Spy Photos Seen of the 2017 Impreza

Recent spy photos suggest that the new Subaru Impreza is more than just a five door version WRX. There has been a great deal of speculation about the future of the Impreza. With Subaru denying any plans to bring back a five door WRX, many have begun to view the Impreza as simply another WRX variant. However, the new Subaru Impreza is not a five door WRX and looks set to excite enthusiasts around the world.

The next generation new Subaru Impreza is anticipated to arrive as a 2017 model at some stage in 2016. While the sneak peak pictures do indicate that the new model Impreza is wider, it does not have the bigger brakes, bigger wheels and exhaust plumbing indicative of the WRX. However, it appears that the new Impreza has body sides spread by approximately an inch compared to the current model. So, if it isn’t a WRX wannabe, what is so special about the Impreza.

The new Subaru Impreza provides the brand an entry in the compact car segment, which is highly competitive. While it is possible that this new model could be the plug in hybrid planned by Subaru, it is more likely that the 2017 model will be the first model based on the modular global architecture developed by the Japanese car manufacturer. It is anticipated that this architecture will form the basis of the majority if not all of the future models offered from Subaru, from the Impreza through to a seven seat crossover planned for release in the near future.

Subaru had announced earlier in the year, that they would release a plug in hybrid model to the United States market. It is thought that this would be based on the Viziv 2 concept previewed in Geneva. It was reported in Automotive News, that the model would be based around an existing name plate. The main reason for the launch in the U.S market is to be available in states which may adopt the emissions regulations enforced in California such as Massachusetts and New York. It is possible that this model may be a replacement for the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, when it appears on the market.

It is thought that the global modular architecture will be lighter and stronger than what is currently used on the Impreza. Since this could affect the entire Subaru line up, experts are eager to see further details. It is thought that the new platform will feature a new generation of engines which have direct injection and cylinder deactivation. As yet, the specifications of these new engines are undisclosed, but it is likely that they will continue to be horizontally opposed and should have lower emissions, greater fuel economy and more output. This will allow the model to have even greater stats to compete with the Mazda3, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. With a typically attractive Subaru Impreza price tag, this could allow the brand to grab an even greater market share in this highly competitive segment.

Aaron Reddall is a writer across several automotive web posts. He writes for many online journals and portals that are related to car dealers and cars. He has keen interest on cars and follows the industry every time.