Even before its showroom release in late 2016, the new edition of the Subaru Impreza is already being called a game-changer as it will be the first to use the new Subaru Global Platform.
According to Torque News, although production of the new lineup is yet to start in Fuji Heavy Industries' new plant in Lafayette, Indiana, the 2017 Subaru Impreza has already been seen traversing the streets in Japan. It is unclear if the new 2017 edition spotted in Subaru's home country is just a prototype or a consumer version.
However, the first iterations off the new Lafayette production line will definitely use the new Subaru Global Platform, as the production expansion is a part of the tech maker's switch to new assembly line. With the production expected to ramp up using SGP, the 2017 Subaru Impreza bound for U.S. fans is expected to feature new details such as the platform's "Dynamic x Solid" design – said to increase safety features for its body by 70 percent – and tweaked improvements on the classic Boxer engine that is a signature of Subaru.
With the Global Platoform, the 2017 Subaru Impreza is confirmed to come out with improved numbers, too. Reportedly, the new edition outputs 152 hp, much better than the 148-horsepower in its predecessor. In addition, it is also said to be 50% more stable than the 2016 edition, since the new variant has a lower center of gravity. Aside from body improvements, safety features are also supposed to be better than its 2016 counterpart, as the 2017 Subaru Impreza packs adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and even a tire-pressure monitoring system.
The 2017 Subaru Impreza debuted at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year. Expected to roll out before 2016 ends, the new Impreza will come out in four-door sedan and 5-door hatchback versions, starting with a $21,000 for the base model with Sport trim.
