The right-hand-drive Subaru Impreza comes fitted with the 2.0-liter e-Boxer powertrain just like the closely-related Crosstrek
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by Thanos Pappas
February 16, 2023 at 09:31
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by Thanos Pappas
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The sixth generation of the Subaru Impreza was unveiled at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show in US-spec guise, but the compact hatchback has yet to be fully unveiled in its home market in Japan. After showing us an STI Prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon last month, the company now published photos of the standard JDM-spec Impreza, announcing it will start accepting pre-orders in Japan from March 2.
Predictably, the JDM-spec Subaru Impreza looks nearly identical to its US-spec counterpart, with the exception of the white reflectors on the headlights. There is also an e-Boxer badge on the front doors and on the tailgate, hinting at the hybrid powertrain of the Japanese version. Both of those features will most likely be adopted by the European-spec Impreza since non-electrified offerings have no future in the Old Continent.
The new generation also drops the “sport” suffix from its name. The Impreza Sport nameplate was used in Japan to differentiate the hatchback from the sedan – thus it makes no sense in the new model since it is exclusively available in a five-door bodystyle. Japan might get a different color palette, including the “Sunbrace Pearl” orange shade that debuted in the Tokyo Auto Salon exhibit. Speaking of which, Subaru is expected to offer a selection of STI Parts for the new Impreza, as previewed by their concept.
While the US-spec Impreza comes fitted with a non-electrified 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 182 hp (136 kW/185 PS), Japanese customers have access to the 2.0-liter e-Boxer self-charging hybrid powertrain. The same applies to the new Subaru Crosstrek, the Impreza’s adventurous twin. The 2.0-liter e-Boxer produces 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) and 188 Nm (139 lb-ft) of torque, with another 13 hp (10 kW / 14 PS) and 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) of torque coming from the electric motor. Subaru didn’t go into specifics about the available variants, but we expect the new Impreza to be offered in FWD and AWD guises, featuring the Lineatronic CVT gearbox.
Inside, the only difference from the US-spec model is the right-hand position of the steering wheel. The centerpiece is the 11.6-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, with the instrument cluster retaining its analog dials. The pictured variant has fabric upholstery for the seats, and a leather-like material with white stitching for the steering wheel, gearknob, and central armrest. It is unclear if all Subaru Impreza trims in Japan will get the large display, as this isn’t the case with the Crosstrek. The hatchback will also benefit from the EyeSight package of ADAS using an improved wide-angle monocular camera.
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Subaru will announce more information about the specs of the new Impreza through a dedicated website as we move closer to its market launch in Japan. The US-spec model is expected to arrive in dealerships in Spring 2023.
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