2006 Subaru Impreza: First Look

By Feann Torr - 17/6/2005

Back in January we published an article about the new 2006 Subaru WRX, and how it was expected to differ both stylistically and mechanically to the current 2005 model.

Though not bang on the money - the headlights aren't as angular, and the brake lights aren't slim line - we weren't far from it, as the official photos evidence.

The biggest change Subaru has made is to the grille that, with a little help from designer Andreas Zapatinas, is now more akin to the somewhat extraterrestrial design of the B9 Tribeca, which was designed to appeal to the hugely lucrative North America market.

Subaru's new Grecian chief of design - Andreas Zapatinas, who used to work for Alfa Romeo - has gone to town with the front end of the 2006 Impreza, which now shows off the 'aviation' grille that's supposed to represent parent company Fuji Heavy Industries' days of aircraft manufacture.

Symbolic or shambolic? I'm not quite sure. This new grille design is expected to cover the entire Subaru range in a couple of years, and in my not-so-humble opinion I must say it's a bit odd at first sight.

It's a more complex design, sure, but when combined with the sleek and smooth headlights, they seem to be at odds with the open-mouthed bonnet scoop that has always screamed "get out of the way".

Perhaps I've become used to the 2005 grille - with just one opening - but it doesn't seem to gel with the Impreza bodywork, and in particular the WRX and STI models.

It's as if the Impreza WRX is less of an aggressive, single-minded speed demon with only one thing on its mind, and now a more artsy, dare I say upmarket small car?

The headlights are a cross between the designs of the 2005 Impreza and the current model Liberty/Legacy models, complete with technical-looking projector lamps, and hopefully the whole package will look more aesthetically pleasing in the flesh.

There are also new character lines that run from the controversial new grille along the bonnet, which Subaru Australia says highlights the distinctive new style.

In addition to the changes Subaru has made to the front apron, the grille and headlights of all Impreza models, the brake light clusters have more curved edges too, plus the Japanese company has hinted at interior updates.

The WRX STI models get small brake cooling ducts/inlets ahead of the front wheels and in addition to the large rear wing, there's also a small spoiler above the rear windscreen.

On top of the new visual style, which the company says improve aerodynamic efficiency "in recognition of its participation in high-speed rally events and motor sport activities", the range-topping Impreza WRX STI has been given some mechanical tweaks to keep the Mitsubishi Evolution IX honest.

The WRX STI now outputs a maximum of 422Nm of torque, which should improve acceleration somewhat, not to mention mid-range punch. In addition, the STI benefits from an improved version of the DCCD (driver's control center differential). This little contraption is described by Subaru as "an electronically controlled All Wheel Drive (AWD) system that adds a torque-sensitive, mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD)".

Subaru's new design guru, Andreas Zapatinas, may well invoke the wrath of the Subaru faithful for his take on the new Impreza front end, much as BMW designer Chris Bangle did after the fateful 7 Series and other models.

Despite the fact the these cars, such as the Impreza and 7 Series, are owned by their respective marques, which have the right to do to them whatever they will, don't forget that the customer is always right!

Indeed, the new design is almost guaranteed to get the many hundreds of Subaru and performance car forums energised in the coming weeks, not to mention the loungeroom debates that will ensue, as the new model is now on sale in Japan. Subaru Australia says the new '06 Impreza will be launched in the last quarter of 2005, at which time full details will be announced, such as de-tuning of the STI to cope with lower octane Australian fuel and pricing.