I'm also liking the new look more and more. It certainly doesn't stand out when lined up with a Legacy and Forester as before!
Why didn't Subaru offer this design the first time? I'm going to guess that Subaru really wanted to make an impression with the intro of the New Age Impreza. The GC8 had gained popularity and even some cult status around the world so they probably felt it was time to "kick it up a notch" a la Emerril.
In any event, I give Subaru a thumbs up for trying to break the mold, but also being reponsive enough to make changes when necessary.
Bob: does this facelift show the hand of the new Greek designer? I'd like to think he is responsible for this remake. It would suggest good things to come in other product lines.
the wagons have a bright red (only one!) rear fog lamp! Why one, and not two!?
Also, the press release from the new Impreza site mentioned that the WRX now gets wheels that are dark gray!. I sure hope the US-spec WRX gets those dark gray 17" wheels!
I need to get a grip... I've lost two days of work over this facelifted Impreza! I missed most of the chat last night because I goofed off on this Impreza stuff all day, and needed to catch up.
Bob (taking a break, and catching up on paying work...) TGIF!
On the Subaru Global site it shows the wagon with the tach on the right, while for the sedan it is in the centre of the instrument cluster. Seems unusual to have different clusters, but ...
.... they must assume that the wagons are driven by little old ladies. :-P
fandc: That photo is of the TS Wagon, not the WRX. The sedan is the WRX. The WRX models will get center mounted tach, but the RS and TS will still have center mounted speedo. Ken: (hehe, like talking to myself) The upshift indicator is on the STi. If you look quickly, you can see the STi logo on the tach itself. Have you guys seen the press release? It confirms a lot of the changes in detail: 1. The funky looking hoodscoop actually does improve airflow and cooling. 2. The aerodynamics of the car are improved by the restyling. 3. Leather seats will be an option. (I didn't see anything about the moonroof) 4. Improved interior treatment. 5. Center mounted tach for the WRX 6. Steering feel improved with new dampers.
Actually the wagon photo is a 2.0 GX model, which is sold overseas. It slots in between the TS and (our) RS in terms of market position. In Europe the TS is sold as a 1.6L model. We're lucky in that we get a 2.5 TS.
The picture of the silver WRX sedan had a moonroof, if you look closely.
Bob: I was trying to say that the 2.0 GX is the equivalent to the 2.5 TS. I know they sell a TS, but I think the GX is closer to the TS spec. I also saw the moonroof, I was saying the press release didn't confirm it as an option. The current JDM WRX has a moonroof (a sliver really) but it isn't offered elsewhere.
The single fog light is an interesting item. Most European cars are fitted with only one rear fog light, the pruprose being to make the car visible, rather than provide any illumination. This is on the drivers side so bizarrely, there is usually the light spot for the fog on each side of the car but only wired on one side. for many cars, particularly at the cheaper end of the market, the opposite side is fitted with a reversing light, meaning that the car has an assymetric light set at the rear. It definitely looks odd, particularly when the lights are large.
This is from Drive, the car magazine liftout from the melbourne Age and Sydney Morning Herald.
When I first saw it, on the rear of the wagon, I though someone goofed in Photoshop. I then quickly realized that this was indeed intentional. The asymmetrical aspect looked a bit odd, but it's now growing on me.
It has been reported, other than North America, that sales of the "New Age" Impreza were off. I think this "Newest Age" facelift will reverse that—if the response of all the posters I've seen is any true indication. Most people seem to *love* it. Most of those who don't, seem to be owners the current bug-eye versions.
I've long wished that North American WRX came standard with the 17" wheels found on those sold in Europe, and elsewhere. Now that these wheels come painted in dark gray, I want them even more...
The argument against offering them here is that: A) they create a harsher ride, and they're more subject to damage caused by potholes, etc.
I have a solution:
Instead of using the the "Plus 1" 215/45x17 tire, use a slightly taller (sidewall) 215/50x17" tire.
I think this would be a very good compromise, in that we would get those gorgeous wheels, the car would probably handle a tad better, the ride would be acceptable, and they would be a bit less prone to damage than the 45-section tires.
Actually, if the STi used a 50-section tire, this is the size it would probably be using. It uses a 225/45x17 tire, which converts to a 215/50x17 tire.
Also, it's not unprecedented for Subaru to use a slightly larger tire for other markets. Our North American Outback wears a 225/60x16 tire, whereas Outbacks sold elsewhere wear the 215/60x16 tire.
I'm sure it's there, because I believe it's required by law in most if not all European countries. Because of the difference in the "color break" of the sedan vs. wagon lights, we just don't see it. It's probably part of the red area of the sedan's rear lights, unlike the wagon.
I was looking at the picture of the rear of the new wagon and noticed there is no longer a keyhole for the hatch, just like the new Forester. The sedan, however, still has a keyhole on the trunk!?
It's mentioned on the Global site, under the "Impreza" button. You need to let it load, then click on the wagon image, and it will list at the bottom as to what trim levels it will be available in. The WRX is listed there. There is no STi wagon, however.
I think we'll see it with the NA STi intro, but it makes sense that Subaru does the switch sooner than later. I'm sure that well see a slowing of the current WRX body style in anticipation of the new one coming out. It's probably a balance between their inventory and customer demand.
<< 215/50R17 would probably rub. I don't think there's room in the wheel well for those. >>
Remember, the STi has 225/45x17. If you convert that size to a 50-section tire (from a 45-section), you come up with a 215/50x17. The STi and WRX share the same fenders, except for the racer model and the wagon. In Japan there is a STi wagon, however.
225/45x17's on a 7.5" rim and no rubbing w/my wagon, even w/4 adults and a child in the car, going up and down the hills of Seattle. The one drawback w/this setup (for some) is that you can't lower too much w/the wagon or you get rubbing in the rear.
The SOJ site has just been upgraded. The home page now mentions the revised Impreza, from the Paris show—and has a couple of teaser images of a soon-to-be-released Forester Cross Sport.
It shows much larger tires (which could be just a factor of the lens distortion used in this image), a different grille, ground effects, and a hood scoop. So at least we know it has a turbo...
Quoting the Autoweek article: "A turbo Forester will join Subaru’s U.S. lineup. It arrives after an STi version of the WRX comes next June, and before a twin-turbo Legacy debuts in the fall of 2004.
the new turbo Legacy will debut with the all-new body style, for MY05 (fall of '04—2 years away). This makes sense from a marketing standpoint, but it's frustrating for us Subie-nuts who want it now...
I still think it will have a 2.5 (single) turbo, and not a 2.0 (twin) turbo. Here's hoping...
Comments
Why didn't Subaru offer this design the first time? I'm going to guess that Subaru really wanted to make an impression with the intro of the New Age Impreza. The GC8 had gained popularity and even some cult status around the world so they probably felt it was time to "kick it up a notch" a la Emerril.
In any event, I give Subaru a thumbs up for trying to break the mold, but also being reponsive enough to make changes when necessary.
Ken
Bob
Bob
http://www.apexjapan.com/
Steve
Bob
http://www.subaru-global.com/topics/ms/paris2002/top.html
Also, the press release from the new Impreza site mentioned that the WRX now gets wheels that are dark gray!. I sure hope the US-spec WRX gets those dark gray 17" wheels!
Bob
Bob (taking a break, and catching up on paying work...) TGIF!
-mike
.... they must assume that the wagons are driven by little old ladies. :-P
Man, I REALLY like the new look now. My wife's gonna get an earful today!
So that was a rear fog on the wagon. I thought it was a Photoshop goof, but then it appeared on everything on the web site.
Ken
Ken
Ken: (hehe, like talking to myself) The upshift indicator is on the STi. If you look quickly, you can see the STi logo on the tach itself.
Have you guys seen the press release? It confirms a lot of the changes in detail:
1. The funky looking hoodscoop actually does improve airflow and cooling.
2. The aerodynamics of the car are improved by the restyling.
3. Leather seats will be an option. (I didn't see anything about the moonroof)
4. Improved interior treatment.
5. Center mounted tach for the WRX
6. Steering feel improved with new dampers.
The picture of the silver WRX sedan had a moonroof, if you look closely.
Bob
Can't remember where I saw that.
Ken
The single fog light is an interesting item. Most European cars are fitted with only one rear fog light, the pruprose being to make the car visible, rather than provide any illumination. This is on the drivers side so bizarrely, there is usually the light spot for the fog on each side of the car but only wired on one side. for many cars, particularly at the cheaper end of the market, the opposite side is fitted with a reversing light, meaning that the car has an assymetric light set at the rear. It definitely looks odd, particularly when the lights are large.
This is from Drive, the car magazine liftout from the melbourne Age and Sydney Morning Herald.
http://drive.fairfax.com.au/content-new/news/general/2002/09/27/FFXEKJRZK6D.html
cheers
Graham
Bob
Bob
The argument against offering them here is that: A) they create a harsher ride, and
I have a solution:
Instead of using the the "Plus 1" 215/45x17 tire, use a slightly taller (sidewall) 215/50x17" tire.
I think this would be a very good compromise, in that we would get those gorgeous wheels, the car would probably handle a tad better, the ride would be acceptable, and they would be a bit less prone to damage than the 45-section tires.
Actually, if the STi used a 50-section tire, this is the size it would probably be using. It uses a 225/45x17 tire, which converts to a 215/50x17 tire.
Also, it's not unprecedented for Subaru to use a slightly larger tire for other markets. Our North American Outback wears a 225/60x16 tire, whereas Outbacks sold elsewhere wear the 215/60x16 tire.
Bob
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Subaru decides to bring the 17" rims as standard equipment with the facelifted WRX. I love that dark grey color!
Ken
Bob
Bob
No mentioning anywhere.
-Dave
Bob
Thanks Bob
-Dave
Scroll down to the last three pics on this page:
http://www.apexjapan.com/news/sti_facelift/sti_wrx.html
Ken
Anyone care to wager that we'll see it at our shores just about the same time as the rest of the world as a 2003?...
I say we would. Can't be cost effective to have prod. line for two diff. body style of the same model.
-Dave
I think we'll see it with the NA STi intro, but it makes sense that Subaru does the switch sooner than later. I'm sure that well see a slowing of the current WRX body style in anticipation of the new one coming out. It's probably a balance between their inventory and customer demand.
Ken
I kind of noticed the "family resemblance" too, Bob.
Looks at those new seats - and the 3 headrests in the back. Add a center tach, optional leather and moonroof, and you'll make a LOT of people happy.
215/50R17 would probably rub. I don't think there's room in the wheel well for those.
-juice
Remember, the STi has 225/45x17. If you convert that size to a 50-section tire (from a 45-section), you come up with a 215/50x17. The STi and WRX share the same fenders, except for the racer model and the wagon. In Japan there is a STi wagon, however.
Bob
Unless they put 16s on the wagon, 17s on the sedan? That would work with their pricing strategy - wagons being more affordable.
-juice
Stephen
-juice
Bob
'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
It shows much larger tires (which could be just a factor of the lens distortion used in this image), a different grille, ground effects, and a hood scoop. So at least we know it has a turbo...
Bob
http://www.subaru.co.jp/index_h.html
I just checked the website. The only thing they mention is a lowered suspension (Lowdown = Japanglish for lowered suspension) and an intro this fall.
I think the tires look big due to the chassis be positioned lower.
Ken
-juice
http://www.autoweek.com
Sorry, the full link to the article was too long to post. Look in the Car News section.
Oh yeah bay-bee!
Ouch!
-juice
Bob
"A turbo Forester will join Subaru’s U.S. lineup. It arrives after an STi version of the WRX comes next June, and before a twin-turbo Legacy debuts in the fall of 2004.
(jaw hits keyboard tray)
-Brian
-juice
Ken
-Brian
Bob
http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/75396/page017.html
Here's an AutoWeek article about a future Legacy twin turbo.
Can anyone say GT-B E-tune II?
..Mike
..Mike
I still think it will have a 2.5 (single) turbo, and not a 2.0 (twin) turbo. Here's hoping...
Bob
The first post in this thread indicated that US-spec '04 Subies would be getting this engine.
Bob