Subaru Announces 2017 Impreza Pricing, Gives Six-Speed Manuals the Finger

Subaru has coughed up how much the all-new 2017 Impreza hatchback and sedan will cost.

The new Subies offer a few surprises in regard to pricing, especially on the higher trims, and a shocking loyalty to the five-speed manual transmission — an increasingly rare beast in the automotive landscape.

However, top-of-the-line Limited cars are an eyebrow-raising $1,500 beyond the previous generation. That equates to $24,915 for the sedan and $25,415 for the hatch.

This price jump is mostly due to the Premium and Limited models only coming with a continuously variable transmission — a $1,000 option on other models. The Limited also gets aluminum 17 inch wheels, daytime running lights, leather-trimmed interior, and a few other niceties you won’t see on the base model.

Enthusiasts will forego the Limited and smartly opt for the Sport trim mated with that five-speed gearbox. The Sport comes with a tuned suspension, active torque vectoring, 18-inch wheels, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. Its exterior also gains exclusive black accents intended to add menace. The Sport sedan starts at $22,815 with the manual but, if you are foolish, you can ruin it with the CVT.

It is curious that Subaru has adhered to the five-speed manual when so many other automakers have switched to six-speed units. Outside of micro cars like the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, and Chevrolet’s Spark, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything offering five gears and a clutch without traveling back in time a few years. Of course, those concerned with enhanced fuel economy can purchase a base model with CVT and those obsessed with close-ratio gearing can buy a six-speed WRX STI.

For 2017, Subaru has placed the new Imprezas on its scalable Global Platform. With better claimed rigidity and energy absorption compared to the company’s current models, the stiffer chassis should translate into a better ride and improved safety. All models will come standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system possessing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Obviously, Imprezas will continue on with Subaru’s beloved Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system and 2.0-liter Boxer engine. The motor is up four ponies from last year, making 152 horsepower.

The 2.0i Sedan paired with the CVT is the most fuel-efficient model, with an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Imprezas equipped with a CVT are available later this year but you’ll have to wait until early 2017 if you want to own what may be one of the last five-speeds in existence.

[Image: Subaru]