Check out two new 2021 Subaru Impreza models that are coming to Japan. See why they won’t make it to North America.
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Subaru announced a new 2021 Impreza e-Boxer hybrid model and the new Impreza STI Sport trim for the Japanese market. The two models could see their way to Europe and Australia, but you won’t see the Impreza variants make it to U.S. shores.
The new 2021 Impreza STI Sport is a Subaru Tecnica International enhanced model. Subaru says the STI Sport trim gets improved driving dynamics through the new front and rear dampers on the suspension. It enhances stability in the corners and offers a quicker steering response. What Subaru Tecnica International did not change was the engine’s performance.
The models get unique STI badging on the front grille and rear deck, a front under spoiler, and distinctive dark metallic STI sports 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it gets aluminum pedals, a red meter with multi-information display, red stitching on the seats and door panels, and red seat inserts.
The STI Sport isn’t much different from the US-spec Impreza Sport trim. STI Sport gets a few exterior and interior upgrades and suspension improvements over the North America model. The Impreza isn’t an enormous volume model for Subaru of America, and they likely won’t build the new STI Sport in Lafayette, Indiana. The Subaru plant produces maximum output and needs assembly space for the more popular Outback and Ascent models.
Subaru Japan also announced a new 2021 Impreza e-Boxer Hybrid trim. The compact model adds to the Forester and Crosstrek e-Boxer models offered in Japan, Europe, and Australia markets. The Impreza e-Boxer combines electric technology with the 2.0-liter Boxer engine.
Will Subaru bring the Forester and Impreza e-Boxer to the U.S.?
Subaru Corporation has announced its entire lineup will have some form of electric power by the mid-2030s. They could be a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully-electric model. The North American market already has the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid model offered in limited availability.
You won’t see the Forester and Impreza e-Boxer (mild hybrid) models in North America. Subaru of America is in no rush to bring more hybrid models to the U.S. market when gas prices are low, and demand is not there.
The Japanese automaker’s lineup in the U.S., consisting of Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ, will all have some form of electrification. It will likely be hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology coming from its partnership with Toyota. Subaru is calling them “strong hybrids.” First, look for Subaru to bring smaller fuel-efficient direct-injection turbocharged engines to its entire North American lineup in the next few years.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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