LA 2010: Subaru Impreza Concept

What’s this – has Subaru got its mojo back? You’re looking at a new Impreza Concept, which was revealed by Subaru overnight at the LA Auto Show. As you can see it’s nowhere near as bad as you might think. Recent designs from Subaru have been, well, let’s be honest, pretty ugly, but this new direction could launch Subaru into new heights.

Okay, the details around the front grille are a little fussy. And it’s pretty clear Subaru just put a sheet of tracing paper over the Mazda 6 to create those chunky wheel arches. But, the general look is very successful. In side profile the car looks smart, sharp and very stylish. From the front three-quarter angle you see that strong shoulder line which gives the car a great presence.

Just don’t look at the back. No, really. Don’t.

Impreza Concept’s New Design Direction

Subaru has unveiled a sleek Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Impreza concept car overnight at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Designed to show a possible direction for future Impreza models, the elegant four-door concept offers excellent aerodynamics, a roomy high-quality interior and a variety of new technologies.

They include the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, which can assist in collision avoidance.

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru cars, designed the Impreza concept around the brand’s long-established theme of “engineering excellence,” incorporating safety, driving confidence and reliability.

Outside, a distinctive character line extends the car’s length, including the roofline, reflecting a new simple and clean Subaru style.

Front and rear bumpers feature hard-edged corners that also contribute to the aerodynamic performance, which has been wind tunnel tested by FHI.

The concept’s low and wide stance is highlighted by the hexagonal grille, with the central “wings” treatment hinting at a new identity for future generation Subarus.

The striking headlights also enhance the concept’s on-road presence.

Fin-shaped foglights in the front bumper also underline the car’s new character.

The rear design includes a hexagonal garnish, while underside diffusers are another aerodynamic touch that aids efficiency.

High lustre 10-spoke alloy wheels include carbon spoke fins, helping brake cooling.

The new sky silver colour complements the car’s style and dynamic outline.

Inside, the themes of “dynamic, enticing and secure” were used to produce a cabin with a sense of quality.

The central dashboard features a large multi-function display, with access to audio, navigation and vehicle information using simple touch panel technology.

Touch panels are used on the sporty D-shaped steering wheel too, allowing intuitive access to applications.

Among the newest Subaru technologies is the EyeSight driver assist safety system – the latest in collision avoidance technology. A monitor in the instrument panel shows video from the EyeSight stereo camera.

The Impreza concept is powered by a next generation horizontally opposed Boxer engine, with improved environmental performance.

The 2.0 litre naturally aspirated engine is linked to a next generation Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Other new technologies include side rear-view cameras.

Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: “We’re very excited by the new style direction hinted at in this concept.

“At the same time FHI has underscored its future commitment to Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive plus new generation Boxer engines and transmissions.

“Combined with the fantastic style and quality of the cabin too, we’re looking forward to seeing some of these themes become reality.”