Earlier this month Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru automobiles released a sneak-peak of the new Impreza's shadowed side, showing of it's new stylish curves. Many were anticipating a greatly improved model which has in general occured now its released.

We personally like the new Impreza's design overall, the new body layout, wheels & interior trims make it a pleasing site versus the previous generation when it came out 2006. The interiors aesthetics and technology looks greatly improved, with leather encased seats, styled gauges, a navigation system and new rotating air conditioning controls, its great to final see the Japanese achieve a euro-like interior design.

But, despite the sparkles and smiles we think the rear is a big let-down. Sadly, the newly designed rear looks more like the end of a Honda Civic! Not good. What were the designers thinking here. But I suppose you have to have some good-old Japanese styled panels on Japanese cars of course. Hopefully we'll see the STi and WRX gain some enhancements to the rear, maybe a nice rear wing, some LED taillights?

Now lets look at the engineering within the Impreza. We see it gain Subaru's new 3rd Generation Boxer Engine, the 4 cylinder variant known as the EJ Series. The 2nd generation was released in the late 90's with the release of Subaru's newer Legacy & Impreza models. The greatest enhancement (aside from fuel economy) is the implementation of the chain driven cams. No more timing belt to replace! Thank goodness. It was (and still is) the typical story, replace the timing belt every 100,000km or x amount of years. The 4 Cylinder Boxer's big brother, the 6 Cylinder (the EZ Series) was introduced with the timing chain back in 2000 making it a some-what no maintenance engine, but hell did that chain make some noise!

We see Subaru finally retire the good-old 4 speed automatic transmission (E-4AT Phase 2), which long served for over a decade. Its now being replaced with, yes, a CVT. Only because it gives the better mileage and smoother ride. But i'm sure many enthusiasts would take a conventional automatic over a CVT any day (but enthusiasts would stick to manuals wouldn't they?).

Judging this car is not yet possible, we still haven't even heard the full printed specs yet. But for the time being, it seems like a positive step forward in Subaru's line-up; despite the slight slip-up on the design.