Melbourne scores Impreza first

Subaru's latest volume seller will be revealed in both sedan (pictured) and five-door hatchback form prior to its official launch at a date "yet to be announced" by Subaru Australia.

The new model sees the Japanese company returning to a more homogenous style as it seeks to establish an identifiable design language. The car's greater emphasis on flowing, wedgy shapes gives it a more contemporary presence in line with recent offerings from Japan, Korea and Europe.

The new design sees abbreviated front and rear overhangs, along with a windscreen located further forward to increase the impression of cabin space. Overall body length remains unchanged from the current model, although the wheelbase has been upped by 23mm to 2644mm. The upshot is more passenger space, with an increase in legroom and larger front and rear door openings.

Also appearing on the new car is the 2.0-litre version of Subaru's efficient new-generation, longer-stroke boxer four-cylinder engine already seen in 2.5-litre form in the Forester SUV.

Other new Impreza features will include CVT constantly-variable transmission, already available on Liberty and Outback, accompanied by a second viscous-coupled 4WD system to supplement the regular full-time 4WD used on manual-transmission models.

Subaru also says it has more "surprises" in store for the Melbourne show, details of which will be announced during the lead-up over the next month.

The company has not yet announced the actual introduction date, or pricing and equipment details, of the next generation Impreza.

According to the managing director of Subaru Australia, Nick Senior, "We are honoured that Fuji Heavy Industries has chosen Australia to be the first market outside North America to see new Impreza 'in the metal.'"

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