Mild updates for 2020 Subaru Impreza

An updated Subaru Impreza has been unveiled for the Japanese domestic market that introduces some new exterior tweaks, improved safety features and new semi-autonomous driving aids.

Expected on sale in Australia around February 2020, the 2020MY Subaru Impreza small hatch and sedan are already on sale in Japan and will arrive in some markets before the end of 2019.

Outside, the changes are easy to miss. Look closer and you might spot new alloy rims and the revised front bumper that now features an elongated lower air intake that sports L-shaped chrome accents.

Subaru also claims tweaks to the front headlights and grille, while at the rear there's a fresh pair of tail-lights.

Subaru Japan hasn't yet detailed all the changes inside the cabin, but styling-wise it looks like the interior remains untouched, with updates likely for the infotainment system.

The big news is that safety takes a leap forward with the Japanese car-maker offering its latest-generation Eyesight Touring Assist that is capable of reducing accidents via automated steering, accelerating and braking systems.

Adaptive headlights and a front view camera are also new options for the Impreza. Other less important updates include an auto-tilt door mirror function when reversing.

So far there's no word on an updated Subaru WRX, but it's hoped an all-new version of the fast Volkswagen Golf GTI fighter based on the car-maker's latest SGP platform will be forthcoming soon.

Introduced back in 2017 globally, the fifth-generation Subaru Impreza remains a left-field option in a highly competitive class.

Down Under, the Impreza comes with just one powertrain – a 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine combined with all-wheel drive and a CVT automatic transmission.