What's the news?
Subaru's reputation as the preserve of farmers and sideways Scots changed a long time ago, and the Frankfurt reveal of a new Impreza confirms that. Intended to directly challenge the likes of the Ford Focus and Opel Astra, the hatchback is the second model to utilise Subaru's new Global Platform.
Exterior
A gentle re-proportioning has resulted in a 10mm drop in height, a 35mm increase in width and a 25mm longer wheelbase, meaning cabin and boot space are up. Subaru terms its design philosophy 'DYNAMIC x SOLID", and a reshaping of the lines, especially towards the rear of the car, gives a sleeker look. Paint choices are limited to white, red, silver, blue and grey for the time being.
Interior
That increase in size translates to 26mm more legroom, as well as an extra 10 litres of boot storage capacity, with a useful additional 100mm of boot opening width. Infotainment features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB radio, controlled by the standard-fit eight-inch touchscreen. Subaru claims that the quality of interior fit and finish is also improved thanks to the use of more soft-touch materials.
Mechanicals
There will be a pair of petrol engine options: the outgoing 1.6-litre (though featuring 70 per cent new components) and a direct-injection 2.0-litre, both four-cylinder boxer units. A 'Lineartronic' CVT gearbox is available. Subaru claims an improvement in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) thanks to a combination of mechanical revisions and extra mounting points, while that new platform also gives a 40 per cent improvement in collision energy absorption, as well as providing a stiffer base for the suspension components. To that end, Subaru has revised spring and damper rates to give better response and body control.
Anything else?
Subaru's 'EyeSight' technology features prominently, and comprises of six interlinked systems including emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane assist. There's also a rear-facing radar known as SRVD (Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection System), which aids with blind spot detection and lane changes. We'll bring you details on Irish pricing and availability as soon as we get them.