Tuesday 24th April 2007

Hotter new Impreza?

Test mule snapped in the States

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Battle weary WRX or STi mule?

Is this the STi version of the forthcoming new Subaru Impreza or just a well used WRX test mule? We’re not sure what the truth is behind these photos, snapped by an eagle-eyed member of the North American Subaru Impreza Owners club. The de-chromed grille, black paint and gold wheels may or may not point to a harder Scooby – the STi is the only performance ‘new’ Impreza that will officially make it to the UK – but either way, we think it’s an improvement.

Previous new Impreza news:

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=16098

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=16088

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=16073

 

[Trenchtown]

...really don't like that back end, except the diffusor maybe. But on a hatchback it looks misplaced...

Not sure what to think here...

[Vodka Margarine]

Trenchtown said:

...really don't like that back end, except the diffusor maybe. But on a hatchback it looks misplaced...

Not sure what to think here...

Me neither, don't like those Lexus style w*nker lights though.


Shame when that EVO X (I think it's called that) concept looked so good. Sad to see Subaru can't match Mitshubishi's efforts.

Edited by Vodka Margarine on Tuesday 24th April 10:15

[MrKipling43]

THAT'S better!

Perhaps it's not completely beyond redemption after all... just get rid of that horrible chrome strip across the back and the hateful 'lexus-style' clusters and it's sorted!

[TheYeti]

Rear end...........last gen Focus......

Oh dear......

Scooby had such an opportunity here..........and blew it, big time. Lets hope the driving experience makes up for it.......

[astrsxi77]

"Mmmm. That is a TASTY Mazda!"

[sidevinders]

Rear end does look like the Focus....with silly lights
Front is just boring.
Together it looks like two teams of designers worked on the front and rear separately without being told what the other was doing.

I imagine it'll sell though.

[madmat]

I think they will have to try alot harder than that. The back end is just awful! I always used to desire any impreza that came out, but now im repulsed.

[waynepixel]

This has got to a point where it is becoming too funny.

[Frank1e]

I think that if they tinted the whole clear light section across the back in a dark grey/black colour it wouldn't be too bad. And the front certainly has an element of "get out of the way" to it now...

[snoggledog]

It needs a to hide under

[abarthchris]

does anyone else see new shape civic?

[DTMfan]

However you look at it, or however Scooby want to dress it up, it is still a Kia Rio with a bonnet scoop.

It is a monstrosity, i will be the first to admit that iv always been an Evo guy, but have never disliked imprezas, and in fact would most deffinately of bought one of the older imprezas instead of my last car if the insurance wasn't so rediculous.

To me the Imprezas lost their magic when they changed to the bug eye look, the peanut eye model after this was a vast improvement, but the major thing they still had going for them was that fabulous distinctive sound, but when they ditched the two litre engine with the unequal lengthed manifolds they lost the sound also, and thus they have absolutely nothing on the Evo anymore. And now this? ... marketing disaster.

Jay

[vladd]

abarthchris said:

does anyone else see new shape civic?

Yes, absolutely.

I think the Lexus lights and chrome strip would go down well in the States. Hopefully they won't make it to the UK market.

[neil g60]

Looks like a bulldog licking p1ss of a thistle. Not in a cool way like Scoobies of old though. The front has a slight family likeness but the back looks part Seat Ibiza and part Korean junk shopping trolley.

[PhantomPH]

If Mitsu make the EVO X look like the concept, they have this 'battle' won. I challenege any person with eyes, to choose that Impreza over the concept EVO X.

[drewcole81]

Think i'll stick to driving around my girlfriends L plate Metro thanks....

[E330]

Why oh why have they made it a hatch for christ sake

[EatTheRich]

Oh dear... not a fan of that at all!

[pasthim]

I suppose you all realise this but the big change has come because they can sell more bread and butter hatches than the old saloon did. They will simply make more money from doing it this way. Sadly business life takes priority but like you all, even though I am an Elise driver I can see that the end has come for Subaru in the rally specials style.

[MrKipling43]

DTMfan said:

However you look at it, or however Scooby want to dress it up, it is still a Kia Rio with a bonnet scoop.

It is a monstrosity, i will be the first to admit that iv always been an Evo guy, but have never disliked imprezas, and in fact would most deffinately of bought one of the older imprezas instead of my last car if the insurance wasn't so rediculous.

What is 'rediculous' is your opening statement!

The Scoob Impreza STi, Evo and Skyline have always been an **insert generic far eastern family shit-box here** with a mental engine, an over-the-top bodykit, massive 'zorst' and four-wheel drive. That's always been the charm of them.

You were never going to get a sexy Impreza.