The 2017 Subaru Impreza has been unveiled the New York Motor revealing a sedan and wagon-esque hatchback.

THE 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA has been unveiled ahead of its New York Motor Show debut showing off a more sophisticated exterior design, while on the inside it’s an evolution of the current model rather than a revolution.

There’s no word from Subaru Australia yet, but it’s likely we’ll get the sedan pictured here as well as the wagon-esque hatchback. Underneath the new-generation Impreza is the Global Platform Subaru recently detailed, which will underpin all future Subaru models, and which the Japanese car maker promises will set the new benchmark in small car ride and handling.

The new Impreza will be slightly bigger than the current model: the wheelbase will grow by 25mm, it’ll be 41mm longer and it’ll get 38mm wider. This means there should be more room on the inside of the thing. And the image of the boot suggests the rear seats fold down totally flat.

Subaru’s global platform promises, according to the Japanese car maker, benchmark setting ride and handling, NVH and safety. “Optimized frame structure and stronger joints between parts” mean overall torsional rigidity is up by 70% over current models. This structure stiffness helps to distribute “the resonance and distortion throughout the body” helping to make it very quiet. And by mounting the rear stabiliser directly to the body, the new platform reduces body roll by 50% compared to present models.

Subaru has also announced Active Torque Vectoring will be fitted. In terms of the engine, around 80% of the parts on the FB 2.0-litre direct-injection Boxer engine (112kW) have been completely revamped, making it lighter, delivering more power and fuel efficiency. Although rumours suggested Subaru might include cylinder deactivation, there’s been no mention of that by the Japanese car maker.

As hoped, the CVT has been tweaked and borrows the full-auto stepped shifts from the WRX which will help to make this CVT the benchmark transmission of its ilk in this class, and that’s not damning it with faint praise. It features a seven-speed manual mode function.

Subaru claims that thanks to a frame structure that enables more efficient energy absorption in the event of collision, and the enhanced body strength resulting from the increased use of high-tensile steel plates – including materials formed by the hot press method – impact energy absorption is improved by 40% over present models.

Subaru Australia hasn’t said what specs we’ll see on the new Impreza when it arrives Down Under, but globally the thing will be offered with EyeSight, including Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist. Also offered will be High Beam Assist which is linked to the EyeSight stereo camera, automatically switching from high to low beam according to what is happening ahead of the vehicle. Steering Responsive Headlights move the beam right or left when turning, illuminating the direction of travel. Impreza employs the two headlight controls for the first time, dramatically improving night-time visibility and the recognition capabilities of EyeSight.

Cleverly, Impreza also has a newly adopted automatic braking system for reversing. When reversing, a sensor inside the rear bumper detects obstacles and alerts the driver of possible collisions. If the driver fails to act, the system automatically brakes to prevent a collision or reduce damage. Impreza also adds blind spot detection and reversing assistance, enhancing all-round preventive safety.

Beyond the Impreza, there are also rumours running around about a new WRX to get a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and possibly employ an electric motor driving the rear wheels. Stay tuned.