Introducing the All-New 2017 Subaru Impreza: Brand New Global Platform, Unsurpassed Levels of Safety and Driving Enjoyment

• The all-new 2017 Impreza, available in sedan and 5-door styles, is the first release on a new Subaru global platform that significantly enhances safety, riding comfort and agility
• With a 2.0-litre, direct injection SUBARU BOXER engine, available award-winning EyeSight and new driver assist technologies, the 2017 Impreza marks the first generation of Subaru's compact car to be built in North America
• New Sport-tech version comes with 18-inch wheels, sport suspension and active torque vectoring

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is proud to announce the introduction of the all‑new 2017 Impreza to Canada. In addition to being the first Impreza to be built in North America, this compact car is the first to use Subaru's new global platform that delivers significantly higher levels of agility and crash protection, combined with driving pleasure and ride comfort. This new platform will form the foundation of all new Subaru models going forward.

The new global platform works in concert with the SUBARU BOXER engine, symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive and award-winning EyeSight, forming the foundation of the next generation of Subaru vehicles. As the first example of that new generation, the 2017 Impreza is not only a showcase of Subaru's core technologies but is also the first to use Subaru's new design language and the latest in driver assist technologies.

When the 2017 Impreza arrives in dealerships in late 2016, it will be available in 2.0i, Touring Package, Sport Package and Sport-tech Package models.

Dramatic Appearance, Improved Aerodynamics

Subaru's new design language puts the brand's signature hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights onto a more sculptured body, ensuring that its athletic stance is accentuated by prominent wheel arches and flowing lines. The dramatic new look carries into the cabin with an outward-flow design that follows the front of the vehicle. The 2017 Impreza models ride on a larger wheelbase, with bodies that are both longer and wider than previous generations. These larger dimensions create a roomier cabin, while a lower exterior height helps to improve aerodynamics by reducing drag coefficient. The 2017 Impreza is not only sleeker in appearance but also offers excellent all-around visibility.

The new global platform incorporates numerous types of high-strength steel to significantly enhance agility and ride comfort while substantially suppressing noise, vibration and harshness. In the 2017 Impreza, this means an increase in rigidity of the unitized body structure by over 70 percent.

A lower center of gravity and revised suspension systems contribute to the biggest ever leap in Subaru's performance evolution. The double-wishbone independent rear suspension mounts a rear stabilizer bar directly on the body, helping to reduce body roll by 50 percent compared to the outgoing model. Greater hazard-avoidance capability is another benefit of the Subaru global platform's inherent handling agility, while the resolute straight-line stability that makes the 2017 Impreza more relaxing to drive will be an important constituent of the autonomous driving capability this platform is designed to support in future Subaru vehicles.

New Direct Injection for Higher Performance and Efficiency

The revised version of the FB 2.0-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine now comes with direct fuel injection and other enhancements that boost both performance (152 horsepower) and drivability. Where available, the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) features a 7-speed manual mode function with paddle shifters.

Another Leap in Vehicle Safety

Subaru designed the 2017 Impreza to provide even higher levels of safety than the outgoing model, which was named an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ when equipped with available EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

New in the 2017 Impreza are available steering-responsive LED headlamps that can illuminate curves as the vehicle steers into them, and a high beam assist function that automatically activates and deactivates the high beams based on driving conditions. All 2017 Impreza models include front seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag, while the new platform that underpins the 2017 Impreza absorbs 40 percent more crash energy over present models.

New for 2017, the Impreza adds driver-assist technologies such as steering line display in the rear view camera and reverse automatic braking that applies the vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected.

Lineup

The 2017 Subaru Impreza will come in four models, being the Impreza 2.0i entry model, Touring Package, Sport Package and Sport-tech Package. The Impreza 2.0i starts with an extensive roster of standard features that includes a 6.5‑inch multimedia touchscreen, power windows with auto up/down on both driver and passenger sides, heated door mirrors, 60/40-split fold-down rear seats, power door locks and side mirrors, a multi-function display with fuel economy gauges, tilt and telescoping steering column, a security system with engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats and more.

The Touring Package model adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats and automatic climate control.

Stepping up to the Sport Package model results in more features, including new 17-inch alloy wheels,  power sunroof, steering-responsive LED headlamps, new side sill spoiler (4-door models), new 8‑inch touchscreen display with XM Satellite radio and the Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection system, while new driver assist technologies are available as an upgrade.

New Impreza Sport-tech Package with Active Torque Vectoring

Taking full advantage of the stiffer platform and more powerful engine, the 2017 Impreza Sport‑tech Package model, available in sedan and 5-door versions, delivers an impressive level of performance. Thanks to exclusive suspension tuning, 18-inch machine-finish alloy wheels and active torque vectoring, this model sets a new benchmark for ride/handling balance in the compact segment.

Exclusive exterior styling and features that set the Impreza Sport-tech Package apart include standard steering-responsive LED headlamps, black front grille, body-coloured rocker panels and door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. The Impreza Sport-tech 5-door model features glossy black rear gate trim, while the sedan has a rear trunk spoiler.

Inside, the Sport-tech Package features unique leather upholstery trimmed with silver stitching as part of a design that repeats on the instrument panel and door trim. Driver touchpoints like the steering wheel, shift boot and parking brake have a red-stitched sporty motif. The instrument panel incorporates upgraded gauges with chrome rings and a multi-function display.

This new Sport-tech Package replaces the Limited Package model and comes well-equipped with standard features that include a new 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system, aluminum pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift handle and CVT shift boot. The Sport-tech Package with EyeSight model adds keyless access and a push-button start, together with reverse automatic braking and high beam assist.

"The release of the all-new 2017 Impreza is also the debut of our new global platform architecture that will form the foundation of all Subaru models going forward," says Shiro Ohta, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "This new platform, with its significant improvements in driving pleasure, agility, crash protection and ride comfort, shows that we stand behind our commitment to provide class-leading safety and a sense of enjoyment behind the wheel."

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 91 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.

2017 Subaru Impreza Sedan and 5-Door

Specifications

Engine
Type	2.0L horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER with aluminum cylinder block and cylinder heads
Displacement	1,995 cc / 122 cu. in.
Bore x stroke	84 x 90 mm
Horsepower	152
Fuel system	Direct injection, Electronic Throttle Control
Valvetrain	Chain-driven dual overhead cam (DOHC), 16-valve, 4‑cylinder, Dual Active Valve Control System, tumble generator valves
Drivetrain
Transmission	Available Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) features 7-speed manual shift mode and paddle shifters
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive	Standard on all models
Stability/traction system	Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with all-wheel, all-speed traction control
Chassis	Subaru global platform, unitized body construction
Suspension	4-wheel independent; front strut type, double-wishbone rear, stabilizer bar mounted directly to body
Brakes	Advanced electronic braking with power-assisted front and rear disc brakes, 4-channel/4-sensor/4-wheel ABS, Brake Override System and Brake Assist
Steering	Quick-ratio rack and pinion with electric power assist
Wheels	16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch, depending on model and trim
Exterior Dimensions
Length	Sedan: 4,625 mm 5-door: 4,460 mm
Width	1,777 mm
Height	1,455 mm
Fuel economy	TBD

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

For further information: Julie Lychak, [phone], [email protected]; Sebastien Lajoie, Media Relations, Quebec Region, [phone], [email protected]