Be sincere right here: ever since Subaru separated the WRX into its personal mannequin, how a lot thought have you ever given to the Impreza? The outgoing Impreza was often called probably the most inexpensive all-wheel-drive automobile offered within the USA, however the styling was a bit bland, and it was overshadowed by Subaru’s well-liked crossovers just like the Crosstrek. Now in its sixth technology, the 2024 Subaru Impreza arrives with some daring new adjustments to get patrons extra excited – hopefully.

The Impreza sedan is gone, since Subaru says 75% of gross sales within the earlier technology got here from the hatch. And, in a nod to fans, the RS trim makes its return after a two-decade hiatus, sporting a 2.5-liter boxer-four engine similar to the 1998 authentic. Sadly, the sporty RS mannequin packs a repeatedly variable transmission, because the outgoing Impreza’s 5% handbook uptake price wasn’t sufficient to justify it for this new mannequin.

Although pricing is kind of tight between the Impreza and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 (Mazda has but to announce 2024 pricing), the Impreza will possible maintain onto its ‘Most cost-effective AWD {Car}’ title. After driving it by means of an uncharacteristically inexperienced Wine Nation, California, there’s loads to like concerning the new Impreza – as long as you do not thoughts a CVT.

Exterior Design: A Scorching Hatch

This author will not miss the sedan a lot because the hatchback is the way more enticing physique fashion to our eyes. Subaru ensured that this newest Impreza won’t be mistaken for the WRX, particularly because it does not have that rally-inspired cladding across the wheel arches. This new Impreza has the identical 176.2-inch wheelbase because the outgoing mannequin, however it’s taller, wider, and subjectively sharper.

The bottom Impreza rides on 16-inch steelies, however alloys can be found for simply $350. Upgrading to the Sport or RS trim provides 18-inch darkish gray wheels. The RS additionally will get tremendous cool “RS” badges that seem like the pistons in a boxer engine firing horizontally. Subaru’s coloration pallet consists of Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Oasis Blue Pearl, and Pure Pink. We bought to see the RS trim in Oasis Blue and Pure Pink, each of which look eye-catching. It definitely appears to be like like a scorching hatch, even when the automaker calls it a ‘compact automobile’ formally.

Powertrains: AWD Customary

Each the Base Impreza and Impreza Sport use a carryover 2.0-liter boxer-four cylinder that is something however sporty. It produces simply 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, going out to Symmetrical AWD by means of a CVT. The massive information for 2024 is the reintroduction of a 2.5-liter engine that delivers 182 hp and 178 lb-ft. It is nonetheless no velocity demon, however it makes the Impreza really feel much more full of life whenever you mash the throttle. It is value noting that the Sport and RS trims add paddle shifters with eight simulated gears, however it nonetheless appears like a CVT attempting to imitate a torque converter computerized.

Official EPA-rated gasoline economic system for the Base and Sport trims with the smaller engine is 27/34/30 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed. Choosing the RS drops these numbers by one mpg in every class, a worthy trade-off for 30 extra horses. In case anybody wanted a motive to decide on a crossover over a hatch, the Subaru Crosstrek boasts almost equivalent effectivity regardless of its taller experience peak. The Impreza does have a big 16.6-gallon fuel tank, permitting it to journey almost 600 miles on a fill-up, besting most of its compact rivals.

Driving Impressions: A True Momentum {Car}

The 2024 Impreza is a momentum automobile within the truest sense of the time period. It has gentle however correct steering that is impressed by the WRX, with a playful chassis that by no means feels upset on a winding street. Mix the gratifying dealing with with AWD grip, and the Impreza delivers a grin-inducing drive that even hardcore fans will like. We would like to have some extra energy, however that is why the turbocharged WRX exists. General, the Impreza is an amusing, albeit leisurely, outing.

There’s only one problem: the CVT. It isn’t dangerous in comparison with different CVTs, it simply does not match up with the remainder of the driving expertise. Flooring it and the RPMs shoot up, ultimately dropping right down to a decrease vary to simulate a gear change; we weren’t fooled. Placing the SI-Drive into its sport setting packages the transmission to carry a decrease ratio, yielding barely extra instant acceleration. Even with the bigger 2.5-liter engine, the Impreza will not pin you to your seat, however as long as you may keep off the brakes, it delivers confidence to the motive force to push it laborious by means of corners.

Inside Design: Pink Equals Cool

Subaru stored the Impreza’s inside principally easy for this new technology whereas including new know-how to make it really feel extra fashionable. Base fashions get twin seven-inch touchscreens, whereas the Sport and RS improve to a single 11.6-inch show for the primary time in an Impreza. We love how Subaru did not utterly delete bodily controls with buttons and knobs to manage the audio and local weather. The bigger display provides wi-fi performance for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six-speaker audio system (the Base solely has 4 audio system). A ten-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is non-obligatory on the RS trim, and it sounds very nice for such an inexpensive automobile.

All Impreza trims have material seats, however the RS upgrades them with extra premium materials and sporty crimson accents. Talking of the seats, heated entrance seats are customary on the RS and non-obligatory on the Sport. Aluminum pedals on the RS add an additional contact of sporty taste, although we want there have been three of them. General, the fabric high quality feels premium and youthful.

Practicality: No Extra Sedan

With its hatchback physique fashion, the Impreza is a good choice for patrons who love to do outside actions like mountain climbing or biking. There may be 20.4 cubic ft of house behind the seats, a slight lower in comparison with the outgoing Impreza. Folding the seats is a reasonably brief attain, which opens the cupboard space to 56 cubes, a negligible enhance over the earlier mannequin. The Impreza’s cargo house is similar to each the Honda Civic and Mazda3 Hatchbacks. Subaru expects its prospects to get thirsty when doing these outside hobbies, which is why the trunk truly has two devoted cupholders so you may sit again there with a drink.

When it comes to again seat house, occupants obtain 36.5 inches of legroom again there, which is common for this section. There are not any air vents within the second row, which is anticipated at this worth, however Subaru did put two rear USB ports (one USB-A and one USB-C) on the Sport and RS trims.

The Impreza additionally boasts Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Help know-how as customary on all trims. This consists of stand-out options like adaptive cruise management, lane maintain help, lane departure warning, and excessive beam help, Optionally available security options embody blind-spot detection with lane change help and computerized emergency steering. Security stays a feather within the model’s cap.

Pricing & Verdict: AWD Transport For Much less

It could look like the 2024 Impreza is far more costly on paper than ever earlier than, however there’s extra to it than simply numbers. Whereas the bottom mannequin within the 2023 Impreza lineup may very well be had for slightly below $20,000, the 2024 Impreza begins at a still-low $22,995 earlier than a $1,090 supply cost. Be mindful, although, that base worth was for a sedan with a handbook transmission, two choices which can be now not provided. In a straight comparability towards a 2023 CVT-equipped five-door, the 2024 Impreza is simply $1,400 extra.

Stepping as much as the Sport trim prices $24,995, whereas the sportier RS with the bigger engine is $27,885. Including the $2,070 choice bundle with the Harmon Kardon audio, moonroof, and energy driver seat can push the value to simply below $30,000, which means it is not far off the value of a base WRX.

Factoring in vacation spot fees, the Subaru Impreza is the most cost effective AWD automobile offered within the US, simply edging out the Mazda CX-30. It is a trendy bundle with a ton of ordinary security options, glorious street manners, and aggressive know-how. In case you’re searching for an inexpensive automobile with AWD and you do not need an SUV, the Impreza is a good choice.