By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 1, 2016) Subaru launched its 2017 Impreza sedan and 5-door at the 2016 New York Auto Show, the first vehicle to be built off the Japanese automaker’s Global Platform architecture. And it will be built in the U.S. As expected, it comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and will be available in 2.0i base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels.

At 105.1 inches, the wheelbase is 1.0-inches longer, and both the sedan and 5-Door are 1.5-inches wider and 1.6-inches longer, and 0.4-inches lower than before. Subaru claims body roll has been reduced 50% by mounting the anti-roll bar for the double wishbone independent rear suspension directly to the body, which itself has a lower center of gravity and a 70% increase in rigidity.



Interestingly, Subaru’s press materials state: “In addition, the resolute straight-line stability that makes the 2017 Impreza more relaxing to drive is also an important constituent of the autonomous driving capability this platform can support in future Subaru vehicles.”

Oh joy, an autonomous WRX. We can’t wait…



The FB 2.-0-liter flat four has been revised to include direct injection and other enhancements that increase output from 148 hp to 152 hp. (Subaru didn’t mention any increase in torque.) This engine is mated to a CVT that, in the upper trim levels, features a seven-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology is available as an option and includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and a lane keeping assist function. In addition, buyers can order blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front lighting to illuminate curves, and automatic control of the high beams. In addition, Subaru’s Reverse Automatic Braking automatically applies the brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
 
The 2.0i base trim level includes 6.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto up/down power windows, 60/40-split-fold rear seat power door locks and side mirrors, a multi-function display, a tilt-telescope steering column, security system with engine immobilizer, and carpeted floor mats.

Moving up to the Premium trim adds Subaru Starlink, 16-inch alloy wheels, an all-weather package (heated front seats, windshield and exterior mirrors, and automatic headlights). In addition, Premium 5-door models add standard roof rails not found on the base 5-door Impreza 2.0i Sport, and a wider number of available options, including a power moonroof and driver assist technology systems.

The Impreza Sport is now available in both sedan and 5-door versions, and has unique suspension tuning, 18-inch alloy wheels and active torque vectoring. The Sport is visually set apart by its LED daytime running lights, black-black-finish grille, body-color rocker panels and side mirrors with integral turn signals, gloss black trim on the 5-door and a trunk spoiler on the sedan. Inside, Sport models get unique black cloth upholstery trimmed with red stitching, and this is repeated on the steering wheel, gear shift, instrument panel and door trim.

Subaru’s Starlink 8.0-inch touch screen multimedia system, keyless access with push-button start, exclusive gauges with a multi-function display, aluminum pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, and a CVT shift boot round out the standard equipment. A new harman/kardon premium audio system is available as an option.
 
The 2017 Impreza Limited features LED headlights with distinctive “Konoji” LED daytime running lights, 17-in. alloy wheels, and chrome trims. Inside, there’s double stitching on the door armrests and instrument panel, a 6-way power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and white gauge cluster illumination. The harman/kardon premium audio also is available.

The Virtual Driver