For 2017, the new Impreza (available as a four-door sedan or five-door wagon) will debut Subaru's new Global Platform architecture. This platform will underpin a variety of upcoming Subaru vehicles, including hybrids, and is designed to deliver significantly higher levels of driving pleasure, agility, crash protection and ride comfort. Like the previous model, all Imprezas will come with standard Symmetrical AWD. The new 2017 model has been given various improvements that bring Subaru into the 21st century.
The roomier 2017 model will come with standard technology such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as standard Near Field Communication. The vehicles will arrive in dealerships in late 2016 and be available in base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim lines. The new Impreza rides on a 105.1-inch wheelbase, up 1.0 inches over the last generation. The new model is also wider than the outgoing Impreza and has better outward visibility. Inside the Sport model a new black cloth interior with red stitching shows off the car's sporting credentials. Keyless Access & Push-Button Start, aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle and a CVT shift boot are all standard on the Sport trim.
Other interior revisions include improvements to Subaru STARLINK. It now includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a new harman kardon premium audio system is also available. Under the hood, the FB 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine gains direct injection as well as a slight horsepower boost from 148 to 152 horses. A CVT transmission mimics a seven-speed manual mode with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Subaru was quick to point out that the 2016 Impreza was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with the available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This new model will be 40% better in crash energy absorption than the outgoing car.
The EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, as well as lane keep assist. Blind Blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert are also available. The new Impreza is definitely the safest, and most technological Subaru ever. Gone are the days when Subaru only built simplistic, AWD cars with less technology than a 1980s Toyota. We can't wait to see all of the features from the 2017 Impreza make their way to a new WRX. That will be a seriously impressive car!
