Impreza to become a hatch ?

[mv]

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 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.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/55...ch_on_way.html

[inso]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture..._pic_19383.jpg
photo of it

[SilviaEvo]

^^that would be the new STi or Impreza not the hatch we are talking about. i think the new subaru will look kinda gay. so id rahter go with an EVO this time.

[inso]

Well maybe you should also read the text :

Exclusive All-New Subaru Impreza
Official: Subaru reveals it´s a hatch!
And looking at the picture, it is a hatchback

[racer_f50]

Originally Posted by inso http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_38/car_portal_pic_19383.jpg photo of it

that photo looks more like a PS job, where someone had the brilliant idea of copying the Toyota Celica's side and pasting it on an altered impreza nose.

a Impreza Hatch would be cool if you ask me, as long as they keep the 4wd of course. but long live the Impreza WRX wagon! those are sweet 8)

[inso]

I admit it is a photoshop, combining new style subaru front, like tribeca and some concept cars with alfa-esque back end, because the new designer is from alfa.

[T-Bird]

see I always loved the WRX wagon but that is a stupid idea

[GTO]

Damn poms with their fake photochops

Original


Chop


BTW hatches rule

[SilviaEvo]

Originally Posted by racer_f50 Originally Posted by inso http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/picture_library/dir_38/car_portal_pic_19383.jpg photo of it that photo looks more like a PS job, where someone had the brilliant idea of copying the Toyota Celica's side and pasting it on an altered impreza nose. a Impreza Hatch would be cool if you ask me, as long as they keep the 4wd of course. but long live the Impreza WRX wagon! those are sweet 8)

define brilliant idea....

Ronin i agree its ugly as hell! also its sad that it isnt going to have the top engine intercooler that was its biggest trademark

[oantob]

that impreza doesn't looks like an impreza anymore...it looks like a smashed up celica with impreza. But I like that Colt CZT

[leo_26782]

I can just wait and see how it will look like. I only hope they keep the Impreza Spirit and also move back to the look of the first generation

A new Impreza in '06, might be time by then to change my car.......

[ferrarif1fan89]

ewwwwwww............... at least theres the legacy, the last good looking subaru.

[Akmon]

I just think they are so idiot.