Subaru, which set all-time company sales records in 2016, has an apparent new hit on its hands for the coming year.
The Impreza compact sedan and hatchback, refashioned for 2017, have shown up and are moving off the lots at a fast pace, according to Denver dealer reports. It seems the Impreza will join the Outback, Legacy and Forester models as hot-selling Subes.
After driving a stylish hatchback recently, let me say, “the Impreza is impressive.” The Impreza Sport Hatchback, like other Subarus, is equipped with symmetrical all-wheel drive.
The 2017 Impreza is the first model developed on the Subaru Global Platform in Indiana. Launch of the new models is being observed all over the country this week and next. The first one to roll off the line in November was the first American-built Impreza. They formerly were imported from Japan.
Its new lines exceed the Impreza’s former architecture – an inch longer in wheelbase and 2 inches longer in overall length for a roomier cabin. The increased size added 100 pounds to curb weight.
Colorado is prime ground for Subaru. While the Japanese-based company ranks ninth in U.S. sales, it trails only Toyota and Ford in totals for Colorado.
Delivered to me a few days following arrival of the Subaru was the new Honda Civic Hatchback, which, even though it is sold only in all-wheel-drive form, will compete with the Impreza, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf.
The new Impreza is still somewhat slow in low-end acceleration with its non-turbo boxer engine. It features sport-tuned suspension with Stablex dampers, which expand at low speed to allow more movement of suspension for better ride control and reduces at high speed to minimize body movements. Its Yokohama P225/40R18 tires are probably aimed more at handling than ride comfort.
And, regarding the “slow” assessment, as I drove it, I moved the shifter into manual mode for lower gear and higher revs, and it performed somewhat better in the heavy traffic.
A 152-horsepower, 148 lb.-ft. torque, 2.0-liter boxer-4-cylinder engine beneath the hood is tied to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The optional simulated 7-speed manual-mode with paddle shifters adds greatly to satisfactory response. With the CVT in normal mode, an aggressive foot of the driver will get the occasional whine on heavy acceleration.
Jan, in a ride, mentioned noticeable improved comfort and support in the seatbacks over previous models. A sound-insulation windshield contributes to a quieter interior. The Impreza’s 20.8-cubic-foot cargo space at the rear expands to 55.3 with the rear seats folded.
The flat-four engine and CVT earned a relatively high EPA fuel-mileage estimate of 27/36 miles per gallon. My drives in the Impreza review model averaged out at 28.8 mpg. Fuel-tank capacity is 13.2 gallons.
The Impreza Sport’s base price of $22,495 was raised to sticker total of $27,060 with addition of four optional iitems – EyeSight Driver Assist with adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure warnings and blind-spot detection; the CVT with manual mode; power moonroof; Harmon Kardon radio.
Specifications for the ’17 Impreza include 105.1-inch wheelbase; 175.6-inch overall length; 20.8-cubic-foot cargo space at the rear; 3.183-pound curb weight.