The 2024 Impreza will forgo the sedan body but includes numerous upgrades, including a more powerful engine and a sleeker design.
The sixth-gen Subaru Impreza debuted at the LA Auto Show as a hatchback-only compact car available in three trims. But unlike previous Imprezas, when Subaru based the sporty WRX model on the regular car, this time, the WRX is a sedan that doesn’t carry the Impreza name. And ditching the sedan wasn’t surprising, as the hatchback units make up 73 percent of Impreza sales.
Meanwhile, the regular 2024 Impreza comes in a sporty RS trim that packs a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated boxer engine producing 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The larger powertrain seems like a nice upgrade over the entry-level 2.0-liter boxer producing 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque (Base and Sport trims). It also compares favorably to the Corolla’s 2.0-liter 169-hp motor and Civic’s 1.5-liter 180-hp turbo, at least on paper.
Much like its closest Japanese rivals, the 2024 Impreza comes with a CVT, though with no manual option. Subaru says that the Sport and RS trim transmission can mimic an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters for a more engaging experience, but we need to see it to believe it.
Fortunately, the Impreza is only available with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system with Active Torque Vectoring, so handling should be more agile. In addition, the chassis is 10% stiffer, which should translate into better stability and ride quality, while the dual-pinion electronic steering improves responsiveness.
Although significantly improved over its predecessor, the 2024 Impreza doesn’t look very different. The body proportions appear the same, though Subaru employed sharper headlights and bulkier rear wheel arches to accent the sportiness. The designers also replaced the chrome details with black matte, while the rear end looks more modern thanks to the fork-shaped taillights. Overall, it’s not a revolution, but still a nice upgrade over the dull predecessor.
The 2024 Impreza sees some big changes inside, courtesy of a huge portrait-oriented 11.6-inch infotainment system with SUBARU STARLINK software. The screen is huge, just like in a Tesla, but the dashboard styling is the opposite of minimalistic. Besides, the entry-level model gets a 7-inch screen, which looks comically small. Fortunately, all models get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with dual-zone climate control and remote keyless access.
The 2024 Impreza will be big on safety, as it comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight drive assist tech. The new system can detect cyclists and pedestrians much sooner than before and automatically steer the car below 50 mph to avoid a collision.
The 2024 Impreza will arrive in dealers by spring next year. Subaru still hasn’t released pricing, but we’ll update you as soon as we have the information.
Gallery: 2024 Subaru Impreza
