Subaru did the same thing with the Legacy wagon and Outback, pretty much identical except for more rugged looks and ride height, but became a hit. This ultimately led to discontinuing the wagon from the North American market. Subaru did the same thing with the previous generation XV and I wouldn't be suprised if the Impreza hatch eventually disappears from the American market and SOA be in favor of the XV.
There are plenty of new Impreza in Colorado that travel up to the mountains and soon plenty of XVs. The vehicle is adequately powered. Sure it can use more but that is why the Forester exists.