2017 Impreza:  A First Look

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4) 01/04/2017 at 16:53 • Filed to: None

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2.0i Sport 5 door models in Carbide Gray Metallic  and Lithium Red Pearl

The several 2017 Imprezas recently arrived at my local dealer, so I took some time to go check them out in person.

By now, I’m sure most everyone who is interested has heard about the new Impreza, so I’ll keep this mostly pictures with a few comments mixed in.

2.0i Premium 5 door in Island Blue Pearl

As is usually the case, the new Impreza looks a lot better in person than in photographs (especially Subaru’s press photos). Personally, I think it looks significantly better than the previous model.

Island Blue Pearl is a new color for the 2017 model year. It may be my favorite color available on the car; or at least, it would be if I could get Chrysler’s Surf Blue Pearl (and this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ) out of my head.

2.0i Sport 4 door and 5 door in Ice Silver Metallic and Lapis Blue Pearl

The 2.0i Sport models get unique 18x7.5" alloy wheels, LED fog lights, a blacked-out grille, gloss black rear window trim on the 5 door, and no roof rails.

2.0i Premium 5 door and 2.0i Sport 5 door in Carbide Gray Metallic and Lithium Red Pearl

Interesting note: the Sport models (at least the 5 door models) gets a PZEV sticker under the rear wiper, while all other models get an actual PZEV badge.

2.0i Premium 5 door in Carbide Gray Metallic

The 2.0i Premium features unique 16x6.5" alloy wheels and standard roof rails (on 5 door models). The 2.0i base model lack roof rails and features 16x6.5 steel wheels with plastic wheel covers (not pictured).

All 5 door Imprezas except for the 2.0i base trim and 2.0i Sport get roof rails standard. The roof rails are metallic silver in color on all trim levels that have roof rails.  Subaru has previously (and sporadically) used silver roof rails on upper trim levels. Personally, I’m not a fan of the silver roof rails. In this application (the 2.0i Premium) it just looks out of place.

2.0i Limited 5 door in Island Blue Pearl

The 2.0i Limited features unique 17x7.0" alloy wheels, standard fog lights, LED steering responsive headlights, extra chrome trim, and standard roof rails (on the 5 door model).

The silver roof rails work better on the Limited, in my opinion.

2.0i Premium 5 door in Carbide Gray Metallic

Another view of the rear of the car; self-explanatory.

I will note that the window trim pieces look a lot better than I was expecting (they look like crap in early photos).

2.0i Sport 4 door in Lithium Red Pearl

The Sport trim sedan features a rear deck spoiler finished in gloss black with body color mounting points.

2.0i Sport 4 door in Lithium Red Pearl

Another view of the sedan model (chassis code GK). The majority of the new Imprezas on the lot were the 5 door model (chassis code GT).

2.0i Premium 5 door and 2.0i Sport 4 door in Carbide Gray Metallic and Lithium Red Pearl

A picture comparing the rear of the 5 door and 4 door models. Seriously, why would anyone consider a 4 door model...

2.0i Sport interior, featuring Black Sport Cloth (stock photo)

Later, I got a chance to sit in a 2.0i Sport 5 door in the showroom. First impressions; the interior fit and finish is really nice, and I seem to fit comfortably. The controls feel solid, and the seats feel really nice. Rear seat room is good, and cargo space is better than I expected. I didn’t get to try the new StarLink head-unit, but I believe that any complaint I have on than can be easily fixed with an older double-din head-unit. One pet-peeve though; the black trim piece on the third spoke of the steering wheel is not connected to the frame of the steering wheel, rather, its connected to the airbag cover, which also actuates the horn...whoops...

Overall, I’m fairly impressed (or Imprezed, for you pun people). If it drives as good as it looks and feels, I may decide to replace the 09 Forester with one in a year or two...

For those of you who made it this far, have a row of WRXs.

Justin Hughes > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 17:00

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After straying far apart from each other, the Impreza and WRX look a lot more similar than they used to. I’m curious about the driving experience. Previously, the WRX was a driver’s car, and the Impreza was an appliance. I’d like to know if that’s changed. because dammit I want a WRX hatch, and if I can’t have one I’d consider an Impreza hatch if it isn’t boring to drive.

awmaster10 > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 17:12

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Wow looks good even in sedan form. The sport 2.0 5 door looks amazing.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 17:15

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Notice the sedan is about 10" longer than the 5 dr? I’d like to see a 5 dr with a longer butt.

Klaus Schmoll > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 17:24

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Mom always said that when you can’t say anything good, just don’t say anything.

But(t)..... Those rear ends! On the sedans not even the clear parts on the taillights line up. And the hatches........

Subaru never actualy was strong on the visuals, their appeal was always somewhere else, so it’s nice to see that they kept up with that tradition, I guess?

BeaterGT > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 17:25

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I like how they look in pictures but seeing a WRX/STI in person and there’s just no way I could take that plunge. The Impreza 5dr looks like a 3/4 scale Outback.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 17:30

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Why do they even make a sedan that small!?

Just sell it as a hatch only. People who don’t like a hatch are stupid and don’t deserve to drive one anyway

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 17:35

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I believe the PZEV sticker was the same on the 4th gen hatch as well. I believe our 2013 has it in the window while my 2012 had a badge, rip.

The sedan was actually rather useful, I loved the hell out of my 2012 premium sedan. Our hatch is nice but I still preferred my sedan for whatever reason. I’m assuming interior spacing is about the same if not better in the new one but the 2012 always had very good rear leg room, I’m 6'2" and I always fit comfortably in the back. So much so, that my only complaint with it was that there was no fold down arm rest in the premiums. I miss that car so much, it’s not even funny.

Boxer_4 > Justin Hughes 01/04/2017 at 17:38

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*Full Disclosure: I haven’t driven one, and even if I did, my frame of reference would be my 09 Forester...with that out of the way...

I’ve heard that the new GK/GT drives a lot better than the old GJ/GP. Like, it can be considered a driver’s car again. That being said it’s no WRX. The horsepower just isn’t there (152 hp @6,000 rpm, 145 ft-lbs @4,000 rpm). To be fair, I’m not looking for the new Impreza to be my “everything” car. If all goes to plan in the next few years, it won’t be.

The WRX is in a weird spot for this generation (VA/VM), as a result of effectively replacing two model lines in Japan. Over there, the WRX (and Levorg) is also filling in for the sporty Legacy since the current Legacy has gotten too large to fill that role. The Legacy was a non-insignificant portion of Subaru’s sales in Japan, at least until the BM/BR Legacy was introduced.

The GJ/GP Impreza platform wasn’t quite going to cut it for that role (they may have taken that design direction in the first place with the GJ/GP platform), plus, they needed a wagon, which the GJ/GP platform didn’t have. Subaru aparently decided it was best to develop a related but different platform with significant differences from the GJ/GP Impreza platform. They made a sedan and wagon version, but likely couldn’t quite justify producing a third body style (nor a second, similar but different hatchback).

My prediction is that we will see a hatchback WRX again in the next few years. The WRX is supposed to arrive on the global platform for the next generation, so Subaru shouldn’t be spreading itself as thin on development costs. The shelf-life of the current generation is probably 5-6 years, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see something by ~2020.           

Boxer_4 > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 01/04/2017 at 17:48

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Huh, I never noticed that about the PZEV badge/sticker placement. I’ll have to pay more attention to that.

I could see how the sedan could be useful, but with camping/moving computers and other things around, I love the utility of the hatchback. The interior is quite spacious; it certainly feels a lot bigger in the back seat than my 09 Forester, and I could easily see doing a several hour road-trip back there. The hatch area space, not as much, but what do you expect...

Boxer_4 > Klaus Schmoll 01/04/2017 at 17:53

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The rear is definitely the weakest part of the design.

Save for a few models, Subaru styling has never been the greatest, as you said.

Boxer_4 > BeaterGT 01/04/2017 at 17:55

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I must be used to the styling, or something, because I can’t say I’ve ever been turned off by Subaru styling... well, except for the Casa Blanca...

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/04/2017 at 17:55

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The sedan has about 6" or so more trunk than the 5 door, look at the photo (distance from the tail light to the edge of the back door). It may have more useful cargo room than the hatch.

Boxer_4 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/04/2017 at 17:55

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Yes, or just bring the Levorg over.

Boxer_4 > awmaster10 01/04/2017 at 17:56

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The Sport trim really is the best looking of the bunch. I just wish the Sport hatchback had roof rails (in black).

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/04/2017 at 17:57

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The basic Imprezza should be a hatch. Only.

The end.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 18:00

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Will the WRX be available as a Hatchbakc again?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 18:11

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As a college student, the sedan was decently useful for what I needed. It held a decent amount of my stuff. My Outback now will be even more useful than that for any outdoorsy stuff this coming summer. I never really used the Impreza much for skiing or camping because when I’d go I’d always be with family with a truck or SUV. Now I’ll probably use my Outback for my skis and any camping gear if I go with friends this summer.

Boxer_4 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/04/2017 at 18:14

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See my reply to Justin, but in short I wouldn’t expect to see the hatchback return until the WRX makes the jump to the new global platform, which it should for the next generation.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 18:28

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Why is the sedan so huge? Should be other way around.

whoarder is tellurium > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 18:49

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Something about that front bumper design makes me think it has lightly tapped a pole.

MM54 > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 19:01

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The back of the 4-doors look like someone described a Toyota over the phone. Also I’m not liking the silver roof rails, not exactly something that should really draw attention to itself. I’ll ignore the VW wheels too since that’s easily changed.

Otherwise they don’t look bad, still a bummer there’s no WRX hatch though (I’ll save my rant over the evolution of the WRX for another day though).

BeaterGT > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 19:21

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Like ever? Even the Brat? AND WHY DID I GOOGLE THAT

peace_pipe123 > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 20:00

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Unfortunately reminds me far too much of this...

Boxer_4 > peace_pipe123 01/04/2017 at 20:18

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I sort of see it, just get rid of the chrome trim on the Corolla. Even the exhaust exits on the same side.

To be fair, most Imprezas (with the exception of the 2nd gen) have some elements of Corolla in their design (newer ones more so perhaps)

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 20:20

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It’s really confusing that the WRX is still on the last gen platform for 2017. Maybe there just not done with the STI RnD for the new chassis? Or worst they’re going to kill off the STI now that the EVO is gone (spa hi he doesn’t make sense because the FoRS took its place)

Boxer_4 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/04/2017 at 21:20

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It may seem confusing at first, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it. Subaru will be moving all of their models to the new global platform, but only as each model comes due for redesign. The current WRX was introduced for the 2015 model year.  As the current WRX (which is technically on a different platform from the just replaced Impreza) is only in its 3rd model year, it wouldn’t make sense for Subaru to redesign it early.

My guess is that the current WRX will hang around for 2, maybe 3 years at most, then we will see a redesign. However, that’s just my hunch.

Boxer_4 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/04/2017 at 21:36

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It’s been that way since the 3rd gen was introduced for 2008 and the 5 door transitioned from a wagon to a hatchback. I don’t get it either; wagons rule!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Boxer_4 01/04/2017 at 22:49

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It’s just odd that they are treating the WRX as a separate car, not just an Impreza with boost. Which is what it is.

Boxer_4 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/04/2017 at 23:16

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I think Subaru’s argument was that the Impreza platform needed to be designed with the WRX and WRX STI in mind, which was overkill for the standard Impreza. Now that everything is moving to the global platform, that should be a moot-point. Still, it will be interesting to see whether they stick with treating the WRX and WRX STI as a separate model. I’m guessing they will, in order to keep giving it a stronger performance identity and keep it a bit more up-market from the Impreza (at least, that’s probably what Subaru would say). 

Boxer_4 > BeaterGT 01/04/2017 at 23:34

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I had to ponder this for a bit; the closest I think I have come to being turned off by Subaru styling is either the original XV (not the Crosstrek), or the R2 kei car from the 2000s (not including any of the fake Subaru kei cars from ~2010 onwards).

I’ll have you know that I like the BRAT, though, I like the original generation better than the “newer” square headlight version.

Also, isn’t the Casa Blanca “ great ”?

Boxer_4 > MM54 01/05/2017 at 00:17

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The rear of the Impreza 4 door has been pretty generic since the 3rd gen was introduced in 2008. I still don’t understand the silver roof rail thing. I’ve seen it on multiple models from several brands, and it never looks good. That’s something that would need to be fixed, either with plasti-dip or maybe something more permanent.

Like you said, the wheels are an easy fix. As far as I can tell, they are 5x100 wheels, which means there will be a good selection of old OEM as well as aftermarket wheels available.

Overall, it seems respectable for a daily; something that should last for a long while without much fuss.

I agree, there needs to be another WRX hatchback. I would be surprised if they don’t bring it back in the next few years when the WRX moves to the new platform.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Boxer_4 01/05/2017 at 00:55

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It’s seems they’re spending a lot of money on making the WRX up market, which is didn’t really need. T was originally just an Impreza, but faster, and more capable. And that’s all it needs to be. Originally it didn’t even look that special from the outside, which to me was part of its appeal.

Justin Hughes > Boxer_4 01/05/2017 at 10:05

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Oh, don’t get me started on the Levorg - I want one!!!

That’s great info! I didn’t know most of that. Thanks for sharing! Subaru chose the worst possible time to drop the WRX/STi hatchback, with the arrival of the Focus RS. Not to mention the GTI/Golf R as well. But now I have a much better understanding of the reasons behind that. Besides, Subaru is focused on building sales volume, not keeping up with the Joneses in their hot hatches. That’s why the current STi is running the same engine it’s had since the Earth cooled and has fallen behind the competition. Though I’d love to see a more highly tuned FA20 replace that old lump and at least keep up with if not smoke the competition.

thedangler > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/05/2017 at 10:24

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If you compare the current WRX to the current Impreza though, the impreza looks like you neutered it and took all the fun away.

I have a ‘16 WRX Limited and you get a lot for your $$ with it.