Snagged while testing in the Alps by the shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co., the 2012 Impreza 5-door appears to have a few changes in the greenhouse. In back, it looks as if the rear windshield has less slope to it than the current model, and there is a new configuration for the rear-quarter glass. Near the front, we can also see a new setup that includes a piece of front-quarter glass.
While lots of the other details are hidden by thick camouflage, honeycomb grille inserts and very angular headlights are easy to see on this prototype.
Priddy says that the regular powertrain should continue to be the 2.5L Boxer motor we're all familiar with. Some modest updates for increased fuel economy should be expected. According to Priddy, the biggest news is that a hybrid model is likely to show up this time around!
Production for the next-gen Impreza is currently slated to start in June 2011, with the hybrid model following a year later in 2012. Watch for the likely debut at next year's Tokyo Motor Show.
Photos copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without copyright holder's consent is prohibited.