click above image to view both pics of the 2008 Subaru Impreza
The amount of time that's passed since we first laid eyes on the 2008 Subaru Impreza has not served to sooth our gag reflex upon seeing it again. Though cast in a different hue this time, the general shape of the new hatchback body style in conjunction with the new chrome grille make the '08 Impreza look like the bastard offspring of a Kia Spectra5 and Toyota Camry. Since Motor Trend spilled the beans this week, Inside Line decided to drop with all the details they have on the new Impreza so far, and unfortunately there's no silver lining to report on this storm cloud.
[Source: Inside Line]
IL apparently got seat time in the car already and report that interior build quality has been vastly improved, as well as the overall packaging and useability of the vehicle. The wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer, while the interior width grows by 2 inches. The hatchback is 1.7 inches shorter than the current Impreza wagon, while the new sedan will actually be a whopping 4.9 inches longer than the four-door it replaces. Apparently much of that length goes into an extra large trunk.
A new double-wishbone rear suspension frees up some space in the back for more cargo, while the new front suspension is an almost direct port from the Legacy model. Base models will roll on 16-inch wheels, while the WRX makes do with 17-inchers.
Unfortunately, Subarua spent all that money on improving the quality of the Impreza's interior and messing with its design that no funds remained for upgrading the important mechanicals. Thus, all engines and transmissions will carry over with nary a change. That means the WRX model trudges on with its 2.5L turbocharged flat-four producing around 225 horsepower and transmission choices remain but a five-speed stick or four-speed auto.
We admit we're harshing on the 2008 Subaru Impreza, perhaps a bit more than it deserves considering we have not seen it in person yet. That will be corrected next week in New York, and for Subaru's sake we hope the new Impreza makes a killer first impression in the flesh.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Dr. Greenthumb @ Mar 29th 2007 7:07AM
Dear Subaru:
Love your mechanicals, not your styling. Didn't Hyundai build this car in the mid-late 80s and call it the Excel? Seriously though, you can keep this car.
mike @ Mar 29th 2007 7:08AM
bangle?
bloodphile @ Mar 29th 2007 7:24AM
I hope it comes with a paper bag. So that the driver can keep his pride by hiding his face and not getting laughed at for driving the bastard child of an ugly korean car
nj @ Mar 29th 2007 7:29AM
presenting the all new SUBARU CAMRY!!!
jgp @ Mar 29th 2007 7:30AM
I've said this before, I'll say this again...
The Impreza has always been fugly. The first generation looked like a damn Corolla. The second generation is one of the ugliest cars on the road; the only good-looking part of that car is the nose on the 06-07 facelifted version.
The WRX has always sold based solely on performance, not looks; if people bought it for looks, Subaru would have discontinued it a long time ago. Subaru has always saved their best designs for the Legacy (a car that looks beautiful every even-numbered generation, and strange every odd-numbered generation), never the Impreza.
Actually, the only thing ugly about this design is the damn grille. The side profile is quite handsome (but only when viewed directly from the side...it just looks strange and awkward from the front 3/4 view), and I like the taillights and rear fascia a lot.
Give the new Impreza the nose from the 06-07 version and lower the beltline by a few inches, and it'll easily be the best-looking Impreza yet. But, no, Subaru has to follow tradition, and ruin the Impreza's design with something (in this case, the damnable grill).
Owen @ Mar 29th 2007 7:31AM
It's the chrome on the grill and the altezza's that are ruining it for me. I honesetly like the sheet metal, it's those two things that are bugging me.
devin_sylvester @ Mar 29th 2007 7:38AM
I second the Bangle....
i just puked in my mouth.
Michael Karesh @ Mar 29th 2007 7:40AM
Sorry, but I'm not sure even Bangle is capable of this.
Biz @ Mar 29th 2007 8:01AM
From the sides, it bares more then a passing resembelance to a Mazda 323 (99-03). but apart from that I kind of like it even though it's no beauty.
Prefers Mazda Anyway @ Mar 29th 2007 8:05AM
First Subie designers stepped back from the B9 Tribeca and said "Yeah, that looks about right."
Now this.
Two otherwise impressive vehicles beaten with the ugly stick.
They. Must. Be. Stopped.
BCM @ Mar 29th 2007 8:05AM
Edmund's calls this styling "conservative". It's a different kind of ugly than what's happened with the current car since its 1993 introduction, but I don't think I'd call it conservative. I think they're referring to the lack of a whale tail or a giant hoop on the rear end, but I'm sure those will be available
Peter @ Mar 29th 2007 8:06AM
JGP:
It is one thing to not sell on looks. It is another thing to be so ugly that people just don't want to be seen in the car. (Like this one)
After years of tweaking, Subaru finally got the 06/07 right. The impreza is enjoying record sales in its final year, that should tell them they finally got it right.
The morons finally get it right in time to replace it with all out ugly again.
apk @ Mar 29th 2007 8:08AM
AS a previous WRX owner all I wanted from the new one was an great interior and upgraded driveline. I never have cared about looks as I am on the inside of the car and only see it when its parked. That being said, I see no reason to bother with this one...same driveline and boring interior makes me look elsewhere. Maybe if the STI comes in the five-door.
RBW @ Mar 29th 2007 8:09AM
Someone is going to make a fortune selling aftermarket grills, tail lights and body kits for this thing.
Dave T. @ Mar 29th 2007 8:11AM
First off the pictures MT has that were widely circulated look much better, in blue. Second, I think the problem is that the grille and lights are so swoopy yet the front fascia underneath is straight as a ruler. It looks weird. And I doubt the taillights are production. Hope not. But that's easily fixed.
Third, everyone bitched about the exterior design and the interior quality of the old one, not the awesome engine. So they fix that yet people are still upset. I think it looks pretty cool and the engine upgrade will come in two years or so for a refresh. Smart business call to me.
BigWheel @ Mar 29th 2007 8:35AM
Camry and Kia??? How can you miss the Ford Focus inspired B-pillar? Plus, that grill is straight from the Chrysler Sebring IMHO. The car is an emulsion of the greatest styling cues every collected (giant wink).
I disagree with Peter (12), the highest evolution of the WRX was the '04-'05 Saab 92x Aero.
Matthew @ Mar 29th 2007 8:46AM
I'll wait to see the sedan version to make my final judgment. Al least they haven't canceled it and gone all Dodge Caliber on it.
John P. @ Mar 29th 2007 8:49AM
looks good except for the nose, Subaru never gets it completely right. It's alway as if the CEO's 12 year old budding designer wannabe got a crack at doing one part of the car.
Bob L. @ Mar 29th 2007 8:52AM
Just replace the grill, and it’ll be fine. Who ever made the decision to put that grill in this car should be forced to design something practical...like sewer grates...
mj @ Mar 29th 2007 8:52AM
AACK! They've hired Bangle! Run for the hills! It's contagious!