Subaru of America will turn 50 in 2018 and is setting sales records every month. Subaru hopes to capitalize on its sales successes by rolling out a new vehicle architecture that emerged late last year with the redesigned 2017 Impreza. The Crosstrek joined the Subaru Global Platform this year, and the new Ascent three-row crossover due in spring will be based on a modified version of the platform.
Subaru's lineup, anchored by the Outback and Forester crossovers, will diversify in the coming years with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle based on the platform's flexible design, which allows for gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric drivetrains.
BRZ: In recent years, Subaru executives in Japan have said the two-door will get a second generation but the timing is unclear. A second generation could appear in 2020. In the meantime, Subaru added a limited-edition tS variant for the 2018 model year, which features the company's STI-branded performance equipment, including a rear carbon fiber spoiler and 18-inch wheels. The BRZ tS also has Cherry Blossom Red accenting around the grille and rear bumper cover.
Impreza: Redesigned for 2017, the compact sedan and five-door are little changed for the 2018 model year, adding standard automatic headlight activation on Premium, Sport and Limited trims, which kicks in when the windshield wipers are on. A freshening is likely in 2020.
Future Product: Mazda timeline
Future Product: Mitsubishi timeline
Future Product: Subaru timeline
PDF: Mazda, Mitsubishi and Subaru Future Products
Crosstrek: The redesigned 2018 Crosstrek is starting to arrive at dealerships. Joining the global platform, the subcompact crossover will build on characteristics that made the first generation one of Subaru's most popular offerings: youth-oriented looks, high ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability. Crosstrek brings in the youngest customers of any Subaru nameplate and is expected to continue as an important sales generator. New for 2018 is an available six-speed transmission, which replaces a five-speed. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across all trims.
