2017 Subaru Impreza: First Look
Competes with: Mazda3, Kia Forte, Honda Civic
Looks like: The last-generation Impreza went shopping for some new duds. Its profile is the same, but new lines and details suit the body better.
Drivetrain: 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; standard all-wheel drive; continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with an available manual-mode on Sport models that has seven speeds
Hits dealerships: Late 2016
CARS.COM — The redesigned 2017 Subaru Impreza made its debut today at the New York Auto Show with fresh styling, updated technology and a new trim level that should be both more luxurious and more fun to drive.
More 2016 New York Auto Show Coverage
This is an important redesign for Subaru, for reasons beyond what you see on and in the new Impreza. The updated wheelbase is the first iteration of Subaru’s new Global Platform which will be used in a variety of upcoming Subaru vehicles, including hybrids and potentially vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities, says Subaru. The future may be closer than we think.
The 2017 Impreza now is offered in four trim levels: base, Premium, Limited and the all-new Sport.
Exterior
New and improved styling is based on the Impreza concept that made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall. The production version wears sharp creases down the sides, including a character line that ties the fenders together. The concept’s grille and hooked LED daytime running lights both carry over to the production model.
The Impreza’s dimensions have been stretched as well. The wheelbase is an inch longer and both the sedan and five-door versions are 1.6 inches longer and 1.5 inches wider than their predecessors.
Wheels range from 16 to 18 inches, depending on trim level. Premium models add 16-inch alloy wheels as well as roof rails on five-door models. The Limited trim adds 17-inch alloys, chrome trim pieces and turn-signal side mirrors. The Sport (seen in the photos here) gets the most dressing up, featuring side rocker panels, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
The cabin’s styling has been updated, but the overall the look is familiar. A few controls have been shifted around and the vents now sit on the sides of the main information screen. On Sport models, there are two screens in the center, the lower, larger one controls the multimedia system, while the upper is used to relay other information to the driver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now are standard across all trim levels, and even the base trim comes with a decent 6.5-inch screen.
Subaru says that the Impreza’s stretched dimensions add interior room as well, but they did not release exact specifications.
Under the Hood
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine is not new, but it does get a few updates (including direct injection) which bump horsepower from 148 to 152. The CVT also gets an update; in high trim levels, it will offer a simulated manual mode with paddle shifters that allow the driver to shift through seven pre-set gear ratios. A symmetrical all-wheel drive system is standard. On Sport models, the system adds Active Torque Vectoring along with unique suspension tuning for improved handling dynamics.
Estimated fuel economy figures were not yet available.
Safety
The previous version of the Impreza was a Top Safety Pick+ award winner when equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight collision avoidance system with automatic emergency braking and the 2017 adds even more available safety technology.
Newly available safety features include a back-up automatic braking system and steering-responsive headlights that swivel as the car turns. An automatic high-beam system joins the EyeSight safety package on Limited models; the system automatically turns the high beams on and off based on driving conditions. Subaru’s subscription-based STARLINK Safety and Connected Services system returns as well.
The 2017 Impreza will make its way to dealerships in late 2016.
