Executive Summary 

2019 Subaru Imprezas are on sale now at Planet!  On its volume products, Subaru typically introduces all-new models on a five-year product cycle.  Take a look at the way this cycle would unfold on the Impreza if Subaru stays true to form:

 Model year (and sequence in product cycle):Change:
2017 (first year)
All new design from the ground up
2018 (second year)
Very similar to prior year
2019 (third year)
Very similar to prior year
2020 (fourth year)
"Refresh," including exterior and interior revisions
2021 (fifth year)
Very similar to prior year
2022 (first year)
Cycle repeats...all new design from ground up

Historically, Subaru makes very few changes in the three model years after introducing an all-new version.  Since Subaru debuted this generation for the 2017 model year, Subaru published only three changes on the 2019 model:

  • EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology now available on base model
  • Standard EyeSight®, Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist on Limited
  • New STARLINK Multimedia Audio available


Prices went up only $100.  We don't expect to see any significant changes until the 2020 model year, when we would expect Subaru to undertake a "big minor change" in that fourth year to freshen the appearance and keep the features competitive.Not that you would need any changes...compared to the last generation, this Impreza grew slightly in size, rides on an all-new platform, and enjoys better fuel economy--up to 38 mpg on the sedan with automatic transmission. 

Subaru is now producing Imprezas at its sole US plant in Lafayette, Indiana.  (Subaru imported previous-generation Impreza generations from Japan).






Changes from the last generation (2012-16) to the current one (2017-2019):

 









Subaru installed the latest generation Eyesight system 
which includes the addition of Lane Keep Assist (to nudge you back into your lane), Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, steering responsive headlights, and High Beam Assist.  You also get optional automatic braking when backing up if an obstacle is detected.





 Eyesight cameras.



Steering responsive LED headlights



Blind spot detection








Eyesight is an optional suite of driver assistance technologies that includes adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. 







This generation sports the first steering-responsive headlights ever offered on an Impreza. 







Detected by radar, a light in mirror housings illuminates when another vehicle is in your blind spot.  On other Subaru models, this light is a less conspicuous spot in the mirror glass itself.


Displacement remained at 2.0 liters but output and fuel economy improved.
Ratings below are for auto transmission models.

City Highway
2.0i Sedan
28 38
2.0i Sport Sedan 27 36
2.0i 5-Door
28 37
2.0i Sport 5-Door 27 35
 









Horsepower increased to 152 from 148. 




Interior moved upscale with this generation.
Infotainment system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that interface with Subaru's Starlink system.  Power seat is available, as is harmon/kardan audio.





 

 


 





Infotainment system incorporates the Rear Vision Camera and integrates AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®; Radio Data Broadcast System; single-disc in-dash CD player; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Aha Infotainment, Pandora® and iHeart® Radio; Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; iPod® control capability and iTunes® Tagging capability, USB port and aux. input jack. 
Subaru debuted global architecture on the current generation.
This was the first Subaru model  to ride on the new common platform which will eventually underpin nearly all of Subaru's vehicles.  Using one platform reduces development time and cost. 














Also known as a chassis, a platform is the basic architecture of a vehicle.  Obviously an Outback needs a bigger frame than an Impreza, but many of the vehicles will share more modular components than in the past, when Subaru had to start from scratch to build a new vehicle. 


Current generation Impreza grew slightly in size:
            Wheelbase:   105.1 inches: + 1 inch
           Length:          182.1 inches: + 1.6 inches
           Width:            70 inches: + 1.5 inches
           Height:           57.3 inches: - .4 inches 
















The only dimension that decreases slightly was height, for better aerodynamics, and this didn't affect ground clearance. 

Impreza is now manufactured stateside. 
Since debuting in 1993, Subaru has built every Impreza in Japan. 












Previously, Subaru manufactured only Legacy and Outback in Indiana.

Price
Pricing increased only $100.  See current Impreza models and pricing.
 

 

It's remarkable that Subaru can continue, year after year, to include more and more equipment with price increases that don't even match inflation. 

 Current Paint and Interiors:



Trim Levels and what you get:





Imprezas through the years:



2017 and up


Based on a brand new chassis that will underpin most Subarus into the next decade, this Impreza can absorb 40% more crash energy than its predecessor.  Interior appointments and infotainment capabilities are comparable with much more expensive vehicles.  It's the first Impreza manufactured at Subaru's sole North American plant in Indiana.  More horsepower, more fuel economy, and more technology--including optional whizbang features such as steering-responsive headlights. 
 
2012 through 2016


Fuel economy leaped into the high 30s on the highway with the introduction of a continuously variable transmission and state-of-the-art 2.0 liter engine.  Seventh airbag, to protect driver's knees, becomes standard.  Though it officially remains a compact car, this generation offers interior space we have traditionally expected from mid-size cars.






2008 through 2011






Sales took off with this larger Impreza, built on a compact version of the platform from the larger Legacy sedan.  Six airbags became standard. 


 
2002 through 2007




After nine years with only modest updates, we were ready for a modern Impreza.  2002 and 2003 models arrived with controversial round headlights, but Subaru moved to a more conventional front end in 2004 (the hatchback pictured to the left is a 2007 model).  New standard features included side airbags, 2.5 liter engine, and even a CD player(!).  Size remained very compact, but Subaru modernized everything.  Interior materials improved along with ride quality and appearance. 


 

1993 through 2001


Subaru introduced the Impreza in 1993 in your choice of coupe, sedan, and hatchback.  All models came with a 2.2 liter Boxer engine, with front wheel drive or all wheel drive.  With small updates, Subaru produced the same car for nine years, which is long time in an industry predisposed to five year product cycles.  Subaru introduced the sporty RS model in 1998, the spiritual ancestor of the legendary WRX that would appear in 2002.  The Outback Sport, forerunner of the Crosstrek, debuted in 1996.




More Impreza Links:
  • Visit our dedicated Impreza Review page.
  • Compare Crosstrek with Impreza.



Search our inventory for your Impreza:

    
 



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Those living in metropolitan Boston, and especially those communities that are hard to park in such as Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, and Roxbury, really appreciate the great deals and sales at Planet Subaru for the 2019 Impreza including leases.
  






 


   
 

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