Subaru aims to impress with Impreza concept

LOS ANGELES -- Subaru came to the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday to impress with its new Impreza -- a concept aimed at giving the the world what is likely to be a pretty accurate portrait of what to expect for the next-generation sedan.

The concept sets the design tone for Subaru's future vehicles under a strategic plan that goes out to 2020. The Impreza rides on a new global architecture for the Japanese automaker.

Subaru showed a five-door hatchback Impreza concept earlier this month at the Tokyo auto show, suggesting the car will continue to be sold as both a hatch and a sedan,The fifth generation of the compact five-passenger sedan sits wider and lower with an updated hexagonal grille and distinctive C-shaped headlights and taillights, all part of a desire for a sportier look.

It is an important vehicle for the brand. Subaru sold 58,000 Imprezas last year, not counting the additional 25,500 Impreza WRX performance cars. That represents a lot of volume for a brand that sold only about 282,000 vehicles in total in the U.S. in 2014.