Change of colour: any better?
On Tuesday we ran a story showing pictures that claimed to be the new Subaru Impreza. We weren’t sure then whether they were genuine, but it appears they were the real deal.
Now we’ve got some more pictures from the States, apparently ‘liberated’ against Subaru’s wishes in advance of the New York motor show. It seems the hatchback profile, reminiscent of a BMW One Series or Mazda 3MPS, is reality.
Details so far are limited: the wheelbase is said to be 3.7 inches longer than the old car, while the body is apparently 1.7 inches shorter than the old five door wagon. There’s new double wishbone rear suspension, and the front suspension is said to be very close to that fitted to the current Legacy. The interior is much improved, with a reach and rake adjustable steering column, much higher quality plastics and sat nav now available as an option.
We’re also hearing a strong rumour that the WRX model will be dropped from the UK range. That would mean a line-up of cooking petrol models, the new diesel, and then a big jump to a high-power STi model, spelling the end for the quick but affordable Impreza lineage after some 13 years.