Subaru reveals hatch-only 2023 Impreza

SUBARU has officially revealed the sixth-generation Impreza, available in hatchback form only this time around, although pricing and Australian release details have not been shared.

Australian Subaru importer Inchcape has, however, issued a statement suggesting the new small-segment car will make it to these shores, saying the company is "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."

The new Impreza will pack new technology, refreshed styling and the option of more performance with the return of an RS variant that bridges the gap to the WRX, although no turbo or hybrid option is planned.

A 2.5-litre boxer engine with outputs of up to 135kW and 241Nm – a useful 20kW and 45Nm more than the carryover 2.0-litre unit that will motivate entry level variants – will take it up to G25 variants of the Mazda3 that develop 139kW and 252Nm.

Long known for all-weather traction prowess, the standard symmetrical all-wheel drive system promises to offer the same stability and traction as Subaru owners have come to expect.

Subaru claims ‘more exciting acceleration, nimble response, and performance hatchback style for the RS variant that features sport cloth upholstery, exclusive 18-inch wheels, sports suspension and exterior styling elements that appear to borrow from the WRX’s sporting stance.

The decision to offer a hatchback only is one Subaru company says offers a blend of practicality and style, and is in line with a trend away from small-size sedans.

A new five-door design, with 3423-litres of interior space, offers more room than a Toyota Corolla hatchback and Subaru is spruiking the premium materials used throughout the cabin.

Inside a new high-res 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen sits front and centre, in what looks to be a premium sport-look interior with strong black theme throughout while the top-spec RS has a 10-speaker, 432-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity has been announced for the new Impreza, in which Subaru has also included a wireless charging pad as well as USB-A and USB-C ports.

Keyless access with push-button start will also feature on mid-spec variants and Subaru’s upgraded EyeSight driver assist and active safety technology suite is standard across the range.

Debuting on the Impreza is a combination of automatic emergency steering and pre-collision braking, if the EyeSight system deems there is enough space to avoid an otherwise inevitable accident. 

Standard roof crossbar mounting points, for those who plan on adventuring, feature on the new Impreza, although keen outdoorsy types are probably more likely to opt for a Crosstrek.