The sixth-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza was presented on Thursday at the Los Angeles Auto Show, 30 years after the popular model’s first incarnation was shown at the same site.
Subaru clung to its recipe of a flat-four boxer engine and all-wheel drive, only in the guise of a hatchback. There will be three trim levels available: base, sport, and RS. The latter is a tribute to the original, non-turbo variant that was offered to enthusiasts. Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver aid technology will be standard on all grades, as will the Impreza’s capabilities, sportiness, and adaptability.
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine is the only option, and the only transmission is a Lineartronic CVT, albeit Sport and RS have an 8-speed manual mode with paddle shifters. The Base and Sport have 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, while the RS has 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Pricing, curb weight, and fuel efficiency numbers are yet to be released.
Due to the lack of a manual transmission, aficionados will have to spring for a WRX to have some three-pedal action. Nonetheless, some WRX DNA has made its way into this model, most notably a variant of its dual-pinion electronic steering rack. My own driving experience with the 2022 WRX earlier this year revealed that its low-down turbocharged boxer engine placement resulted in a precise and snappy steering feel. The Impreza may not wind up matching this, but if it comes close, it might be a home hit in comparison to other subcompacts in the sector.
Subaru will then offer 18-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension on Sport and RS models to cater to the enthusiast market. The new Impreza is built on Subaru’s newest Global Platform chassis architecture, which has 10% more torsional stiffness than its predecessor. The Impreza, although having a CVT, is expected to provide an enjoyable driving experience.
The RS offers stylish cosmetic enhancements on the outside, such as RS badging, dark grey alloy wheels and other highlights, LED headlights and foglights, and side spoilers. It will include simulated carbon fibre, black-cloth sport seats with red bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals, and heated front seats on the inside.
Subaru claims its EyeSight advanced driver assistance technology has been improved to function smoother, quicker, and under a wider variety of situations, increasing driver, pedestrian, and biker safety. According to the manufacturer, it has a broader field of view and a newly built electronic brake booster. It will, according to reports, detect bicycles and pedestrians at junctions sooner and, if required, inform the driver and apply the brakes to avert crashes.
For the first time, Subaru’s 11.6-inch multimedia system is available on the Impreza, and it is controlled via a high-resolution touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It does use on-screen controls to alter the radio and climate, as well as to navigate around and change car functions, which isn’t ideal.
