If you thought the Impreza’s Andreas Zapatinas-styled facelift, which replaced the much-maligned “bug-eye” model, was the last hurrah for Subaru’s current rally-styled saloon, think again…
If you thought the Impreza’s Andreas Zapatinas-styled facelift, which replaced the much-maligned “bug-eye” model, was the last hurrah for Subaru’s current rally-styled saloon, think again…
These pictures show what the final (yes, final) facelifted version of the current Impreza could look like, before an all-new model (of which CAR automotive artist Duwyne Aspeling did an impression – see bottom of page), arrives late in 2006 The current Impreza, itself a substantial facelift of the awkward-looking “bug-eye”, arrived on the market in early 2003 and answered the cries of despair of thousands of Impreza fans all over the world.
Looking at the first two artist’s impressions, Subaru seems keen to push the envelope once more. The facelift will introduce the new Subaru grille to the Impreza range, possibly in an effort to cushion the effect when the all-new car arrives at the end of 2006.
The facelift comprises a revised front end with the new grille and Legacy-inspired headlights. At the rear there will possibly be thinner, more aggressive tail lamps. There are no details yet of significant interior changes, but expect another lift in trim quality and possibly the addition of some of the features found in the Impreza-based Saab 9-2X.
Mechanically, changes are expected to be small, especially since the Impreza STi has just recently benefited from a substantial chassis upgrade. However, more power is a possibility, especially since Subaru recently introduced an S203 version for the Japanese market with more than 230 kW.
Meanwhile, work is progressing on the all-new car, which is expected to be even more hardcore than the current model. There are also strong rumours that the car may be renamed, to fit in with the new model designation introduced with the B9 Tribeca at the Detroit Motor Show. Apparently the titles B3, B4 and B5 have all been trademarked already, and B4 is already applied to the new Legacy B4 Blitzen model.
Subaru South Africa usually follows quickly on international releases, and we therefore expect the facelifted model to debut in SA soon after international release, with the all-new model possibly arriving in early 2007.
