Monday, May 30, 2005

SNEAK PEEK: Facelifted Subaru Impreza WRX STi



By Mark Atkinson

Well, as you can tell by these unofficial photos, it appears that Subaru's new corporate 'face', already seen on the new B9 Tribeca, is being applied to the rest of the company's range.




As these pictures can attest, the Impreza is gaining a 'nip and tuck' - the second in its four-year lifespan. The new model features the upside down horse-collar grille flanked by two extra vents, and the headlights take on a more aggressive appearance.



The hoodscoop is smaller as well, something that plagued the previous (current) version.



No word on mechanical upgrades, but there is strength behind rumours that claim the WRX will gain the de-tuned 2.5-liter engine - the one found in the Forester XT and the Legacy GT - and do away with the 2.0-liter unit used for years... What is certain, though, is that the car should be even more entertaining to drive, even if the redesign isn't to everyone's tastes.



The rest of the Impreza model line should receive the updates as well, including the TS and RS sedans and wagons.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I like the smoother front end (especially around the fog lamps), but I do not like the new front grill. The only redeeming factor is that the rest of the Subaru line-up seems to be adopting a similar look. Uniformity among Subaru's vehicles will bring about a new following for the new look.