2017 Subaru Impreza

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Attractive for many reasons, few of them related to styling, the Impreza is redesigned for the 2017 model year and is now equipped with genuinely appealing looks. Naturally, Subaru improves the rest of the car, too, in particular making strides in terms of driving dynamics and safety.

Based on a new Subaru Global Platform vehicle architecture

Longer, wider, lower and larger both inside and out New Sport trim level More powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine Made in the U.S.A.

Forming the basis of future Subaru models, the Impreza’s new scalable architecture is 70% more rigid than the previous model’s platform, and it contributes to a lower center of gravity for improved driving dynamics. Additionally, Subaru claims a 40% increase in structural crash energy absorption characteristics, further improving safety levels in what is already one of the safest small cars you can buy.

Available in four levels of trim, the 2017 Impreza Sedan comes in base, Premium, Sport and Limited levels of specification. The Sport trim is new to Subaru’s compact sedan, previously restricted to the hatchback body style. It adds a number of cosmetic enhancements along with a sport-tuned suspension, larger 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires and an Active Torque Vectoring system for better handling.

A 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine resides beneath the Impreza Sedan’s hood. Thanks to a new direct fuel injection system, it makes a little more power than last year.

Assisting in the quest for more enjoyable driving dynamics is a redesigned suspension for a 50% reduction in body roll while cornering, as well as a claimed improvement in the car’s straight-line stability.

Safety upgrades come in the form of the Impreza’s more robust platform and body structure, as well as in newly available, safety technologies including reverse automatic braking, steering responsive headlights, automatic high-beam headlights and an individual tire pressure monitoring system. Subaru also offers a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and the company’s well-regarded EyeSight suite of safety technologies is also an option, installing forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane sway assist, lane keeping assist and an adaptive cruise control system.

Choose the Premium, Sport or Limited model for access to Starlink Safety and Security subscription services. This supplies features such as automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, a vehicle locating service, and more. Standard for the base and Premium models, the Starlink infotainment system includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen display and smartphone projection technology supporting Apple and Android devices. Sport and Limited models supply a larger 8-inch screen and additional functionality. A navigation system and a Harmon Kardon premium sound system are options. —Christian Wardlaw, Daily News Autos