Impreza 2012 Subie Impreza

[hoffmeister_fan]

Subaru shows us a side of the 2012 Impreza — Autoblog

Looks good. The Legacy design traits translates well here.

 

[Monster]

Looks dull, like a watered down Mazda 3 sedan, with a bit of Honda Civic in the side profile. Subaru should really drop the heavy fat wheel arch styling, it just doesn't work on small and medium sized cars.

I am actually surprised to see this so soon. We didn't see any spy photos of prototype undergo any testing. The current Impreza was released what, 3 years ago or 4? It has a super short lifespan.

 

[Wunderkind]

Bland, kind of remind me of a Suzuki...................

Looks like they originally designed a hatchback and then added a boot as an after-thought.

 

[martinbo]

Ok so whilst I'm not suprised, I am a touch disappointed in the translation from Impreza Concept to production model. It was just too good to be true.

That said, folks must remember that this is the basic, mass-market model of Subaru's blandest model - the base Impreza 2.0. And, when you consider what the current and prior models look like:

You'll have to admit that this Impreza has the best chance of mainstream appeal yet.

Word out of Subaru is that the future WRX and STI models whilst based off the same platform will have significant differentiation. Hence, the dropping of Impreza nameplate in the nomenclature. So don't expect something like this:

None of these pics are mine; they are sourced from this thread over at NASIOC: Side shot of new 2012 Impreza - Page 7 - NASIOC

 

[Monster]

That said, folks must remember that this is the basic, mass-market model of Subaru's blandest model - the base Impreza 2.0. And, when you consider what the current and prior models look like:
You'll have to admit that this Impreza has the best chance of mainstream appeal yet.

That is true, but when you look at how Hyundai, Kia and Mazda managed to transform the styling of their car from absolute blandness to ones with original, interesting and cohesive design with in one or two generation, I don't understand how Subaru can't do the same. Given Subaru's recent advertising campaign against mediocrity, I would think they have something different to show us.

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[Shining Star]

 

[Monster]

This is really really disappointing to see. What was the point of showing us the concept car last year when hardly any of the design clues are transferred to the production model? Right now it looks like a Honda Civic+Mazda 3 mash with a Subaru grill at the front. Even Volvo is more successful with making the S60 concept a reality.

 

[Deleted member 25]

I know that subaru and design don't belong to the same sentence but this is simply shameful and pathetic.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I'll take a Suzuki Kizashi thanks.

That's worse than a poor design.

The only thing I can think of is they designed the STI version first, and then began dumbing-down the car with each lower model ..until they got to this base model.

Should be renamed to Un-Impreza!

 

[Vivaki]

Should be renamed to Un-Impreza!

lol although I reckon this model in sti form will actually look good

 

[K-A]

Here's the thing about Subaru....

To me, they have always designed maybe the ugliest and most quirky cars known to man. Now, their cars aren't hideous anymore, they're just incredibly generic and character-less. They've lost all brand identity.

 

[Centurion]

The rear could as well wear a Toyota badge for what it's worth.

 

[martinbo]

This is a German car forum after all and so it's not unexpected to see the new Impreza on the receiving end of such criticism. With that said, you either get Subarus or you don't. No one's holding a gun to consumers' heads that's for sure. And yet, Subaru remains the fastest growing car brand in North America for the last three years consecutively and the only car brand in the US to show positive growth for the duration of the recession.

Again, people don't recognise that what's being seen here is the absolute base model in the maker's lineup. This is an appliance - a typical example of form following function; the lack of tumblehome is a case in point - this is a small car designed to be as spacious and airy as possible on the inside. It's a strategy that has paid dividends in Subaru's strategic NA market with Forester, Legacy and Outback given the number of "larger" folk getting into smaller cars. Certainly the US will see one of the most significant buy-down trends in the history of the industry in the years to come and this compact, but competitively spacious, AWD car will be a key offering, especially in the snow-belt states where Subaru's popularity is burgeoning.

Furthermore, this car with its new FB series engine is claimed to be the most economical AWD car in its class - surely a more relevant and useful attribute than outright stylistic appeal?

I'll say it again, WRX and STI will be given separate bodyshells in order to differentiate them properly from the run-of-the-mill Impreza. In the end the uniqueness of a Subaru doesn't lie in their oft-criticised styling but rather in their under the skin engineering.

Perhaps people need to consider that, in a society where status cars are becoming increasingly socially reproachable, the anonymous yet highly capable and functional Subarus are actually taking advantage of this very situation.

 

[ateekt]

Seems pretty decent to me. Not bad at all. Rear-end, specially the tail-lights reminds me of current Accord.

 

[NarutoRamen]

I must admit, this is a letdown. It looks WAY too dull. I hope the WRX is a lil more jazzed up than this.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I don't mind the side profile, though I've never been a fan of blistered wheel arches, I do think it's better executed on the impreza. It's more subtle. I think it looks alot more solid than the current impreza. The rear while boring isn't too bad. The front is also quite nice. Still, after being reminded what the concept may foretell, I can't help but feeling disappointed. I'm just hoping there's a proper wagon and not a hatchback this time around.

Martin, I understand the whole form follow function, especially when it comes to subies. But they are not mutually exclusive. Case in point, the previous gen Legacy. I actually enjoy looking at that car! Well, as much as one can enjoy looking at midsize family car. Inside and out, it was the most complete car for under $30K, especially in 2.5GT wagon guise. It really is a shame it got so homogenized for mainstream consumption. But I've been saying (whining about) that for the last couple of years.

I also understand that Subies are well-made AWD appliances, which I do find appealing for an everyday car. But I'm disappointed that their new engine, which is their first major redesign in about 18 years (?), is only marginally more efficient than its successor while providing negligible upgraded performance.

 

[Makini]

Rear end reminds me of the MK1 Toyota Yaris...

The sad reality with the Impreza brand is that we have to bandy about WRX & STi badges to make the Impreza a worthwhile discussion. As a former Impreza owner for 7 years, I concede that my MK1 WRX would be an incredibly dumpy looking blob were it not for the WRX body kit, intercooler scoop & big rims. And therein lies the problem. While I'd be happy to tool about in a bog standard 1.5 Lancer, I'd never do the same in a 1.5 Impreza.

And due to the changing priorities in my life, I sadly cannot justify owning a WRX again. Therefore, I can state with conviction, that I will never again be an Impreza owner. Not with their current designs anyway...