This is the new Subaru Impreza, shown in four-door saloon form on the eve of the New York Auto Show but expected to arrive as a five-door hatchback in the UK at the end of this year.
The latest generation of Subaru’s Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf rival sits on the firm’s all-new Global Platform. It gets a longer wheelbase than its predecessor (up by 25mm) that’s designed to boost cabin space, and Subaru claims the switch to the new chassis helps to ensure a dramatic increase in body rigidity - as much as 70 percent over the old car.
Subaru’s trademark boxer engines - petrol and diesel - will be retained but in an updated form that could incorporate cylinder deactivation technology. Full-time four-wheel drive will continue to be standard on all editions.
The cabin gets a major overhaul, with a cleaner, less cluttered fascia layout and a pair of screens in the middle of the dashboard. The larger display appears devoted to navigation and infotainment, while the smaller screen above can display a range of information, including vehicle status in areas like oil and water temperatures.
The new platform also brings fresh safety technology for Subaru, including ‘EyeSight’, which uses stereo cameras to monitor the road and traffic for potential hazards.
The UK is unlikely to be offered the four-door Impreza but the five-door is likely to make it to Europe - despite Subaru’s early insistence that it is only “under consideration”.
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