Out to Impreza

Subaru’s jacked-up XV Concept will preview the next-generation Impreza hatch, due next year.

Shown at Auto Shanghai, China, the concept also “clearly flags Subaru’s intentions to capture even more of the crossover market in the future,” according to Subaru Managing Director, Nick Senior.

Expect, then, an Outback-style high-riding variant of the Impreza to launch with the new range next year.

Peel away the wheelarch cladding, however, and the car is pure Impreza hatch. With similar design cues to the Impreza Sedan Concept shown at the LA Motor Show earlier this year, particularly with the rear tailights and number plate surround, though the XV gets a less aggressive front-end. The XV is a more finished concept than the Impreza Sedan, however, with its doors and wheelarches reminiscent of the current Liberty.

The concept is powered by a 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine linked to a CVT transmission (which will finally replace the current four-speed auto).

More information on the XV Concept will be available in Wheels, June 2011 issue, out May 18th.

Click here to read the full range review of the Subaru XV.

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