Subaru planning a new hatchback and WRC return?

Subaru planning a new hatchback and WRC return?

According to Japanese website Spyder7, Subaru are rumoured to be preparing a new B-segment hatchback to occupy the space between its Japanese kei cars and the Impreza.

While the brand is a popular choice in North America, it lacks such a presence in European markets. A hatchback model would help Subaru in this regard, but it will have to face competition in the form of the Toyota Yaris.

The source claims that Subaru’s compact car will take on the Yaris not just in terms of market sales but also in the World Rally Championship. In the case of the latter, the Yaris’ return to the competition has proved to be a fruitful one, with Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT securing the 2018 title.

Subaru withdrew its works team (Subaru World Rally Team) from the WRC in 2008 following gloomy economic conditions at the time, and a return would certainly bring more attention to the brand.

Subaru planning a new hatchback and WRC return?

As the Yaris is offered as a hotted-up version, so to will the Subaru hatchback, with the 1.8 litre turbocharged flat-four being a likely candidate (also to be used in the next-gen Levorg).

While the current Impreza-based WRX and WRX STI models are capable, they are considered rather large (in size) to take on the current crop of Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20 and Citroen C3 rally cars.

The Japanese publication says the new hatchback will make an appearance by 2019, although the lack of any concepts up until now does add some skepticism to the claim.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Not Imprezzed on Nov 08, 2018 at 10:31 am

    Motor Image should more focus Impreza in local market , not only on Subaru XV Impreza ..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
  • Happy on Nov 08, 2018 at 10:37 am

    Bezza owners will be so proud that new Imp will have their rear back looks. Hahaha.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • The Imps and LanEvos have gotten too big to be competitive for a very long time. Even using hatchback versions, its still too large since they r 4doors compared to 2door bodies of the competition. While LanEvo is dead, Scoobie shud quickly ditch Imp platform and use BRZ one, either as coupe or cutdown hatchback and throw in a AWD system.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • Jonn Dol on Nov 08, 2018 at 12:42 pm

      The Impreza & Evos were not necessarily too big a World Rally car platform at that time. It’s just the competition got tougher with the arrival of the Peugeot & Citroen WRC squad back in the early 2000s who were much more advanced in the electronics & suspension department. When the regs. changed it was VW who broke the French dominance before they pulled out.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • Electronics were vital but chassis is the definite factor, otherwise why almost all WRC competitors r solely 2door hatchbacks and no longer 4 door sedans. The Solberg Imps & Makinnen Evos were veli competitive back then, but the competition had since moved onto smaller cars. Not their fault thou as the passenger cars they were based on, grew in size from A/Bsegment to Csegmenters.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Beruk Besar Best on Nov 08, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    Subie imprezza “halo” is long gone……So sad.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • benzs on Nov 08, 2018 at 1:01 pm

    Subie… Your old days of glory has ended. To revive, challenge HoNdA Civic Type R, NiSsAn Gtr, Toyota Supra (New Version) and European Sports Stuff. Your competition is over with MMC. Dont build like you always do, its bored and outdated. Improved transmission using fast shifting, maintain your legacy of boxer engine but at least 450hp and lots of torque. Intro engine which is easy to upgrade for tuners and make it reliable. Once Alpha Omega impress with your car and boost HP up to 3300hp (like Gtr). Then the new chapter of Subie will be glorified.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Alright.. So now, i can modified my Bezza into this Subaru..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Expecting Beza with quad tailpipes bodykit soon. Not Ahbeng enough? Add on the real one so got 5 tailpipes for Beza vs 4 on Impreza. Lagi Bagus, Lagi Power.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Aiman Hakim on Nov 08, 2018 at 9:34 pm

    I think this is good.Many enthusiasts are waiting subaru for a long time to return to WRC.I hope Mitsubishi also return to WRC.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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