Subaru introduces the 2017 Subaru Impreza at Singapore Motorshow

What is it?

Subaru has used the 2017 Singapore Motorshow to officiate the regional debut of the 2017 Subaru Impreza. The car was launched by Motor Image (the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Singapore and 8 other countries including Malaysia) and will be available in the options of 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback bodystyles.

The new Impreza can be opted to have a 1.6-litre port injection or a 2.0-litre direct injection engines, both naturally-aspirated. Together with the car’s launching, Subaru also introduced the new Subaru Global Platform. This indicates that the new Impreza is the first model to employ the new platform.

According to Subaru, the new Subaru Global platform is a brand new revamp of the company’s vehicle architecture, elevating overall vehicle performance and at the same time offering unrivalled driving experience with optimised safety.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Glenn Tan, Executive Director Tan Chong International Ltd said, “With significant improvement to its overall vehicle performance, the new Subaru Global Platform is set to be a game changer for the Subaru brand. The enhancements to the new platform seat a new benchmark in driving comfort, performance and safety, promising drivers an experience like no other. We are excited to be able to launch the Subaru Global Platform throughout our vehicle lineup in our markets in the near future.”

The incorporation of Subaru’s well-known boxer engine, all-wheel drive system, Steering Responsive Headlights and safety features like the Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) as well as the new global platform has cumulatively contributed to the honouring of the much-coveted title of 2016/2017 Japan Car of the Year award.

Exterior

The Impreza’s exterior carries the brand’s Dynamic X Solid design principle. It is highlighted by the front fascia that works well with Subaru’s current models; bold hexagonal front grille flanked by a pair of angular headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights. The look is now even more pronounced thanks to the reshaped housing for the front fog lights.

New to the exterior is the Steering Responsive Headlights, which is available on 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S models as the base 1.6i is fitted with halogen unit. At the rear, the new Impreza wears LED tail lights and rear fog lights equipped as standard. All 5-door models get a roof spoiler.

Interior

Applying the same philosophy as the exterior, the interior of the 2017 Impreza blends sporty and sophisticated elements as indicated by details like the stitching on the instrument panels and the 8.0-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system.

Standard equipment on the new Impreza includes tilt-adjustable and telescopic steering wheel, USB and auxiliary audio jacks, voice recognition command, infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth compatible hands-free.

The 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S models will get you a more complete package, it adds aluminium pedals, automatic air-con with dual zone, power-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, rain sensing wipers and smart entry with push start button. However, paddle-shifters are exclusive to the 2.0i-S.

Chassis and suspension

Now, to the big card. The 2017 Subaru Impreza is constructed on the all-new Subaru Global Platform which is engineered with safety, comfort, performance and driving dynamics in mind. Of course it is not an easy task to meet all the goals as a car usually developed with one or few focused objectives. A family car may be produced with comfort-biased handling. You get what I am saying, right?

However, for the new Impreza, Subaru engineers has managed to get to bring comfort and dynamic driving meet at a point where the chassis will get to obey to driver’s input without behaving like a track car.

According to Takuji Dai, the corporate vice president of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, the team has improved the chassis rigidity by 170% with the usage of 55% more high-tensile steel. In addition, the rear stabilizer bar is now body-mounted to reduce body roll and amplify the driving feedback. As a result, the 2017 Subaru Impreza is now said to have a more responsive handling and a more refined ride.

The 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S ride on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 205/50 tyres while the 1.6i rides on 16-inch wheels with 205/55 tyres. Between the chassis and the wheels are MacPherson strut up front and double wishbone setup at the rear.

Engine

The new Impreza 1.6i and 1.6i-S kicks out a healthy 114hp/150Nm from its 1.6-litre port fuel injection boxer engine while the range-topping 2.0i-S produces 153hp/196Nm from a 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engine. The output is channelled to all 4 wheels via a Lineartronic CVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Both engine outputs seem a bit insufficient for the Impreza but we believe that it is due to fuel economy reasons. Should opt for WRX STi trim for more grunt, maybe?

Specifications 2017 Subaru Impreza

Engine: 1.6-litre port injection horizontally-opposed naturally-aspirated or 2.0-litre direct injection horizontally-opposed naturally-aspirated

Transmission: Lineartronic CVT

Power: 1.6i-S: 114hp at 5,600 rpm; 2.0i-S: 153hp at 6,000 rpm

Torque: 1.6i-S: 150Nm at 3,600 rpm; 2.0i-S: 196Nm at 4,000 rpm

Safety: Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Hill Holder, rear cross traffic alert, auto-dimming rear view mirror, auto headlights, high beam assist, one touch signal

Price: To be announced