Thursday 29th March 2007

New Scooby update: it’s for real

Subaru’s hatchback does look like this.

---

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.

No more WRX?

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.

[nicedude1976]

They have always been ugly cars...

[Fittster]

Time to buy shares in Mitsubishi, I predict a rise in Evo sales.

[vladd]

nicedude1976 said:

They have always been ugly cars...

How VERY dare you!! Especially from someone who's owned a Porc Box.

[Mr Whippy]

Thats a fine looking car

Dave

[sjt28]

nicedude1976 said:

They have always been ugly cars...

I agree!

[ndj]

The 4-door Japanese 'super-saloon' format was past it's sell by date but this is not the answer.

Personal import Accord Type-R saloon anyone?

[P7 TUS]

Looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp!!!

[MrKipling43]

It looks like a poo I did earlier. In another colour.

EDIT: Sorry for the earlier sweariness btw Paul... I was very angry.

Edited by MrKipling43 on Thursday 29th March 16:17

[excupra]

That is fugly especially compared to the new evo.

[gezkc]

Dropping the WRX model doesn't necessarily mean they're getting rid of the quick and affordable version.

The WRX name wasn't used in the UK until the Bugeyed Scooby was released here. Perhaps they're just ditching the name?

[Top Trump]

nicedude1976 said:

They have always been ugly cars...

A Litchfield Type 25 in black is rather nice IMO... hard as nails.

[rjes77]

Asides from how the thing looks, are they re-aligning the Impreza in the model range to compete with Focus, Golf, Leon etc etc? By making it slightly smaller they're creating more of a distinction between this and the Forester and up to the Legacy.

Or am I talking a load of old pony?

Edited by rjes77 on Thursday 29th March 16:18

[Cliffv8]

bring back the 2001 frog eyed thing all is forgiven

Edited by Cliffv8 on Thursday 29th March 16:19

[adam towler]

gezkc said:

Dropping the WRX model doesn't necessarily mean they're getting rid of the quick and affordable version.

The WRX name wasn't used in the UK until the Bugeyed Scooby was released here. Perhaps they're just ditching the name?

As we understand it at the moment, there will be no turbo/WRX model in the UK. ie No 225bhp turbo car. It'll be the shopping variants, and then straight to the STi.

[MrKipling43]

adam towler said:

gezkc said:

Dropping the WRX model doesn't necessarily mean they're getting rid of the quick and affordable version.

The WRX name wasn't used in the UK until the Bugeyed Scooby was released here. Perhaps they're just ditching the name?

As we understand it at the moment, there will be no turbo/WRX model in the UK. ie No 225bhp turbo car. It'll be the shopping variants, and then straight to the STi.

Which'll be what, 330 bhp and 30K? And still ugly.

[stephen300o]

FWD only next?

[doog]

No one could ever say an Impreza is a beautiful car..

Thats not the point of em..

Quick, practical, functional, value, awesome handling... yes..

If this new hatchback thing is 4WD with 330hp.. And handles well.. Id consider one to replace my integrale.. (which is also fugly.)

Ugly in a mean looking kinda way is good in cars...

[john_r]

Well, when I get another 4x4 rice rocket I know where my money's gonna land; and it sure as hell won't be an Astra/Proton/Mazda/Subaru hybrid thing!

It'll be one of these...


Edit = dreadful typing!

Edited by john_r on Thursday 29th March 16:39

[sixpackpert]

john_r said:

Well, when I get another 4x4 rice rocket I know where my money's gonna land; and it sure as hell won't be an Astra/Proton/Mazda/Subaru hybrid thing!

It'll be one of these...


Edit = dreadful typing!

Edited by john_r on Thursday 29th March 16:39

[Oddball RS]

Sweet Jesus that thing is ugly..........

Looks like a Bulldog licking p*ss of a nettle