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I'm most happy in that it appears to have been greatly simplified, in that the grille now appears to be part of the bumper. I know a lot of cars do this now, but it's still a better design solution than the fussy front-end layout from before.
I much prefer this look, and it has nothing to do with the headlights.
I was hoping the U.S. got the revised grille for '03. I think the current Impreza's grille's holes are too big. I may get an STi grille and de-badge it. :-)
The STi grille rocks, it's the way to go. The grille holes are mesh like, in a small diamond pattern. The grille sides slope more and come out over the top of the bumper. It gives the grille opening a deeper setting. I'm glad I got one. Close-up: Compare to stock grille:
I was just looking at the image of the STi in R&T, and noticed the headlights and front bumper are very slightly different from that of what Auto Express is showing.
They should use the mesh grilles on all sporty models (WRX, GT, Forester turbo). Why not? They're just plastic. Doesn't cost a penny more.
Anyone else notice the nice, 3 spoke steering wheel? I never got why the Momo has 4 spokes.
Also - check the taillamp detail on that bottom pick, there's a little circle that extends beyond the bottom line on it. A subtle detail, but nice.
Ken: I agree, and that's exactly why Subaru scored big. A few folks will rush out to buy the last few bug eyed models, and others will line up for the new look.
I guess the Impreza owners will now be split into THREE camps: old school, new age, and new new age. Opinions sure seem to be divided clearly. Personally I prefer the new look over the bug eyes.
looks a lot like everything else out there. The "freshening" takes the uniqueness away. I love the "bug eyes" and am glad I have them instead of a RSX/Legacy rip-off regurgitation. (I know...tell us how you really feel, Stephen) :-) Not bugless in Seattle! Stephen
I would combine the new one-piece grille/bumper with the bug eyes, but have the bug eyes more racked back on a more tapered fender.
I know you will think I'm nuts, but the new "facelifted" '03 Neon (forget that it's a Dodge, for moment!) is what I have in mind for the fender contour and headlight design. It really looks great.
It would look much like a *freshened* version of Stephen's car.
...and I don't care WHAT the new revision looks like, or if they even did a revision. Just give me a wagon with Sportshift and the All-Weather Package like I have on my Forester, and I'll put in my order.
Ed (bugeyes just fine by me, new version okay too)
The STi picture seems sharper, and bit brighter. The details are now easier to see. In addition, there is also a pix of the WRX interior (still with 4-spoke steering wheel) in addition to the STi interior. Both models seem to have new seats.
Man, that STi hood scoop is HUGE! Also noticed that the WRX has a moonroof.
I'm not sure if this was brought up before. I'm a bit behind on my magazine reading and just finished up the latest R&T last night.
Anyway, they have a couple of paragraphs about each automaker in this issue. Couple of things I wanted to point out. Under Subaru, it reads "the factory-tuned WRX STi arrives sometime next year with about 270 hp..." Is that right? I thought the Japan-spec had a reported 280 (or more in the real-world). Did I have that wrong, does the magazine have that wrong, or are we STILL getting a detuned model?
And, just to throw out another interesting quote, under Mitsu, it reads "We'll have to wait until about the end of January to get a rally-inspired Lancer Evolution VII making roughly 250 hp." If THAT is true, then we're gonna have people jumping over from the Mitsu camp to snatch up the STis.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
You know, I'm used to looking at Stephen's bigger hood scoop, and now I find the OE one kinda small. It's hilarious.
The problem with being associated with the Neon it's that ... it's a Neon. I agree that it's attractive. So was the Chevy Cavalier before the latest face-lift, it looked like a smaller Opel Calibra. But underneath are the cheapest rental cars ever made. So I don't blame Subaru for distancing themselves from that association.
But I'm looking at the grille and it does look better sorted. You don't have that odd area between the headlights and the grille on the original that Subaru didn't know that to do with.
Notice the taillights in that clearer picture? I like 'em. Subtle.
I noticed the seats too, Bob. They look more contoured for inner thigh support.
How much power? My guess is that Subaru and Mitsu are watching each other closely. Neither wants to announce official power output first, because the other will just tweak theirs to make 1 more horsepower. It's a chess match.
I only mentioned that because I saw a new one the other day, and it really does look good (for '03).
I could have also mentioned the new E-Class MB, Mini, Porsches; all who have used a oval headlight theme, to great success. The current generation Porsches, even though the headlights are no longer a true oval, clearly hint at that oval heritage.
LOL, separated at birth? I'm Japanese. Ken? Here are the details I like about the new design: 1. Bevel on hood outlines scoop, then smoothly blends into the scallops of the headlights, bringing attention to both design features. 2. The new grill design-it blends into the bumper and gives a very aggressive look. 3. The headlights-reminiscent of the RSX, yet very similar to the Legacy and new Forester. Nice blend of uniqueness and design unity with the rest of the line. 4. The taillights-also have a scallop. The shape of the headlights and taillights is unified much better than before. I could definitely live without the new scoop though.
Dennis -- Yes, I'm Japanese too. I have another Japanese-American friend here in the US named Ken who also owns a Forester (red 98 Forester L). Maybe we're on to something!
I really like the new look, especially on the silver non-STi version:
1. I see a change to the center armrest design. More sleek and sophisticated.
2. Center mounted tachometer
3. Fewer silver accents for center console. CD player now silver.
4. New seat material, plus extra padding between legs.
Apparently all this adds 30kg to the weight. There is rumor of an additional 8hp, at least for the UK version. I wonder if we'll see these improved materials?
I looked at the WRX interior shot and it also has the tach in the center. That is the photo I was going from to list the details. One more detail: sunroof!
Thursday September 26, 2002: day presses and VIP of World of Paris Large a thank you with WRC070 for these beautiful photographs! I make this page in the urgency with the premieres images of the restylage of Subaru WRX and STI which I recovered with 23h30 this Thursday and which I posted on the forum of Webclub-Subaru. You will find a little later the photographs of other vehicles on the second page. It is enough for you always to click on the image to post that in 1600x1200..
After driving for a WRX, I've realized the importance of a center tach. Now I see why some i-clubbers are installing the JDM instrument cluster.
Note that the UK and Australia get a slightly different interior (new and current). Both markets get a semi-automatic a/c with a button vs. a slide lever for the recirc.
from what I've seen so far, I am VERY happy with what Subaru has done with the facelifted Impreza. I could nit-pick a few details, but nothing major bothers me. My only real question is: Why didn't Subaru do this in the first place, two years ago?
I can't wait to see the actual car in person! Once these pixs become more commonplace, I bet a lot of future WRX buyers hold off until this model arrives. This could be a blessing for those who prefer the current model, as there might be some better deals to be had on '03 models, especially as the announcement date draws closer over here...
I dont' think the facelift is ugly, just totally unoriginal and like everyone else now (read: RSX). Subaru caved in on this one, IMHO. Oh well, as Juice and others ssid, the bug-eyes will eventually be rarer than they are now. I love the bug-eyes! Oh yeah, and to the potential buyers that waited for a facelift: You missed the point of the WRX entirely...perhaps you should buy a RSX instead!
If anything, I see more current *Legacy* in the front than RSX. Especially in the pix of the TS wagon that was shown. The horizontal grille bar just screams of last year's Legacy L.
In any event, I'm sure there are many cars that had some influence on the new Impreza.
You mean '03 and '04s will have lackluster sales in the US. We won't get the facelifted model til MY '05 since it will be an '04 in the rest of the world.
There are several discussions over in the I-Club that have addressed this topic. The facelifted Impreza will be sold as an '03 model over in Europe, and elsewhere. Don't ask me to explain the logic, because I can't. It's just a fact.
Comments
I much prefer this look, and it has nothing to do with the headlights.
Bob
Looking good!
Ken
-Dennis
Close-up:
Compare to stock grille:
Stephen
Bob
You're way too on top of the new WRX! I can't get a new link in before you. ;-)
Looks like Auto Express spilled the beans. Actually, I'm impressed that Subaru was able to clamp down on the new photos this long.
I like the way the rear looks too. Just a tad more fancy than the current one -- a little RSXish. Also the plates have been moved down to the bumper.
I see a distinct pattern -- current WRX owners don't like the new look, potential WRX owners do. ;-)
Ken
Anyone else notice the nice, 3 spoke steering wheel? I never got why the Momo has 4 spokes.
Also - check the taillamp detail on that bottom pick, there's a little circle that extends beyond the bottom line on it. A subtle detail, but nice.
Ken: I agree, and that's exactly why Subaru scored big. A few folks will rush out to buy the last few bug eyed models, and others will line up for the new look.
-juice
Not bugless in Seattle!
Stephen
I know you will think I'm nuts, but the new "facelifted" '03 Neon (forget that it's a Dodge, for moment!) is what I have in mind for the fender contour and headlight design. It really looks great.
It would look much like a *freshened* version of Stephen's car.
Bob
Ed (bugeyes just fine by me, new version okay too)
-Colin
-Brian
Man, that STi hood scoop is HUGE! Also noticed that the WRX has a moonroof.
Bob
http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/thread.asp?threadid=135133
Stephen
-Dennis
Anyway, they have a couple of paragraphs about each automaker in this issue. Couple of things I wanted to point out. Under Subaru, it reads "the factory-tuned WRX STi arrives sometime next year with about 270 hp..."
Is that right? I thought the Japan-spec had a reported 280 (or more in the real-world). Did I have that wrong, does the magazine have that wrong, or are we STILL getting a detuned model?
And, just to throw out another interesting quote, under Mitsu, it reads "We'll have to wait until about the end of January to get a rally-inspired Lancer Evolution VII making roughly 250 hp." If THAT is true, then we're gonna have people jumping over from the Mitsu camp to snatch up the STis.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The problem with being associated with the Neon it's that ... it's a Neon. I agree that it's attractive. So was the Chevy Cavalier before the latest face-lift, it looked like a smaller Opel Calibra. But underneath are the cheapest rental cars ever made. So I don't blame Subaru for distancing themselves from that association.
But I'm looking at the grille and it does look better sorted. You don't have that odd area between the headlights and the grille on the original that Subaru didn't know that to do with.
Notice the taillights in that clearer picture? I like 'em. Subtle.
I noticed the seats too, Bob. They look more contoured for inner thigh support.
How much power? My guess is that Subaru and Mitsu are watching each other closely. Neither wants to announce official power output first, because the other will just tweak theirs to make 1 more horsepower. It's a chess match.
-juice
I could have also mentioned the new E-Class MB, Mini, Porsches; all who have used a oval headlight theme, to great success. The current generation Porsches, even though the headlights are no longer a true oval, clearly hint at that oval heritage.
Bob
-juice
http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=250467
http://www.swrt.com/175650.html
Please? That's where it should be.
Bob
Here are the details I like about the new design:
1. Bevel on hood outlines scoop, then smoothly blends into the scallops of the headlights, bringing attention to both design features.
2. The new grill design-it blends into the bumper and gives a very aggressive look.
3. The headlights-reminiscent of the RSX, yet very similar to the Legacy and new Forester. Nice blend of uniqueness and design unity with the rest of the line.
4. The taillights-also have a scallop. The shape of the headlights and taillights is unified much better than before.
I could definitely live without the new scoop though.
-Colin
I don't see RSX, though. Those headlights are a triangle with two bubbles at the bottom. In fact I think Acura sort of copied BMW and the Dodge Ram.
I see some Corolla influence, though they're pulled back farther, and more aggressively.
I like it more and more.
-juice
I really like the new look, especially on the silver non-STi version:
http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=250559
Ken
Check out the wagon taillights - they are more obvious than the sedan's.
-juice
http://users.bigpond.net.au/pepper/Rexilla/2003wrxrearthreequarter(web).jpg
1. I see a change to the center armrest design. More sleek and sophisticated.
2. Center mounted tachometer
3. Fewer silver accents for center console. CD player now silver.
4. New seat material, plus extra padding between legs.
Apparently all this adds 30kg to the weight. There is rumor of an additional 8hp, at least for the UK version. I wonder if we'll see these improved materials?
The center armrest is taller and looks better integrated than our add-on one.
Lose the silver entirely. Make it real or get rid of it, no fake stuff. At least make deleting it for plain old flat-black trim an option.
Ours better not gain weight! Forester lost 80 lbs with its redesign.
-juice
Bug Eyed in Seattle,
Stephen :-)
http://users.bigpond.net.au/pepper/Rexilla/2003wrxrearthreequarter(web).jpg
Oh man it's going to be hard to pick my next ride. WRX wagon with a moonroof, or Forester Premium w/turbo? Baja H6? Legacy H6?
Things are lookin' up.
-juice
p/s I don't know French
Bob
Note that the UK and Australia get a slightly different interior (new and current). Both markets get a semi-automatic a/c with a button vs. a slide lever for the recirc.
-Dennis
I can't wait to see the actual car in person! Once these pixs become more commonplace, I bet a lot of future WRX buyers hold off until this model arrives. This could be a blessing for those who prefer the current model, as there might be some better deals to be had on '03 models, especially as the announcement date draws closer over here...
Bob
Feelin' ornery in Seattle,
Stephen
In any event, I'm sure there are many cars that had some influence on the new Impreza.
Bob (very happy in Maryland)
-mike
Bob
-mike
Bob
They probably have "real" MY outside the US not like ours that are 1/2 to 1 year ahead of time.
-mike