Subaru's sophisticated new generation All-Wheel Drive Impreza will be unveiled to the world at the New York International Auto Show.

The stylish small car has a cosmopolitan new image that will expand its appeal to a far broader audience.

The roomiest-ever Impreza will be launched as a five-door hatch in Australia in September, with four-door sedan versions to follow a year later.

In Australia, new generation Impreza will come in both normally-aspirated and turbocharged variants, targeted to broaden appeal to different consumer and driving needs.

The normally aspirated Impreza will be the volume model, directly targeted at the premium European hatches, but with all the benefits of Japanese technology and reliability.

Impreza is designed with elegance and sophistication in mind. It will have the additional benefit of superior sporty handling and the confidence of All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature, as well as a comprehensive standard specification list that might normally be associated with high end medium or large cars.

Impreza WRX is a performance icon in Australia. The new generation Impreza WRX is designed to retain its award winning performance credentials, delivered through a new, more mature and sophisticated premium package.

Impreza WRX STI has always represented the ultimate performance vehicle within the Impreza range - targeted specifically toward the driving purist.

While not due for unveil for several months, the new generation STI will have much greater external and internal differentiation from the WRX, with performance credentials comparable to some of the world's best premium performance brands.

It will represent outstanding value - making ultimate performance accessible to consumers for less than $100,000.

All Imprezas feature Subaru's famed symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, combined with horizontally opposed boxer engines, offering optimum balance and control in all driving conditions.

Impreza is new inside and out – cabin detail includes the use of high quality plastics and materials in line with Subaru's reputation as a premium Japanese brand.

Specifications and pricing for Australian Impreza variants will be announced to coincide with local launch around the third quarter of this year, but Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "This third generation Impreza is a quantum leap in the key areas of design, engineering, safety and quality.

"We will have important advances in engine technology, overall specification, safety and style.

"Each Impreza variant will offer a convincing package in the quality and value for money equation."

He added: "For many years Impreza has enjoyed a fine reputation for resale value and reliability. This will only be enhanced with a sophisticated new style that will broaden its appeal as a premium Japanese small car in the Australian market."

The Imprezas displayed in New York are U.S. specification-only but give some pointers as to what Australia may expect.

The U.S. Impreza WRX is lighter than the current version while producing more torque at lower revs, resulting in smoother power delivery, improved drivability, fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The U.S. WRX produces maximum torque 800 rpm earlier than the current car.

High tension steel is used at key structural points on all Imprezas, enhancing rigidity and ride comfort.

The longer wheelbases aid ride dynamics, improve interior space and reduce noise vibration and harshness (NVH).

Impreza engines also sit slightly lower in the chassis, in turn lowering the centre of gravity.

Naturally aspirated engines in Australian Imprezas will differ from U.S. versions.

All Imprezas feature new double-wishbone rear suspension. There's less intrusion into the cargo area, producing a wider and deeper luggage compartment. The suspension also benefits NVH.

Inside, Impreza has a sweeping twin-cockpit design with aluminium-style highlights.

Headroom is improved and shoulder room is also up five centimetres.

Framed windows are introduced on Impreza, also enhancing body rigidity and NVH.

Doors open wider for easier entry and exit while rear seat legroom is also significantly improved.