Not long after the reveal of its high-riding Crosstrek sibling, the 2023 Subaru Impreza has been revealed at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. It sports a new look, more technology, more features and – in North America at least – a larger engine option. For the first time in the Impreza’s history, there will be no sedan version of the Impreza – instead, it will only be available as a hatchback globally. Subaru Australia has confirmed it for Australia, but is yet to reveal local release timing.
According to a statement from Subaru Australia, “We’re incredibly excited about the latest global reveal by Subaru Corporation of the all-new Subaru Impreza.
“Impreza has been part of the Subaru family for 30 years, and we look forward to sharing more details for the Australian market in due course,” it said.
Stylistically, the 2023 Subaru Impreza is – as expected – almost an identical copy of the Crosstrek, bar the lack of body cladding and roof rails. Wheels up to 18-inches in size will be available, for a sportier look than before. The angular new headlights look sharp and aggressive, while the whole car is more shapely than before, despite almost identical dimensions to the current Impreza.
Underneath the 2023 Subaru Impreza is the same Subaru Global Platform as the previous-generation car, and every other modern Subaru – bar the BRZ sports coupe, of course. Measuring 4,475mm long, 1,780mm wide, 1,480mm tall and with a 2,667mm long wheelbase, the new generation Impreza is the same length and height as the current model, but 5mm wider and with a 3mm shorter wheelbase. Bootspace figures are yet to be revealed, but we doubt they’ll deviate too much from the current model’s 345-litre space with the seats up.
In North America, there will be two four-cylinder petrol engine options for the 2023 Subaru Impreza: the same 113kW/198Nm 2.0-litre unit that’s in the current model, and a larger 136kW/245Nm 2.5-litre unit from the Forester and Outback. Both engines are mated to a CVT automatic transmission and, naturally, all-wheel drive is standard equipment. A hybrid Impreza is also possible given the new Crosstrek will have a 2.0-litre hybrid drivetrain, but that is yet to be confirmed.
The interior of the 2023 Subaru Impreza is very similar to other Subaru models like the new WRX and, of course, the new Crosstrek. Centre of the cabin is a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, satellite navigation and digital radio. There’s also a new wireless phone charging pad below the screen – we expect this to migrate to other Subaru models soon.
Other available features on the 2023 Subaru Impreza will include (at least in North America) a Harman Kardon sound system, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, a 10-way powered driver’s seat, heated front seats and front and rear charging ports. The US-spec car has also returned the RS badge to the lineup, with sportier styling details and red sports seats – it’s unknown if the RS will launch locally.
The 2023 Subaru Impreza is due to arrive in Australia sometime in 2023, with local pricing and specifications due to be announced before then. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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