Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza 2024: Bigger engine, sportier variants, hybrid on the cards

Subaru Australia is preparing to expand the variant lineup of its just-launched Crosstrek small SUV and forthcoming new-gen Impreza hatch over the next 12 to 18 months, starting with flagship 2.5-litre versions of each model, heralding the return of the much-loved Impreza RS.

A more powerful and more efficient hybrid drivetrain is also in the works – likely replacing the existing Crosstrek Hybrid in a future model-year update while also being considered for introduction in the petrol-only new-generation Impreza hatch.

Speaking to Wheels at the brand’s 50th Anniversary event, Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read said that the runaway success of the turbocharged Outback XT developed in Japan specifically for our market (and New Zealand) had strengthened the case for development of future right-hand-drive niche variants such as the 2.5-litre Crosstrek and Impreza.

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“It definitely supports the case [for these niche, market-specific variants] and reinforces again that desire, particularly from Australian Subaru customers, for high specs and features in a vehicle, which has been part and parcel of the brand for many years.

“It should be not too difficult in the future,” he said.

At present, 2.5-litre versions of the Crosstrek and Impreza are produced solely in left-hand-drive at Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana factory for North American consumption – a situation that also once applied to the forthcoming Outback Wilderness and recently introduced Outback XT. But Subaru’s Japanese production source has now proven that it’s capable of successfully delivering these niche variants in right-hand-drive form.

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The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness is being produced in Japan for eventual Australian consumption

When questioned on whether he thinks an Impreza Hybrid or an Impreza RS is more of a priority for Subaru Australia, Mr Read replied “both”.

“I think there is a big customer following for either. So what I would say to that, as you’ve seen over the last 18 months after a period of consolidation, we’ve started to broaden the range again, slowly, step by step. And we would consider both of those options as ways to broaden the Impreza mix,” he said.

The new-gen Impreza will launch in Australia with a 115kW 2.0-litre petrol engine, whereas the US market gets a 136kW 2.5-litre Impreza RS range-topper and Japan will feature an all-hybrid Impreza line-up.

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The new Impreza is yet to arrive in Oz

If the Impreza Hybrid makes its way to Australia, it's highly likely to incorporate Subaru's advanced hybrid technology.

This new setup, described as an 'evolution' of the existing powertrain, is slated to premiere in the sixth-generation Forester next year.

The existing Crosstrek Hybrid will receive this updated powertrain either as a model-year update for MY24 or MY25, though Mr Read confirmed that Subaru Australia wants to offer this latest hybrid technology “as soon as possible.”

“I would love for it to be here in a year’s time, so there's a bit of work to be done to make that a reality, but it’s in the pipeline.”

As for an Impreza Hybrid, Mr Read said, “we’re watching closely on where we are and how Impreza starts, and then where would [an Impreza] hybrid position itself. And is it the right call for customers.”

“We would definitely review it for Impreza,” said Mr Read.

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The sense of urgency in offering this evolved hybrid powertrain “in the short term” stems from the relatively modest fuel-efficiency benefit and overall performance of Subaru’s existing hybrid set-up.

In the just-launched 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid, the 110kW/196Nm 2.0-litre direct-injection flat-four is boosted by a small 12.3kW/66Nm electric motor and achieves 6.5L/100km on the official combined fuel cycle.

In comparison, the regular 115kW/196Nm 2.0-litre petrol Crosstrek uses 7.2L/100km whereas a new-generation Hyundai Kona Hybrid drinks just 3.9L/100km on the same combined cycle.