What is it: The Subaru Impreza is a compact car that has all-wheel drive and is available as either a sedan or hatchback. It features an automatic transmission and seats five. It competes with the Mazda3, Kia Forte and Honda Civic. New for 2017: The Impreza gets new styling, updated technology and a new trim level that is both more luxurious and aims to be more fun to drive
The redesigned 2017 Subaru Impreza gets fresh styling, updated technology and a new trim level that is both more luxurious and more fun to drive
The 2017 Impreza now is offered in four trim levels: base, Premium, Limited and the all-new Sport. ExteriorNew 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 gets the most dressing up, featuring side rocker panels, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. InteriorThe 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 HoodThe 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. SafetyThe 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.
