Subaru expects big sales gains from '17 Impreza

Subaru of America expects to boost sales of its redesigned Impreza as much as 33 percent thanks to fresh styling, handling improvements and better fuel economy.

Tom Doll, president of Subaru of America, predicted annual sales up to 75,000 Imprezas, up from 56,274 last year -- which was the car's peak.

The new global architecture used for the Impreza has a better suspension system, 50 percent less body roll and is 70 percent stiffer, Doll said last month at the New York auto show.

Fuel economy is improved, he said, although final EPA numbers are not yet in. The Impreza sedan and five-door go on sale in November. Pricing is to be announced this summer and the car is expected to be close in price to today's base model, which is $19,045, including shipping.

Subaru also has made the Impreza exterior more modern and sculpted and has improved interior materials, finishes and seating, Doll said. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, but Subaru's EyeSight precrash system, which wasn't previously offered on the Impreza, will be optional. 

"If you look at the combination with all-wheel drive, improved fuel economy and styling, we believe we can make significant inroads," Doll said. 

Subaru also can increase Impreza output now that the vehicle's production is moving to the Lafayette, Ind., plant, which is being expanded. 

The Indiana factory will add 100,000 units of capacity this spring and another 100,000 next year, bringing total capacity to about 390,000 vehicles. 

Doll forecast Subaru U.S. sales of 615,000 vehicles this year, up from 582,675 in 2015.