The fifth-generation Subaru Impreza makes its official launch debut at the Singapore Motor Show today, several months after the 2016-2017 Japan Car of the Year made its first appearance at last year’s New York International Auto Show.
For the Singapore market, regional Subaru distributor Motor Image is offering the C-segment car in either four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body styles, each with three variants for buyers to choose from – 1.6i, 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S. In terms of pricing (including COE), the four door is priced at SGD123,800 (2.0i-S) and SGD106,800 (1.6i-S), while the five-door retails at SGD124,800 (2.0i-S) and SGD107,800 (1.6i-S). The price list given to us did not include the 1.6i.
All Impreza variants come with a Lineartronic CVT automatic and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, mated to either a FB16 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine (114 PS at 6,200 rpm, 150 Nm at 3,600 rpm) or an updated FB20 2.0 litre direct-injected four-cylinder (156 PS at 6,000 rpm, 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm). An engine idling stop system is standard for all variants.
The first model to be built on the company’s all-new Subaru Global Platform, the new Impreza is said to be a significant improvement over the previous-gen car in terms of NVH, driving dynamics and safety.
The new platform also comes with a longer wheelbase of 2,670 mm (+20 mm), and sees a change in the car’s dimensions as well. The Impreza now measures 40 mm longer on the sedan (4,625 mm) and hatchback (4,460 mm), 1,775 mm wide (-20 mm) and 1,480 mm tall (+5 mm).
On top of this architecture, the Impreza’s revised body fully incorporates the ‘Dynamic x Solid’ design philosophy that was flaunted on the Tokyo and Los Angeles concepts in 2015.
Now featuring a cleaner look than before, the front end features the familiar Subaru grille with a single slat that runs through the logo. Just beside it, you’ll find halogen headlamps on the 1.6i variant (1.6i-S and 2.0i-S get steering-responsive, automatic LED units with C-shaped LED DRLs). All models come with front fog lamps.
Down the sides, the base 1.6i gets 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 205/55 section tyres, while 17-inch units (with 205/50 section tyres) are unique to the 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S. The rear, meanwhile, is significantly altered, with new taillights that are sleeker in look compared to before.
Similar to other Subarus, they feature C-shaped lighting graphics as seen on the Forester and XV. As for other exterior items, power-folding door mirrors with LED turn signals, powered sunroof and headlamp washers are all found on all variants except the 1.6i.
The cabin also gets an overhaul here, with a new dashboard design (Japan-spec seen here) that is more angular and contemporary compared to the outgoing model. New items include the steering wheel, gear lever, switchgear and instrument cluster. Unlike other markets, the Singapore-spec Impreza comes with an electronic parking brake on all variants.
The main standout here is the touchscreen infotainment system, which is a 6.5-inch unit on the 1.6i, while the remaining two variants get a larger 8.0-inch one instead. Both systems come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, voice recognition command and the usual USB and AUX inputs.
Just above that is a 6.3-inch multi-info display that shows information like exterior temperature, fuel economy and other vehicle functions. Higher-end ‘S’ variants have a ‘higher grade’ system, according to Motor Image.
On the 1.6i-S and 2.0i-S, equipment such as dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, keyless operation, rearview camera, power-adjustable driver’s seat, PIN code access (like on the Forester), auto dimming rearview mirror, aluminium pedals and multi-function steering wheel all come as standard.
Despite all the differences between the variants, the comprehensive safety kit offered here – seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Isofix child seat mounts, side door reinforcement beams, ABS, EBD and brake assist – is standard on all variants.
However, the same can’t be said of driver assistance systems, with the 1.6i losing out on blind spot monitor, high beam assist, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
Interested? Well, we’ve been told the that this regular Impreza will not make its way to Malaysia, but it serves as a good preview of what the next-generation XV will be like. We’ve been told previously that Tan Chong’s Segambut plant, which assembles the XV and Forester, will be ready in time to handle the production of Subaru models that use the next-gen platform, including an all-new XV, so there’s that.
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Is that a HRV tail light?
Lolz…btw its a nice car
Cukurrr Gahmen prihatin, kereta cukupp murah.
Impreza 1.6L Singapore $105,000 = RM315,000. \O/\O/
If they bring this model to malaysia and price it at below RM110k, sure laris… just dont act like premium brand la ok..
Come here sure become RM200k lah. Must protect Proton and Perodua lah. Even though it is luxury segment but still Proton thinks Perdana also luxury segment and might affect sales of Perdanabanana
Cool story brahh
Dashboard looks like Iriz/Persona.
A missed opportunity if it’s not going to be introduced here especially in 2-litre Sedan form. The New Impreza has a big potential to challenge the Honda’s “steamroller” model now namely the new Civic.
The distributor will never bring this in. Never brought in the earlier versions either when Singapore had all lesser versions of the Impreza all along. Malaysia only had the super expensive WRX. Based on their past record, they won’t bring this in…
Why i get the sense the dash it is a little bit Iriz-ish hmm, oh yeah, the most left and right air vents.
Why not in Malaysia? If this Impreza and next XV are pretty much the same, surely it can be assembled here in 2.0i-S form and priced to take on the Civic 1.5TC Premium. The Subaru AWD is fantastic and a reason why their cars have great handling, it would really make a case for itself for the Malaysian buying public. Coupled with the increasing number of new Subarus on the road, why doesn’t Motor Image just try?
2.0L NA engine is so yesterday for a new C segment. The market has moved on. Its about downsized turbo these days started off by European car makers. At least put in the 1.6L turbo engine from the Levorg for the higher spec ones. Then we talk.
It makes more sense for the 2.0 engine as that is what the next XV will most probably come with
In Malaysia, we still get caplang cars like Ertiga and Axia with no VSC and Axia with no ABS and also VSC
We can only dream of what Singapore gets.
is that proton iriz interior?
Subaru finding inspiration from P1 cars.
Quick Proton now its your chance sue them to make lots of fame and maybe some money like the phone business.
Bashers says other pipu copy P1 is okays, but when P1 copy other pipu, mesti mau bash.
Side glass profile like Persona2. Rear like Saga3
It’s a beautiful car
nice ca…wait what?! Is that Iriz dashboard?
Most bashers are waiting 4 someone 2 comment in this boring article bcos it’s a normal Scooby. Boring bcos it’s Not a STi or a Radical Turbo charged sports car.
Common guys, lets start some comments here. I know I know it’s a boring subject.
Proton should rebadge this and sell here below RM80k to compete with Altis, Civic, Mazda 3 and Sylphy.
why dont motor image bring these imprezas to malaysia? will be expensive? cannot ckd? wrx levorg and legacy are too expensive
Launched at what price? Once awhile no harm PT can make our jaw drop right?
i would buy this over the corolla, mazda3 or civic.. pity us malaysian for the limited choices ..
No CKD impreza because motor image fail to achieve sales target 2500 foresters per month
Even if its the only one packing AWD in the class,
its nowhere near as interesting interiorly and exteriorly as the civic, 3, corolla, even the new focus packs turbo under the hood, makes sense on why it wont make it here….too much competition…
the xv makes more sense….
Can’t wait for the wrx tho….
I would say this has a better styling compare to the boring previous gen design. And I don’t think subie will get a turbo engine to be ckd’ed here. Even getting the ckd forester is hard enough to convince subaru japan due to ckd quality concerns.
Damn! Not available in Malaysia.
subaru needs to stop giving tan chong the monopoly
Too much of resemblance to the Iriz/new Persona interior design, and the rear resembles 2016 Saga design.
Subaru got any joint venture with Proton?
LOL.
front = inspira
rear = saga
dashboard = iriz
good design subaru
Haha, pity to proton fan boy, under the hood is boxer engine and symmetric awd which proton never achieve