Could the current Subaru Impreza be the last? Subaru Australia weighs chances of next-generation Toyota Corolla and rival Hyundai i30

Subaru Impreza plays in the hard segment, giving way to small SUVs. So will there be another one?

Historically, the Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback were the basis for the creation of the Japanese brand's legend, but in a global market shifting towards SUVs, does the now-fallen model stand a chance for the next generation?

After nearly five years on the market, the Impreza received a slight facelift last year, but notably didn't get an "e-Boxer" hybrid variant in Australia, unlike its small XV spin-off SUV. It also sells in much smaller numbers than its most direct competitors, with 3642 units sold in 2021, representing just 3.7% of the sub-$40k small car segment, which pales in comparison to over 25,000 units. units achieved by Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla.

In addition to its limited sales, the Impreza has effectively been taken off the market in Europe and the UK, where Subaru is now focusing on being an "SUV brand" with a focus on its revamped XV and Forester hybrid lineup.

So, is this the writing on the wall for the embattled sedan and hatchback? As these ideas were being floated, Subaru Australia managing director Blair Reid had some thoughts.

“The Impreza suits us,” he said. “This continues to be an important entry point for the brand in Australia and we think it has a great future.

“The nameplate has such a history. I think it will continue."

A beacon of hope for the Impreza is the recent introduction in Japan of the e-Boxer hybrid, which combines the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor for slightly lower fuel consumption, and also seen on its XV sibling.

The Japanese market Impreza has a wider range of options, including a hybrid.

While non-hybrid Impreza models produce 115kW/196Nm from the four-cylinder boxer engine, the hybrid version in Japan has a slight reduction in overall power output to 107kW/188Nm. Fuel consumption is expected to drop from 7.1 l/100 km to 6.5 l/100 km.

While Subaru Australia sources its models exclusively from Japan, it remains tight-lipped about introducing future hybrid models, with representatives saying it's weighing in on local feedback and the success of its first two variants, the e-Boxer XV and Forester.

The success of the XV both in Australia and abroad all but guarantees a next model with a refreshed interior and a huge portrait screen, as seen in the new Outback and WRX lines. But it looks like whether the Australian lineup will include another generation of the Impreza depends entirely on the success of the model and subsequent update in the Japanese domestic market.

Whether Australia gets another generation of the Impreza may be entirely due to the car's success overseas.

Stay tuned as we keep an eye on all things Impreza as the current car goes through the rest of its model cycle.