TOKYO, Oct 9 — As the Tokyo motor show draws near, Subaru is offering a sneak peek of the concept cars it is planning to showcase, including a next-generation take on its much-loved Impreza sports sedan.

Although the company is planning to unveil a total of 10 vehicles, four of which have neer been seen before, Subaru’s existing fan base will no doubt make a beeline for the Impreza concept when the Tokyo motor show opens its doors to the public on October 30. 

Subaru still isn’t giving much away about what to expect from the car, even though it is just a concept, and has thus far only provided the media with digital sketches rather than photos. However, what is clear is that the car will once again look sporty and purposeful, even when at a standstill. Recent Imprezas, though great to drive, had started to blend into the background in terms of aesthetics.

Likewise, Subaru refuses to be drawn on the question of a WRX or STi edition, but with its closest rival, the Mitsubishi Evo, heading out to pasture, demand for something incredibly fast and incredibly practical has never been greater.

Alongside the Impreza, Subaru will also be demonstrating that it knows a thing or two about SUVs. The company makes great four-wheel-drive systems and with the VIZIV Future Concept will be showing how it intends to build on that knowhow for people looking for something with Crossover appeal.

The VIZIV is built around the concept of “enjoyment and peace of mind” so that means a host of next-generation active assistance systems, such as driver monitoring and obstacle recognition plus a hybrid fuel-efficient powertrain that uses a small turbocharged engine mated to an electric motor.

To underline the car’s lifestyle credentials, it has a custom bike rack at the rear and when on a driveway or a private car park—i.e., off the public road—can autonomously park itself with no driver intervention.

Many of the technologies on display within the car, such as 360-degree obstacle recognition and avoidance, are still a long way from becoming a production reality. However, the style, stance and even the car’s powertrain are much closer to the real world.

Expect the next Subaru Outback to take a number of its design cues from the VIZIV. — AFP-Relaxnews