boast a more upscale appearance, but we will return to update this section as soon as Subaru spills the beans.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, the Impreza should receive a newly developed 2.0-liter flat-four with enhanced output and improved fuel economy. Expect the new unit to pump out around 160 horsepower and at least 150 pound-feet of torque. In other markets, Subaru is also likely to offer a smaller, 1.6-liter, turbo-four that delivers up to 190 pound-feet of twist.
Under the hood, the Impreza should receive a newly developed 2.0-liter flat-four with enhanced output and improved fuel economy.
In the U.S., the 2.0-liter powerplant will mate to either a manual or a CVT. Expect the CVT models to return up to 38 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. Naturally, an updated version of the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system will be standard on all models. Each AWD system will be tailored for the transmission it will work with.
Of course, the big news here is the new Subaru Global Platform, which is significantly lighter than the previous one and will help to improve both performance and fuel economy. The new architecture is also 70 percent more rigid than the current chassis and has a 40-percent increase in impact energy absorption.
Prices
With the current Impreza priced between $19,090 and $24,390 for the 2016 model year, the next generation models should fetch more than $20,000 in base trim and at least $26,000 for the range-topping model.
Competitors
Mitsubishi Lancer
Around since 2007, the current Lancer is a bit long in the tooth, but several upgrades have kept it somewhat competitive all these years. However, the Lancer will be no more starting 2016, with the 2015 Lancer Evolution X Final Edition being the final iteration of the iconic nameplate. And, despite numerous rumors that Mitsubishi might develop a successor, the Japanese have yet to make an official statement about it. Meanwhile, the Lancer can be had with a choice of two engines. There’s a 2.0-liter inline-four rated at 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque and a 2.4-liter four-pot that generates 168 horses and 167 pound-feet. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual or a CVT with six-step Sportronic and paddle shifters. Pricing begins from $17,395 and goes up to $21,595 for the range-topping model.
Read more about the Mitsubishi Lancer here.
Honda Civic
People often confuse the Impreza as Subaru’s performance model, but the truth is, the Impreza is the company’s resident compact family sedan that battles against the Honda Civic . Speaking of the Civic, it’s been a rough couple of years for Honda’s compact sedan. 2012 proved to be a disastrous year for the model, forcing Honda to revamp it just one year later. A year after that, the Civic received more modifications, resulting in a more masculine design that is now a far departure from the shoe box look of the 2012 model. A complete redesign for 2016 took that even further, making the Civic bigger and sportier than ever. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-banger with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged, 1.5-liter that makes 174 horses, making both engines powerful enough to battle the new Impreza.
Read more about the 2016 Honda Civic here.
Toyota Corolla
Any mention of a mainstream compact sedan will always lead back to the Toyota Corolla. As one of the world’s most iconic models, the Corolla holds the kind of cachet that very few of its rivals can compete with. That includes the Subaru Impreza. For 2014, Toyota gave the Corolla a full redesign, complete with dramatically improved exterior styling, and a fancier interior with plenty of character expressed in decent materials with good fit and finish. The 2014 Corolla also has a 1.8-liter, inline-four engine that produces a steady 140 horsepower through either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. It’s not enough to reach the output of the current Impreza, but the Corolla’s overall new-generation attributes makes it real competition for the Subaru. Starting price for the Corolla is $16,800 and grows to $21,300.
Read more about the Toyota Corolla here.
Conclusion
We still don’t know much about the upcoming Impreza, but Subaru finally went with a full overhaul rather than a mild redesign. Although we don’t know what’s under the hood yet, everything else on this car is new, including the platform. Whether this is good or bad remains to be seen, but the new Impreza seems promising.
LOVE IT
Likely lighter and more powerful New platform and engines Refined interiorLEAVE IT
Not as aggressive as the conceptUpdated History
Updated 10/12/2015: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming generation Subaru Impreza out for its first test. The model is expected to go into production in the third quarter of 2016, with both four- and five-door versions being offered. As usual, Subaru will also offer both WRX and WRX STI versions.
Spy Shots
October 12, 2015 – First testing session
Press Release
Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that the all-new 2017 Impreza will debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show on March 23, 2016.
The Impreza has been completely redesigned inside and out, from upgraded in-car technology and a more spacious interior to its sleek new body design. The updated model will include signature Subaru features such as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and award-winning safety technology.
Both the sedan and 5-door model will be unveiled at the press conference scheduled for 12:20 p.m. ET on March 23, 2016 at the Subaru display following a speech by Fuji Heavy Industries president CEO, Yasuyuki Yoshinaga.