Unveiled for the 2017 model year, the current-generation Subaru Impreza received a significant makeover inside and out compared to the previous model, but old engine was carried over with mild revisions. Despite not being that much more powerful, the sedan gets a lot of praise for its comfortable and roomy cabin, the standard all-wheel-drive system, and the available safety features. For 2018, the Impreza continues without any changes -- which isn't surprising given that it's still relatively new -- but Subaru is offering a limited-edition, 50th Anniversary package.
The bundle is part of Subaru's celebration of its 50th anniversary in the United States. Established in 1953, the Japanese firm crossed the pond to the U.S. in 1968, when Malcolm Bricklin and Harvey Lamm founded Subaru of America in Philadelphia and began selling the tiny 360 model. This limited-edition Impreza is part of a larger scale 50th Anniversary offensive that includes the entire U.S. lineup, minus the yet-to-be-available Ascent. Yes, you can have the package on the Legacy, Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, BRZ, and WRX too, but we're going to focus on the Impreza in this article.
Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru Impreza 50th Anniversary Edition.
2018 Subaru Impreza 50th Anniversary Edition
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- Model: 2018 Subaru Impreza 50th Anniversary Edition
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What makes the Subaru Impreza 50th Anniversary Edition special?
Just like the rest of this anniversary lineup, the Impreza comes wrapped in an exclusive color. It's called Heritage Blue and its similar to the brighter blue seen on the World Rally Championship cars and the WRX models. The hue is available for the 50th Anniversary model only, so you won't be able to order it with any of the regular cars and SUVs. At least not for a while. Subaru also replaced the usual chrome trim on the windows and badges with a satin finish and added unique alloy wheels with a five-spoke design. The Impreza also gets satin chrome mirror caps, a feature that's not available on the BRZ, WRX, and STI models included in this run.
The upholstery inside the cabin is all-black, which isn't very exciting, but at least it has silver stitching and silver seatbelts. New "50th Anniversary" logos are embroidered on the front seats and the carpeted floor mats for a more exclusive look. Each commemorative model is based on a high-level trim, so they come with extra features compared to the base model. The Impreza 50th Anniversary Edition is based on the range-topping 2.0i Limited model, so it gets all the fancy features. Extra standard equipment inside the cabin includes a power driver's seat, leather upholstery, paddle shifters for the CTV gearbox, folding rear seat armrest with dual cupholders, and automatic climate control, among others.
Power is provided by the same 2.0-liter boxer-four engine available across the entire Impreza lineup. Output is rated at 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, and travels to the wheels through a Lineartronic CTV transmission and the company's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
The 50th Anniversary Edition is available for both sedan and hatchback versions of the Impreza. The four-door costs $28,340 before taxes and delivery, a $4,145 premium over the base 2.0i Limited trim it is based on. The gap is similar between the hatchback models, with the 50th Anniversary Edition five-door priced from $28,840. The sedan is limited to 500 units, while the hatchback is limited to 550 examples.
References
Subaru Impreza
Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru Impreza.
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