2017 Subaru Impreza Hatch, Sedan and Chassis Get Detailed Walkaround

For the record, an Impreza Sport is a hatchback and "G4" means sedan for all Subarus, not just this one.

A lot is riding on the success of both these cars, but we aren't holding our breath because both are brilliant. If you want to buy a compact car, you still can't mess with the Japanese automakers.

The design is definitely a strong point of the 2017 Impreza. We've grown accustomed to calling Subies ugly, but this one definitely isn't that. It kind of looks like a Japanese version of the Audi A3 facelift combined with a few elements of the Volvo V40.

On both the sedan and hatchback, the wheelbases have been extended a bit, resulting in a sportier stance. The front bumper is sleek and features a rectangular grille with a silver bezel. The headlights and fog lights go together nicely too.

At launch, the JDM models will only have one engine, which is an updated 2-liter with direct injection and variable valve timing. AWD is optionally available, but a CVT seems to be standard.

FHI engineers were tasked with making not only the Impreza but also a brand new modular platform that will underpin every Subaru from now on. It's more rigid in places where most manufacturers haven't even begun to show safety concerns.

As we've said in a previous article, all 2017 Impreza models sold in Japan will have a pedestrian airbag system and EyeSight Ver.3, the latest one.

Inside, we see that much like the Mazda6, the quality of the leather used has gone up significantly. With an e-brake, carbon fiber trim and a large display, it looks less like a hot hatch and more like a luxury item.