Subaru Could Have a New Hot Hatch in the Works
The current WRX and WRX STI shed the hatchback model, which was an unpopular move, but Subaru reportedly may have something new in the pipeline.
According to Japanese publication Spyder7 in a Tuesday report, the brand is allegedly developing a compact hatchback model to once again compete in the World Rally Championship. To be clear, this would allegedly be a new model to rival the Toyota Yaris in WRC—not a WRX or WRX STI hatchback. Europe would consider it a B-segment vehicle.
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The report claimed Subaru will launch the new vehicle in 2019 just ahead of a potential bid to host a WRC race in 2020. The WRX and WRX STI (formerly extensions of the Impreza nameplate) are now too large to compete in WRC. Toyota’s success in the motorsport with its Yaris WRC racer has reportedly pushed Subaru to re-enter the sport.
Today, Citroën, Ford, Toyota, and Hyundai make up the manufacturer roster.
A 2019 introduction for this mysterious Subaru hot hatchback nearly lines up with the WRX and WRX STI’s refresh schedule. Subaru should have a new sports sedan ready in 2020, potentially sporting hybrid power. A hot hatchback would be a welcome addition, but there’s no guarantee the production model would reach North American shores. It’d be a lovely surprise, nonetheless.
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I doubt the US will see a Sub-Compact car or hatchback. If Subaru builds a new Sub-Compact car the US might see a Sub-Compact Crossover from Subaru, ala Crosstrek and Outback formulas.