2017 Subaru Impreza tastes the wind of change as the Pleiades logo brand make a move in New York
The novelties list is long, but arguably the most significant change for the 2017 Subaru Impreza has to do with the new Subaru Global Platform, which underpins the model.
There are a few advantages that come with the adoption of this new architecture, at least from where Subaru officials are standing. For example, noise, vibrations and harshness are now described as "not seen in the compact class", while the overall body structured is said to have improved by 70% and body roll was reduced by 50%.
Then there's a slight upgrade applied to the 2.0-liter Boxer unit which now offers direct fuel injection and 152 hp instead of 148 hp. Helping the engine reach its potential is a Lineartronic CVT with a seven-speed manual mode (based on pre-set ratios) backed by steering wheel paddle shifters.
Safety-wise, Subaru fitted the 2017 Impreza with the EyeSight driver assist technology, made of the usual safety suite: adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic pre-collision braking and blind spot monitoring just to name a few.
Besides suspension tuning and the inclusion of the Active Torque Vectoring gizmo, Subaru announces four trim levels for the 2017 Subaru Impreza, namely 2.0i base, Premium, Sport and Limited.
The entry-level equipment level brings a 6.5-inch tactile display, Android Auto and CarPlay, power windows and fold-down rear seats. Go up one step and you grant access to a new set of amenities including 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and auto headlights. Limited trim ups the ante with LED headlights, 17-inch alloy rims and auto climate control, along with the optional Harman/ Kardon audio system – a first for the Impreza.
Prices remain unknown for now, but we'll know more as the first 2017MY Imprezas start populating the dealerships, which is bound to happen later this year.