2020 Subaru Impreza - What to expect?

The Subaru Impreza is one of the longest nameplates of Subaru that was first manufactured in 1992. And just recently, Motor Image—the regional distributor of Subaru in the Asia Pacific, introduced the 2020 Subaru Impreza at the 2020 Singapore Motor Show and will be available on the rest of the region soon. In fact, the fourth generation Impreza will officially come to our shores this summer, at the 2020 Manila International Auto Show which will be held in April.

First launched in 2017 as an all-new model, this Subaru C-segment entry is on its fourth year of the model cycle which means it will get a refresh on its interior and exterior. Typically, the car brand introduces all-new models on a five-year product cycle. Here’s what to expect on the 2020 Subaru Impreza.

Refreshed front fascia

As a ‘refresh’ model, the 2020 Impreza’s most obvious change is the revised front fascia and grille. The lower front fascia now has a sportier horizontal opening instead of three smaller ones as on the previous model. Two chrome accent on either side highlights the front fog lights. A little bit on the top is the frameless front grille which appears to be narrower because of the missing borders which are reminiscent of the all-new Subaru Legacy and Outback.

The refreshed Impreza also made updates on the headlights and taillights while the side profile and rear fascia remain mostly the same. Moreover, the 2020 Subaru compact sedan will ride on new wheel designs for the Sport and Limited trims and will feature a new exterior color palette: Ocean Blue Pearl. The two body styles— sedan and hatchback are also expected to make a comeback.

Largely unchanged interior

Based on what we’ve seen, there appear to be no significant changes to the 2020 Subaru Impreza’s interior. It still features the usual Starlink infotainment system that comes standard with either a 6.5-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen that is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The top trim gets the bigger screen with more tech features and other comforts. Such as the 6-way power driver's seat with driver’s seat position memory function and a power moonroof.

Other standard features to expect on the 2020 Impreza are:

• Power windows with auto up/auto-down on both driver and passenger sides
• 60/40-split fold-down rear seats
• Keyless access with push-button start
• Power door locks and side mirrors
• Multi-function display with fuel economy information
• Tilt and telescoping steering column
• Security system with engine immobilizer
• Carpeted floor mats 

Same engine

Since it will just be a “refreshed” version, expect the same engine as the 2017 edition. The same direct-injected FB20 horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder boxer engine will be working under the hood producing 154 hp of maximum power and 196 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and as with all Subaru vehicles riding on the brand's new global platform, all-wheel drive comes standard. In terms of fuel economy, the Impreza clocks in 15 kmpl on highway driving and can run for 724 km in one full tank which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive available.

What is new though is an enhanced driving experience thanks to a retuned suspension and the SI-Drive powertrain performance management system which comes as standard on all trims.

Enhanced electronic driving aids

One of the major changes in the 2020 Impreza specs sheet would be its safety features and driver-assist technologies. All Impreza will now come standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This impressive tech suite minimizes the risk of a collision and driver fatigue by assisting in accelerating, braking, steering, and detecting obstacles that otherwise would have been easily overlooked by the driver. 

The EyeSight offers the following systems in one neat package:

• Automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management
• Pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning system
• Full-speed adaptive cruise control
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blindspot detection with lane change assist 
• Automatic power door locks with collision detection unlock function
• Adaptive headlights
• Front view camera

The 2020 Subaru Impreza will also be equipped with a reverse interlocking side mirror to help the driver when parking the car. The side mirror will automatically move to face down when the vehicle goes on the reverse to make it easier to navigate the car. The mirrors are also equipped with memory function along with automatic storage, depending on whether the car is locked or unlocked.

Another add-on feature across all trim levels to the new Subaru compact car is the Rear Seat Reminder. It alerts the driver to check the rear seat before exiting to make sure that they are not forgetting a child on the back seat. Another child safety feature is the speed sensing door locks that come standard in all models. And believe it or not, the 2020 Impreza is one of the first vehicles in Subaru’s portfolio to be fitted with this feature.

Final words

Given Subaru’s pattern of updating its vehicles and as a refresh model in a generation cycle, there aren’t many expectations on any radical changes when it comes to engine or design. That’s something that the car brand will probably reserve for its 2022 offering of an all-new generation model. 

What’s great about the 2020 Subaru Impreza is its safety features which may appeal to young families with small children with its added specs that give high-emphasis on children's safety. Also, it’s compact size and affordability fits pretty well among city dwellers and first-time car buyers who are budget conscious but looking for a fuel-efficient ride that can navigate through the metro traffic and park on narrow slots. 

Also read: Subaru Levorg STI Sport coming in January 2020