The new one Subaru Impreza bloom premiered in LA last November debuted in Japan at the Tokyo Auto Salon – complete with STI performance parts for a sporty edge.
While it hardly harks back to the days of full-fledged WRX and STI hatchbacks, this version at least adds some performance flavor.
Official details are few, with Subaru’s statements limited to confirming that the STI parts pictured “are being developed and customized to sportier specifications”.
There are some new black alloy wheels, side skirts, a branded roof spoiler, a glossy front bumper and a Honda Civic-Middle-mounted dual exhaust style.
It’s not clear what suspension and performance upgrades are available, if any.
The Japanese-market model pictured uses a Boxer hybrid, however, there’s another performance option that’s a bit more powerful in the US: 136kW and 241Nm 2.5-liter flat four with AWD full-time, torque vectoring and CVT with eight preset gear ratios and paddle shifters.
Apparently, the new version of the Subaru Global Platform that underpins the new Impreza is 10% stiffer in terms of torsion and covers the entire interior frame. With 3.4 times more structural adhesive than before, Impreza is also said to be lighter than before.
Subaru Australia has yet to confirm when the new Impreza will arrive, only stating: “The Impreza has been part of the Subaru family for 30 years and we look forward to sharing more details about the Australian market in the meantime. next time”.
As for the future of STI parts in Australia, the company is keen to make the most of it. As announced last March there will be no new Subaru WRX STIbut the Subaru Tecnica International brand is not dead yet.
Company’s local branch details different style pack for the WRX sedan and Sportswagon (Levorg) last October, and the company has hinted at an electric STI future.
“As the automotive market continues to move towards electrification, Subaru is focused on how our future performance and sports cars will evolve to meet the needs of a changing market. change,” it said in 2022.
“We recognize the enduring love Australians have for the WRX STI and the STI brand,” Subaru Australia CEO Blair Read later told local media.
“The STI engineers and that team, who have done all these amazing things, have yet to pack up and go home. They are still there.
“Part of the change in direction with the STI brand is how it can play a role not only in one model variant but across all products. There are exciting options and developments in a number of different areas that will bring in all the different models.”
