Like the US version, the Japanese market Impreza is now solely a 5-door hatchback affair. It’s pretty much the same as the version shown before, but for its Japan market debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon, it comes decked out in look-fast STI parts. These include lip spoilers for both front and rear bumpers, more aggressive side skirts, and dark gray 17-inch alloy wheels. A new color, Sunblaze Pearl makes it debut here.

Underneath, the Impreza rides on the revised Subaru Global Platform with a 10 percent improvement in torsional rigidity. A full inner frame construction and additional structural adhesive contribute to a stiffer body and lighter weight. All in all, these updates should deliver improved handling, a smoother ride, and a quieter cabin. It also gets the WRX’s dual-pinion steering rack for a more direct steering feel.

Unlike the U.S. market Impreza which is powered by a traditional Boxer engine (in 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter flavors), for the Japanese market, it gets an electrified 2.0-liter Boxer engine (e-Boxer). This pairs the brand’s tried-and-tested FB20 engine with 145 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque with the MA1 AC synchronous motor adding an additional 13.6 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque. A 4.8-Ah lithium-ion battery is located in the cargo section. The transmission is still the Lineartronic CVT.

Inside, work has been done to improve overall comfort with a more supportive front seat design and a focused effort to reduce external noise. At the center is a 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with Starlink. It now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless device charging. Dual zone climate control is standard while other comfort features include a power moonroof, 10-speaker Harman Kardon speaker system, and a 10-way power front seat.