Subaru previews the next-generation Impreza in Tokyo

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the all-new Subaru Impreza. You’ll be able to buy one in 2017. Weird isn’t it? There was a time when those words would cause most petrolheads to quiver with uncontainable excitement, but these days the Impreza is a run-of-the mill hatch only available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, while the hot WRX STI saloon (now sold as a separate model entirely) feels like a spent force.

However, here at TopGear we’re always prepared to offer seconds chances, so could this all-new model breathe life into a tarnished badge? It certainly looks smart enough. It's only a concept at this stage, so we can expect the carbon-fins on the wheels, deep side sills and fang-like vents in the front bumper to be toned down for production, but there’s nothing awkward about the proportions.

Subaru says the ‘Impreza 5-Door Concept’ not only hints at the next Impreza, but at the future model line-up as a whole and - good news - there’s not a lot to be worried about here. Considering it’s longer, wider and lower than a VW Golf, it should also be among the biggest in the class inside.

Given there’s almost two years until the finished article arrives, and still a facelift for the current car to squeeze in in early 2016, there’s no word on engines just yet. An all-petrol line-up, with the choice of a manual or the infuriating Lineartronic CVT, is odds on though.

As for the WRX STI saloon, we’re told it’s still relatively early in its product cycle, so don’t expect any updates or replacements for that anytime soon. Anyone else pining for the days when Subaru were just a bit more… well, exciting?