2017 Subaru Impreza: Built On New Global Platform +VIDEO

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 24, 2016 ;Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today announced the release of its 2017 Subaru Impreza, available in December in Subaru dealerships across Canada. Introduced at the 2016 New York Auto Show and offering sedan and 5-door styles, this fifth generation is the first to use the new Subaru global platform that will form the foundation of all new Subaru models going forward. This platform was designed to offer levels of agility and crash protection that are second to none, combined with enhanced driving pleasure and ride comfort. Safe and reliable, this all-new Impreza continues to deliver the dynamic performance and fun-to-drive spirit for which the model has always been known.

Subaru Global Platform

With its introduction in the 2017 Impreza, the new global platform has been designed to work in concert with the well-known features of every Subaru vehicle, including the FB 2.0-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine that, for this model, is 80% all new with direct fuel injection and an improved power profile (152 hp). The optional Lineartronic CVT has received an overhaul and now has a 7-speed manual mode function with paddle shifters for enhanced drivability.

This new platform makes excellent use of high-strength steel to significantly enhance agility and ride comfort, while making noise, vibration and harshness much less evident. The rigidity of the unitized body structure has been improved by over 70 percent.

The reworked chassis has improved torsional rigidity for a more solid driving feel, while the electric power steering system is lighter, more compact and produces an improved steering ratio of 13:1 (from 16:1 last year) for a quicker response to driver input. The suspension systems have been re-engineered and, when combined with a lower centre of gravity, the result is reduced body roll by 50 percent compared to last year's model. As well, the brakes now require a shorter stroke for more immediate braking and improved feel.

All-Around Passive, Active and Preventative Safety

The Subaru concept of safety is to connect the systems that provide various levels of passive, active and preventative safety technology into one suite that offers unbeatable peace of mind.

Starting with the new global platform, the vehicle's structure has improved resistance, higher cabin strength, better load distribution and enhanced continual rigidity, all of which serve to protect occupants during a collision. The standard features of Vehicle Dynamics Control and symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive ensure driving confidence in every situation.

On trims equipped with the optional Technology Package (available on the Sport and Sport-tech trims), the EyeSight suite of active safety features has been enhanced with extra features. High beam assist automatically switches from high to low beams depending on the vehicle approaching from the front. When the driver is reversing, four sonar sensors in the rear bumper detect obstructions and will notify the driver (rear proximity warning) and then automatically apply the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision (reverse automatic braking). When the vehicle is about to leave a lane without signalling, automatic steering control assists the driver by gently guiding the vehicle back to the center of its intended lane (lane keep assist).

Other new safety features are available only on the Sport and Sport-tech trims. Steering responsive headlights is a feature that lights up corners by automatically directing the headlights to the side in response to steering. Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection has also been added. When a driver signals a lane change, the system warns them of vehicles in the adjacent lane (blind spot detection), warns them of vehicles approaching at a high rate of speed in the adjacent lane (lane change assist) and, when reversing, warns of vehicles from either side approaching the rear (Rear Cross-Traffic Alert)

Striking Design, Remarkable Aerodynamics

The exterior of the 2017 Impreza has a new look that illustrates a sporty and advanced design, and features a sharp profile and dynamic body proportions with prominent wheel arches, flared out fenders and side body lines that converge at the front and rear. A longer, wider wheelbase results in more cabin space but a lower exterior height improves aerodynamics.

The addition of an active front grille shutter that opens and closes as needed, as well as changes to the front bumper, fog light, door mirrors and roof moulding all contribute to improved aerodynamic performance. Improved visibility comes from flat wiper blades and redesigned windshield wiper fluid nozzles, and a redesigned trunk spoiler on sedan styles.

On the inside, the 2017 Impreza makes excellent use of Subaru's new Dynamic and Solid design concept in ways that improve comfort, reduce noise levels and result in a sculpted look across the cabin. Some of the changes include revised front seats for added comfort, upgrades to ensure a flatter surface when the rear seats are folded, better usability through redesigned cup holders and storage options, and improved soundproofing. The new 6.3-inch LCD multi-function display (available on Touring trim and above) works together with coordinated meters and displays to give the driver instant feedback at all times. The steering wheel has been reshaped and reduced in diameter for a sleeker look and feel, and the integrated switches offer better control over the displays and infotainment system.

All trims feature LED tail lights while the Sport and Sport-tech trims come standard with LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.

Enhanced Comfort and Next Generation Infotainment

The 2017 Impreza features a redesigned air conditioning system that ensures a constant temperature and improved airflow throughout the cabin, including the footwells, while the defroster system has been optimized for better visibility in cold conditions.  Variable compressor technology also improves fuel economy when the system is on.

Also being introduced in the 2017 Impreza is the all-new Next-Gen infotainment software that offers better smartphone connectivity, improved voice recognition and Tom Tom navigation. Siri and Google Now ensure the safe use of mobile devices when driving, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard and grant access to the many smartphone apps that have been optimized for in-car use.

New Impreza Sport-tech

The newest version added to the Impreza lineup is the Sport-tech trim. Available in sedan and 5-door versions, this trim features exclusive sport suspension tuning, 18-inch machine finish aluminum alloy wheels and active torque vectoring that automatically slows the inner front wheels while applying more torque to the outer wheels, resulting in better response and control through turns.

The exclusive look of this trim is brought about by a black front grille, and door mirrors with LED-integrated turn signals. The 5-door version has glossy black rear gate trim while the sedan features a rear wing spoiler.

The inside features unique leather upholstery trimmed with silver stitching, a design repeated on the instrument panel and door trim, while the steering wheel, shift boot and parking brake handle all feature a red-stitched sporty motif.

The Sport-tech trim, exclusive to the Canadian market, is replacing last year's Limited Package and comes standard with several exclusive features including a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and an 8-inch Harman Kardon infotainment system with GPS navigation and 8 premium speakers.

Trims

The 2017 Impreza has 4-door and 5-door versions available in Convenience, Touring, Sport and Sport-tech trims, and is powered by a 152-hp 2.0-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard in the Convenience, Touring and Sport trims with optional CVT, while the Sport-tech comes standard with a CVT.

For the 2017 model year, Impreza pricing is as follows: