Subaru: Designs set in motion

The Impreza concept is a four-door, all-wheel-drive coupe that uses an EyeSight system to prevent accidents. Photo / Supplied

Subaru has unveiled its Impreza design concept: a four-door, all-wheel-drive coupe that previews the carmaker's new "Confidence in Motion" brand banner.

Parent company Fuji Heavy Industries took the covers off the car at the Los Angeles motor show, saying that the slogan from now on "will be at the centre of all Subaru activities".

It also said that the concept's naturally aspirated 2-litre boxer engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) would be the carmaker's next generation of powertrain. At the moment Subaru uses CVT only on some models.

The carmaker describes the concept as "sporty and lively" - a design that attempts to show off Subaru's core engineering values of dynamic performance, safety, driving enjoyment and quality.

Subaru says the front is clearly recognisable as a member of its stable - "with a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the centre and hawk eye-style headlights" - but the bonnet, grille, big front-brake cooling slots and so on take on a new form that is meant to project a 3D character.

Other points of interest on the exterior include 10-spoke alloy wheels with carbon spoke fins, a hexagonal garnish at the rear to match the front-end theme and a range of aerodynamic details, such as underside diffusers.

Despite the coupe-like roofline, the company claims the design yields a roomy cabin.

The interior also aims to convey a sporting and sophisticated feel, with dark-blue tones merging with light metallic highlights, and smooth integration of the dashboard with the door trim and armrests.

A large central touch-screen display combines functions for navigation, vehicle information and audio, while a monitor in the centre of the instrument cluster shows pictures from a camera stationed along the front edge of the roof.

This "EyeSight" system is said to be networked with the latest in collision-prevention technology. Side rear-view cameras are also installed.

Subaru says of its tagline that "confidence" reflects "Subaru's attitude toward engineering excellence ... by following through on its commitment to provide both enjoyment and peace of mind".