2017 Subaru Impreza: +4 HP

"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
03/23/2016 at 14:05 • Filed to: None

A few facts/observations based on the live reveal and press release, in list form:

It’s the first Subaru to use the new Subaru Global Platform

The new platform is claimed to be 70% stiffer and have 50% less body roll (than the outgoing model). The center of gravity is also lowered by 5mm

It’s slightly larger in every dimension (except height)

The FB20 has been upgraded with Direct Injection. This means an increase of 4 horsepower (no word on torque or fuel economy)

The CVT now has a 7-speed manual mode (in Sport and Limited). No word on manual transmissions, but it will probably be the 6-speed found in the Forester.

There are 4 trim levels (Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited), and two body styles (sedan and hatchback)

The hatchback has smaller rear quarter windows compared to the outgoing model (I don’t know how I feel about that…)

The Sport model is now available in both Sedan and Hatchback body styles. The Sport was only available as a hatchback in the outgoing model.

The Sport model gets active torque vectoring, currently found in the WRX, STI, Legacy, and Outback.

The Sport badge is identical to the badge on the outgoing model, but is accented in red (rather than blue)

Roof rails are standard on more hatchback models (Premium and Limited)

New headlights with LED DRLs, steering responsive headlights, and automatic high-beams (Sport and Limited)

The tire pressure monitoring system now displays information for all four tires

Improved STARLINK media system in upper trim levels

EyeSight can now automatically brake in reverse

It has a hand-operated parking-brake

A water-temperature display is now available in the Multi-Functional Display (at least on Sport models)

The US and Canadian models will be built in Indiana (the first Impreza built in the US.

DISCUSSION (24)

CB > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 14:10

But the real question is: what about the WRX and the STi models?

Party-vi > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 14:10

Direct injection was only good for 4hp peak? Interesting. I wonder how much power they picked up under the curve elsewhere.

Saracen > Party-vi
03/23/2016 at 14:13

DI was probably adopted primarily for fuel economy reasons. Likely they switched to direct injection and then detuned it slightly...giving it a smaller net power gain but a signficant economy bump.

(Just conjecture because I haven’t actually seen the fuel economy numbers.)

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 14:20

The handbrake means that all is well in the world.

HammerheadFistpunch > Party-vi
03/23/2016 at 14:22

Yeah, hopefully its being used to beef up the curve a little. The FA20 is kinda limp wristed until you rev it out.

HammerheadFistpunch > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 14:22

HOORAY REAL HANDBRAKE!!!

Boxer_4 > Party-vi
03/23/2016 at 14:36

It will be interesting to see. As far as I know, this is the first application of Subaru’s own Direct Injection system on a naturally aspirated car. It’s a bit of an unknown. Hopefully Subaru publishes a dyno curve of the engine.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 14:44

I don’t get the hate. Maybe a little boring, but I really like it. They could’ve gone full Civic on it...

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Jarrett - [BRZ Boi]
03/23/2016 at 14:46

Although having a manual handbrake is cute for thinking that you can do but outs and j-turns, it’s really a nuisance on the console. I’d rather have an extra cup holder or a place to put my phone.

Boxer_4 > CB
03/23/2016 at 14:47

The WRX and STI will be staying on their own platform for a while (until 2021 or 2022 is my guess). The new WRX and STI were just released for 2015, and Subaru tends to keep those two without platform changes for 7-8 model years. I could see the STI getting an FA engine derivative in the next few years to replace the EJ257.

The only platform change I could see would be the introduction of an STI based on the newly introduced Impreza hatchback, but the earliest I could see that announced is Los Angeles 2016.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 14:49

The outgoing Impreza, while a great driving car, just felt cheap and cramped inside. From the photos, this looks light years better and more “adult”.

Boxer_4 > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
03/23/2016 at 14:56

I’m looking forward to hearing/learning more about the new platform. They’ve made some bold claims, and I’m curious to see how it translates to real-world performance.

Boxer_4 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
03/23/2016 at 15:02

I thought the interior of the outgoing Impreza was fairly nice, however, my frame of reference for worst Subaru interiors is the 2008 Impreza.

This Impreza’s interior looks to be at least on par with the current Outback and Legacy interior, which I was very impressed with.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 15:30

How did they manage to add 4 extra horsepower without flame decals?

BrtStlnd > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 15:32

This is a FAR more thoughtful diagnosis of the new Impreza than the one on the front page.

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 16:00

A 6 speed! Huzzah! One of these is on the list of potential replacements for my Focus in 3 or 4 years, and being able to row my own without a buzzy highway ride sweetens the deal.

ly2v8-Brian > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 16:07

Interior looks a lot less shit. So there's that.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Boxer_4
03/23/2016 at 16:59

If we get the 6-speed and can get it hatchback in a trim that has roof rails and a leather-wrapped steering wheel I may seriously think about trading my ‘14 Forester for one. Oh and if this new DI motor doesn’t burn a quart of Mobil1 0W-20 every 3000 miles that would be nice too.

Also, I am pleased they kept the door-mounted wing-mirrors.