The new Impreza (non-WRX content)

The 2011 WRX and STi will stay the same for 2012, but a look at the 2012 Impreza sedan and wagon hints at what might be the basis for the coming for the forthcoming turbo versions. The body-in-white is lighter, which bodes well for go-fast versions. What do you guys think?

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/new-cars/2012-subaru-impreza-20i/

How are the seats in the new Impreza? I really dislike the seats in the recent Imprezas, while I really like the seats in my 05 Legacy. This car is on my list for future purchases.

After pretty much all day in the car, my back felt fine.

I like the wagon styling. Thanks for the review David.

No problem. The wagon with the Sport package (the red car) does look fairly tough.

Hmmmm, rather intriguing. I do miss lower priced base model strippo cars from Subaru for short money, but MSRP still looks to be $17.5k; good money for what you're getting.

Can you spot the typo?

"My test drive was limited to a rather base-model wagon equipped with the CVT transmission, but don’t leave this page just yet as there’s lots of good news to report. And no, it’s a WRX replacement. Let’s call this perhaps a sign of what’s to come."

I thought Subaru's plans were to make the WRX and STi different from the Impreza. The Impreza being the sensible vehicle and the WRX and STi being their own vehicles dropping the Impreza moniker. I'm talking about the next gen WRX/STi models.

I really have considered a new WRX or STi Wagon for my next vehicle, the only other new vehicle i would look at would be a new Mustang 5.0. Other than that I would get a fairly new but used ridgeline, pilot, or gm/ford truck. My only problem with Scoobies are all the reliability problems I've been reading of as of late.

As I have stated before, I am a big Subaru fan. Overall that looks good but very generic like a Toyota/Honda/Kia/Hyundai/Mazda.....well you get the idea. It's the old dilemma of be different and a little weird like the earlier Subarus and Saabs and sell a few or be mainstream and sell more. I miss the weird Subarus.

Going mainstream did not work for Saab though.

I have a bad feeling Subaru is going to fail if they go beige (which they have already started). I think they did better business with the quirckier vehicles.

Sedan: still a Camry clone with AWD. Hatchback: Progress.

In reply to Feedyurhed:

Looks like a Mazda? Have you seen a Mazda recently?

Brett_Murphy wrote: In reply to Feedyurhed: Looks like a Mazda? Have you seen a Mazda recently?

No slight against Mazda, in fact I am a big fan of them too. I must be......I have a Miata and an RX7 currently and don't plan on getting rid of either. Really all those cars look pretty good so no insult against any of them. It's just they are all starting to look alike.

DirtyBird222 wrote: I thought Subaru's plans were to make the WRX and STi different from the Impreza. The Impreza being the sensible vehicle and the WRX and STi being their own vehicles dropping the Impreza moniker. I'm talking about the next gen WRX/STi models. I really have considered a new WRX or STi Wagon for my next vehicle, the only other new vehicle i would look at would be a new Mustang 5.0. Other than that I would get a fairly new but used ridgeline, pilot, or gm/ford truck. My only problem with Scoobies are all the reliability problems I've been reading of as of late.

This is what I've heard too. By separating the lines they can beige-down the impreza for more mass-market appeal, and then just have the WRX/STi with a totally different chassis/body/drivetrain. Everything I've read says that the two lines will have pretty much nothing in common going forward.

Because lets look at it this way: the current impreza chassis has to be built to swap in the stiffer suspension/power/drivetrain of the performance models. If it didn't have to have that adaptability it would probably be cheaper to produce and allowed to be designed less to be a stripper sports sedan and more a civic/corolla competitor.

I can't wait for the purpose built WRX/STi

Although not without it's disadvantages, I would love to see a proper double wishbone arrangement in the front.

Also give us 50/50 weight distribution in a 2 door hatch please. It's okay if it doesn't have a back seat.

Taiden wrote: I can't wait for the purpose built WRX/STi Although not without it's disadvantages, I would love to see a proper double wishbone arrangement in the front. Also give us 50/50 weight distribution in a 2 door hatch please. It's okay if it doesn't have a back seat.

For us on a budget those two less doors and two less seats means the insurance companies rape you. Just like they rape you for having a WRX/STi as they are now. Plus I love the hatch version, in my mind, it is a perfect all purpose track day vehicle. You can fit an extra set of wheels/tires in the back along with some tools, and a cooler filled with necessities.

Taiden wrote: I can't wait for the purpose built WRX/STi Although not without it's disadvantages, I would love to see a proper double wishbone arrangement in the front. Also give us 50/50 weight distribution in a 2 door hatch please. It's okay if it doesn't have a back seat.

so....you want the ToyobaruFT86CoupeThing then...

good luck getting 50/50 weight distro using the currentl boxer/AWD drivetrain arrangement. Aint gonna happen unless you do it by adding 500lbs in the trunk.

Talk is also that the next WRX/STi will be based on the 1.6L engine so Subaru can get back into WRC competition. Personally, I'll pass on a high screamer subie.

Yeah, Subaru was pretty tight-lipped about future plans, but it's fun to hear the guesses. Personally, I think they're taking the Impreza even more mass-market so the WRX/STI can become more of a niche vehicle.

David S. Wallens wrote: Yeah, Subaru was pretty tight-lipped about future plans, but it's fun to hear the guesses. Personally, I think they're taking the Impreza even more mass-market so the WRX/STI can become more of a niche vehicle.

Now that sounds good and would solve all the problems for me.

DirtyBird222 wrote: Plus I love the hatch version, in my mind, it is a perfect all purpose track day vehicle. You can fit an extra set of wheels/tires in the back along with some tools, and a cooler filled with necessities.

And here I thought I was the only person who liked the hatch

bland bland bland yawn

I dunno... I dig that the WRX/STi is useful and fast. I think I might still possibly have a chance of making a WRX wagon the next household appliance.

Even if not that, the new Impreza gets a big bump in mileage, and that's a major point for the appliance. I'll be disappointed if it's not even an underpowered WRX, and the performance bits aren't related. Not much interested in an AWD Corolla.

David S. Wallens wrote: Personally, I think they're taking the Impreza even more mass-market so the WRX/STI can become more of a niche vehicle.

Sort of sad really. There are enthusiasts that buy the base model, like me! Our '09 Impreza strikes the perfect balance in our garage. 944 Turbo for summer track fun, RX-8 as a backup track car in the summer and year-round fun, and the 09 Impreza for getting groceries. We bought the Subaru new and it fit the bill, fun to drive, AWD, available in stick. Never once have I thought "I wish this car had a smaller engine and more fuel efficiency". That's just lame.

In reply to chrenan:

Conversely, I have thought I wouldn't mind a smaller, more efficient engine in my Impreza! The chassis is what I want in a daily, AWD is a hoot even with open diffs, brakes are adequate... But there's more than enough grunt for me there. I wouldn't mind giving up 15hp for 10% better mileage consistently.

Then again, I'd be happier with something Mazda 2-sized that was a little fun and could achieve 30mpg.

Dunno. I still see the separation as good. That allows them to not make compromises on the performance models.

That said, I still think they should package the appliance version with an inspiring engine. The turbo 4 is great, a h6 would be nice too.