I had begun to install Polk speakers this morning by trying to remove the front door panel. The first step after removing a couple of hidden screws is to remove the arm rest control panel on the door as described by owners of 2008-2012 Imprezas that had posted the process on forums and or had videos. There has obviously been a change since 2012, or at least on the XV, as the slot to accommodate a screw driver or other prying tool at the front end is no longer there. After removing the screw in the pull handle pocket, a serious prying effort would not release the front sectiion of the panel.
Any suggestions from anyone with experience with this task?
Try lifting it straight up. There must be another screw somewhere because if you're prying it would have broken the plastic clips if you pulled hard enough.
If anyone has real photos of the removal of the door panels, I will be happy to host them and put them in the Impreza/XV page for the benefit of all XV owners.
Good Dog, your second link clears things up - there is no need to remove the arm rest control panel as stated for earlier models and indicated in your first link.
Glad it helps. I think the first link indicates up to 2012 is that the 2012 WRX and STI are the same as the earlier models where the 2012 Impreza is an entirely new updated model shared by the XV
doing interior work like this, i'd suggest you get an interior trim pry tool just to make sure you can easily remove panels and not damage anything in the process. I have one of these:
If anyone has real photos of the removal of the door panels, I will be happy to host them and put them in the Impreza/XV page for the benefit of all XV owners.