The wide stance of the car perfectly frames the front end and as you slowly move to the sides, the all-important fender flares become very apparent; nothing says power and authority like some well sculpted wheel arches. The dramatic show-car wheels and the sleek and subtle character-line beautifully tie in the front headlights to the original and purposeful-looking taillights.
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| Subaru Impreza Concept (Photo: Matt St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
As I stood back, although the front of the car makes you want to drive it hard, I found the rear-end treatment to be especially hot. The lower portion of the taillights drops off towards the bumper but instead of turning inward, as body panels usually do, here, it carries on flat and straight down, joining with what look like to be air extractors. Within the creases, the deck lid features its own hexagon treatment that perfectly complements the lower diffusers.
This little car is a masterpiece. In the past, Subaru's concepts have turned out to be very true portraits of the production car. I'm praying that the next Impreza turns out to be 99% identical to the concept. The other 1% is for side-view mirrors; I don't think we are quite ready for side-view cameras.
In closing, hats off to you Subaru for a well-kept secret and stunning insight on what is coming down the pipeline from Fuji Heavy Industries. By far, my favourite car of the sow!
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| Subaru Impreza Concept (Photo: Matt St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |