Subaru Impreza

Get set for a shock! With only hours to go before the new Subaru Impreza is officially unveiled to the world's press, Auto Express has got hold of these exclusive images.

Our first pictures come just ahead of the official debut at the New York Motor Show and, as you can see, the newcomer is certainly going to cause a stir! A controversial look sees the familiar saloon replaced by this radical hatchback in one of the most revolutionary redesigns of a legendary performance car ever made.

Auto Express first revealed plans for the bodystyle change back in April 2005 (Issue 853), and it's clear that Subaru bosses have followed them through to production. As a result, the model now has premium hatchbacks such as the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and Volkswagen Golf in its sights.

At the front, the new machine - shown here in sporty WRX trim - gets a fresh chrome grille and reshaped headlights. Meanwhile, at the back the upright tailgate has wraparound, jewel-effect rear lamps.

The Impreza WRX retains its trademark bonnet scoop, deep front air intakes and bulging wheelarches - but with the overall shape being such a radical departure, has Subaru taken a huge risk, just as it did with the 'bug-eye' Impreza in 2000?

Designers behind the new look claim they have toned down the styling in a bid to target more mature mainstream buyers and move away from the Impreza's 'boy racer' image. Plus, with the hatchback layout, they can offer better packaging, too.

Size-wise, the new model is 50mm shorter, 45mm wider and 10mm taller than before. However, it's the 95mm increase in wheelbase that's the key. It means the five-door hatch has much more legroom than before and, with lowered seats, improved headroom, too. The engineers have also redesigned the rear double-wishbone suspension to create one of the largest luggage areas in the compact family hatch class.

Higher-quality materials are used throughout, and the overall look of the dashboard is similar to that in the Tribeca SUV. It's a relatively simple set-up that maintains the Impreza's three-dial climate control layout and clear analogue instruments. Built-in sat-nav finally makes its way on to the options list for the WRX.

Thankfully, the new Impreza is all about fun, too. The steering gets a quicker ratio, while reach and rake adjustability makes it easier to find a comfortable driving position.

The engine range is being carried over from the current line-up, topped by the familiar 225bhp 2.5-litre turbo flat-four unit for the WRX. Weighing about the same as the outgoing car, it should do 0-60mph in six seconds and hit a 145mph top speed.

Putting all that power down is the same four-wheel-drive system as in the existing model. Engineers feel the Impreza already has the grip it needs, and shied away from making radical dynamic changes. However, in the step upmarket, expect better refinement and a more comfortable ride.

As for gearboxes, Subaru is staying with the current manual and automatic options. The firm claims that these transmissions keep weight and friction levels down.

Standard versions of the Impreza will feature 16-inch wheels, while the higher-performance WRX models will be equipped with 17-inch alloys and 205/50R17 Bridgestone tyres. Uprated brakes complete the package, and the WRX will be available with electronic stability control as an option.

The new Impreza arrives in the UK later this year, priced the same as the current car - kicking off at around £16,500. As for the range-topping 300bhp WRX STi, expect to see the all-new rally-derived model just before the Tokyo Motor Show in October. A hybrid version will arrive in 2008.

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