A variety of adjustments to the 2024 Subaru Impreza purpose to convey it extra into line with the votes earlier consumers have made with their wallets. Refined styling, a extra highly effective engine and the resurrection of the RS badge are supposed to provide the folks extra of what they’ve wished over the previous a number of years.
Overview
Among the many first issues I noticed in regards to the 2024 Subaru Impreza is how a lot quieter it’s than examples I’ve sampled previously. It handles higher too — partially, I’m instructed, as a result of its construction is extra inflexible than that of earlier variants.
There have additionally been chassis updates, which play a major function in that space as nicely. The 2024 mannequin 12 months additionally finds the Impreza internet hosting extra customary tools than earlier than.
Exterior
Whereas nonetheless recognizable as an Impreza, the brand new look is extra refined. A taller grille remedy affords the entrance finish extra gravitas. In the meantime, the swap from chrome to black trim telegraphs the Impreza’s sporting nature extra clearly. The identical may be mentioned for the revised wheel arch remedy, which provides it a extra assured “stance.” Black rearview mirrors and rocker panel moldings complement the 18-inch sport wheels completed in darkish grey.
The brand new taillight design blends extra cohesively into the rear hatch, including to the air of elevated sophistication now radiated by the Impreza’s design. By the way in which, hatchback would be the de-facto Impreza configuration for the foreseeable future. The concept is that prospects preferring a trunk can go for the WRX as a substitute.
This appears a prudent resolution — given the overwhelming majority of present Impreza consumers go for the hatch.
Inside
The brand new inside remedy extra intently aligns the Impreza with the present iterations of the WRX and Crosstrek. In truth, it’s virtually a direct reflection, the place the Crosstrek is anxious. A vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen dominates the inside of the Impreza RS. The interface is customary on Impreza Sport and RS. The bottom mannequin will get a 7-inch touchscreen.
Impreza RS additionally displays a tasteful implementation of fake gunmetal and carbon trim. Three-tone black, grey and purple sport seats additionally grace the RS model of the Impreza. Further RS-specific touches embody leather-based for the steering wheel and shift knob, together with aluminum alloy pedals and RS logos on the ground mats.
Moderately spacious for its measurement, the Impreza proved comfy over lengthy drives. The seats have been supportive and grippy too. Twin zone local weather management is now an ordinary function throughout all Impreza fashions.
Powertrain
The 182-horsepower 2.5-liter engine — additionally discovered within the Crosstrek — additional differentiates the 2024 RS from base and Sport variations. The two.5-liter powerplant additionally harkens again to the two.5RS mannequin launched again in 1998. It additionally supplies a 30-hp bump over the opposite two Impreza variants.
All-wheel drive (in fact) and a constantly variable transmission full the powertrain. Right here once more, the WRX is your go-to if shifting gears for your self is a precedence. Whereas some reviewers have bemoaned the dearth of a turbocharged engine choice, the WRX has you coated there as nicely.
Then again, the Impreza does provide torque vectoring, in addition to the identical dual-pinion steering configuration supplied with the WRX. Alongside those self same traces, the Impreza obtained a brand new brake booster system as nicely.
Security and Know-how
First issues first, Subaru is to be recommended for sticking with bodily buttons for consolation and infotainment features. All too typically efforts to “clear up” the sprint counting on touchscreens and voice activation for the operation of primary features proves to be an inconvenience.
Subaru’s “Starlink” comes together with the aforementioned 11.6-inch touchscreen. The function is comprised of Subaru’s Security and Safety Join Companies. These embody the marque’s SOS Emergency Help and Stolen Car Restoration Service, in addition to its Distant Car Locator.
The massive-screen interface additionally provides wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. I discovered an auxiliary enter jack, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port within the heart stack, offering connectivity for just about each sort of handheld machine. My RS check automotive had the 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system too.
The Starlink system additionally allows Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Help, which screens site visitors motion, optimizes cruise management and warns you when you drift out of your lane.
Driving Impressions
The revised chassis and steering configurations, together with the extra inflexible physique construction has positively enhanced the Impreza’s dealing with. The automotive is healthier planted, whereas concurrently feeling lighter on its ft.
That mentioned, I did marvel how rather more appreciative I’d be of the added output have been I permitted to handle gear adjustments with a guide transmission.
Yeah, the eight preset ratios have been welcomed, nevertheless, the responsiveness I want to have seen from an RS-badged Impreza simply wasn’t there. And right here, I’ll say as soon as once more (and be happy to sing alongside), that’s why Subaru provides the WRX.
Nonetheless, I did admire the agility the 2024 Impreza RS exhibited on mountain roads.
2024 Subaru Impreza RS Specs
Wrap Up
Whereas I do get the choice to resurrect the RS badge for the 2024 Impreza, I additionally want Subaru’s product planners had mirrored the unique 1998 2.5RS a bit extra intently.
Held by many to have examined the potential acceptance of the WRX right here within the States, the ’98 2.5RS was decidedly extra sporting oriented in nature. This iteration is let down by the choice to mate the two.5-liter engine to a CVT. Then again, the ’24 RS displays significantly extra refinement than did the ’98 — together with far more utility. Right here once more although, if an reasonably priced compact sport-oriented four-door all-wheel drive automotive is basically what you’re after, that’s why Subaru provides the WRX.
2024 Subaru Impreza RS — Regularly Requested Questions
Is the Subaru Imprezas quick?
The two.5-liter engine is rated to ship 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 is a quoted 7.5 seconds.
Does the Impreza RS have a turbo?
No, that’s why Subaru provides the WRX.
Is a Subaru Impreza costly to insure?
All-wheel drive vehicles comparable to Subaru are designed for regular street use with occasional filth or gentle off-road driving use completely engaged AWD programs. This has the energetic security benefit of all the time having twice the grip of a driver selectable 4WD system.
