2015 Subaru Impreza facelift

Subaru America has released photos and details of its "comprehensively upgraded" Impreza sedan and hatch for 2015, which incorporates revised front end styling plus more added safety and infotainment features.

Redesigned front bumpers, grille and headlights provide the vehicle "a closer kinship" to the new Liberty, says Subaru USA, while new exterior mirrors and a bootlid spoiler are claimed to improve aerodynamics.

The new-look Impreza will be rolled out globally after its launch in the US, one of the brand's most important markets, but Subaru Australia's National Corporate Affairs Manager, David Rowley, said it was "too early to talk about local vehicle updates".

Showing fine corporate discipline Rowley would not confirm or deny if the new model would be coming to Australia. Take it from us -- it will arrive here in due course.

The Japanese carmaker has added more sound dampening materials in the cars' bodies and thicker side window glass with upgraded seals to ensure a quieter ride. Other updates include revised electric power steering ratios on all models.

US Impreza buyers will also be able to option the advanced safety package dubbed EyeSight, which adds a number of cameras and sensors to the car enabling radar-based cruise control, automatic braking and lane departure warnings.

All Subaru Impreza models in the US now get 6.2-inch touchscreens and a reversing camera as standard.

Propulsion units have not changed and the 110kW/196Nm 2.0-litre boxer engine will soldier on, providing drive to all four wheels via six-speed manual or CVT auto transmissions. The latter drinks petrol at a rate of 6.8L/100km, the former around 7.1L/100km.

Sales of the Subaru Impreza in Australia to the end of August 2014 are up by almost one fifth (19 per cent) year on year, with 3868 units registered compared to 3250 vehicles in 2013. That's one reason that Subaru Australia won't be rushing the facelifted models here, which could mean the tweak is some months away.