If you thought the Impreza badge stood for big spoilers and booming exhausts, think again. Subaru is radically changing its famous model in a bid to appeal to more mainstream buyers.
The firm hopes to double Impreza sales in three years – no small challenge when you consider the original car’s enormous popularity.
With its rally inspired styling and powerful engines, the previous saloon earned the respect of enthusiasts. At one stage, turbo variants accounted for nearly three-quarters of the Japanese machine’s total demand.
Yet with the third-generation car, the manufacturer has taken a bold new direction. It aims to return non-turbo models to volume sales, and take the range upmarket at the same time. Gone are the saloon shape and boxy looks, replaced by an all-new five-door hatchback that’s intended to compete directly with the likes of the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf.
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