Not that the traditional automotive model year introduction each fall has been a thing in a long time, but it's 2024 at your local Subaru dealer. There's a new Impreza---with some things added, and some subtracted.
Among the missing---a trunk. The five-door hatchback is the only available body style now. Getting an Impreza sedan is still possible, it just requires a leap to the WRX.
The other thing unavailable in a '24 Impreza is a six-speed manual (again, if you want that, there's the WRX). All Imprezas, even the slightly-hotter RS shown here, are now outfitted with CVTs.
Base Imprezas have a 2.0-liter four with 152 horsepower. The RS swaps that for a 2.5-liter with 182 horsepower. Neither will set your hair on fire, with the base engine taking nine seconds to reach 60 miles per hour from a standing start and the RS getting there in 8.2.
But as the separation from the WRX makes clear, the Impreza is meant to be an economy hatchback. That's not to say attention wasn't put into making the '24 a better driver. There's a ten percent increase in chassis stiffness, and Subaru has installed the WRX's dual-pinion electronic power steering rack.
There's also a significantly increased fuel tank---16.6 gallons---which significantly increases the new Impreza's range when multiplied by the EPA's estimates of 26 city/33 highway/29 combined.
All Imprezas, base and RS, now get the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard equipment. The 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system is available on the base model as an extra-cost option and standard on the RS. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also make their debut (standard on RS). And automatic emergency steering is included on cars equipped with blind spot detection with lane keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert (in other words, the RS). The base price of the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is $28,975 including destination. Standard, in addition to what's been listed above, are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, a retractable cargo cover and a sound-insulating windshield.
And....that's it. Apart from dealer-installed options, Subaru goes the one-price route, so the bottom line here is $28.975.
The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is a solid, fun and economical five-door with a lot going for it. And it's all-wheel drive, as are all Subarus apart from the BR-Z. The take rates for stick shifts and four-door sedans being what they are, Subaru's simplification of the '24 Impreza's variants makes a lot of sense.
