Right_LiRrr

Impreza Hot Hatch On Way

Auto Express can exclusively reveal the Japanese firm has outrageous plans for the next Impreza. Altering a formula which has proved a success for the past 12 years is a bold move, but the introduction of an Impreza hatch follows Mitsubishi's plans to radically alter its Evo line-up.

The decision confirms comments made by Impreza chief engineer, Hiroshi Mori, who told Auto Express that the next-generation car "might take a new design direction, and could be smaller". So why have designers turned their back on saloons? The new car will be smaller, lighter and cheaper to produce than the four-door, and should have better handling, thanks to its short wheelbase and stiffer body.

Led by ex-Alfa Romeo and SEAT designer Andreas Zapatinas, Subaru's styling department has not only opted for a squared-off finish at the rear, but a long nose as well - bringing the new model into line with the look of many European hatches. The front overhang will house the turbo motor's intercooler, which will be moved from its current position at the top of the engine bay.

With the new car not due until 2007, Subaru has a facelifted Impreza saloon already waiting in the wings. Exclusively revealed by Auto Express in Issue 838, it will be launched at the end of this year, before going on sale early in 2006.

The Impreza hatch will sit on a shortened Legacy chassis. The plan is to introduce basic 1.5 and 2.0-litre variants, with flagship models coming with a 2.0-litre 300bhp turbo motor. Five and six-speed manual gearboxes will be available, along with a five-speed auto.

Despite the extra versatility provided by the five-door body shape, engineers won't compromise the Impreza's handling for practicality. Unlike the Legacy, which has compact rear suspension to maximise boot space, the Impreza will use a layout that will optimise driving dynamics.

To enhance the cornering potential even more, engineers and test drivers will also develop an advanced version of the current Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). This allows more torque to be channelled to the rear wheels for sharper turn-in.

No matter how good the handling, it remains to be seen whether loyal fans will warm to the idea of an Impreza hatchback.
Peter Lyon

I dunno how credible this info is, the car looks kinda photo-chopped....looks a lot like the DC5 Integra Type-R (RSX in USA I think). Funnily enough, I was tossing up between a rex and the teg when I was getting my car.

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Rob

freakray

That's what happens when you hire your head of design from Alfa Romeo...

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Right_LiRrr

My thoughts exactly. However, it does sound to be one MEAN car. That's always been my tradeoff with Subaru, never the best looking car, but definitely performs.

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Rob

Initial_D

nice car and I hope there will be no unda on the new hatche (( I guess it will be good car and more fun to drive than the historic 86 ))

guess I will save some money for this one ^^ but ya why the 6 speed ?? they should keep it 5 speed for the 300hp version ??

WRXdriver05

hideous.....

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03 WRX Sedan- 13.1 @ 102.3 mph SOLD
05 WRX Wagon- HKS downpipe, Turbo XS intake, custom air splitter
84 Porsche 944- FOR SALE

Right_LiRrr

Cruising at 3200rpm at 110km/h on the highway is not my idea of saving fuel and not much fun either.

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Rob

lethaladv

eh....:-/

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-Mike

danny8630

we're screwed, i dont like that car design at all, hideous is correct

SabreKhan

Yes, but at least the current model isn't nauseating to look at. It's not the most beautiful thing on the road, but it's not ugly like the prospect Alfa front end.

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Look at the teeny picture of my car!

2004 Impreza WRX (SCCA DS 519)
2000 Saturn SL

WRXdriver05

So what's the e-mail address I can write to, so I can tell them they are losing a Subaru enthusiast if they make this nasty looking thing? Might as well try it, cause the overall opinion is disgusting and if we all voice our thoughts it might change their minds. Worth a shot at least...

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03 WRX Sedan- 13.1 @ 102.3 mph SOLD
05 WRX Wagon- HKS downpipe, Turbo XS intake, custom air splitter
84 Porsche 944- FOR SALE

Initial_D

I think its april lie ??

blackwag

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hey hey hey

BMW dude

wtf is that????? impreza is one of my favorite car all the time, but now...... anymore.........

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keita

It's hard hearing that from a BMW dude. I'm hating recent BMW's that look ugly and they all look the same.

AvAlAnChE1090

Look wise, I am very dissapointed. Performance wise, it makes up for it. That to me does NOT look like a WRX, and never will. And as freakray said, it was a mistake to hire their head of design from Alfa Romeo, a big mistake.