Subaru took the wraps off the long-awaited sixth-generation Impreza compact car today at the LAAuto Show. With an entirely new design, improved performance, upgraded safety suite and a new performance model, the Impreza is ready to celebrate its 30th birthday in style.
The Impreza was first launched at the 1992 LA show for the 1993 model year. At the time Subaru was just discovering that all-wheel drive would become the brand’s signature feature. The original Impreza was available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and soon became the car that made Subaru a household brand with a devoted following.
The new sixth-generation Impreza will be available only as a hatchback, as Subaru retires the sedan — at least for now. The new model is built on Subaru’s global platform, which uses a full inner frame and three times more metal adhesive than the outgoing model, resulting in a 10% stiffer chassis.
The new Impreza will be quieter, smoother and offer better handling. Subaru’s distinctive Symmetric AWD system has also been updated for more dynamic handling.
Subaru has given the new Impreza a much sportier demeanor, with strong flared fenders and a bold stance. Especially in the top trims, the new Impreza is designed to turn heads, and shares a great deal of design DNA with Subaru’s WRX sports car.
Safety comes standard
Now for 2024, the sixth-gen Impreza not only features all-wheel drive as standard equipment, the new compact will offer Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance and safety suite. EyeSight implements adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The new generation of the technology included with the Impreza has a wider field of view, and operates smoother, faster and under more adverse conditions.
An optional driver assistance package will implement blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Together with EyeSight, this package will also offer automatic emergency steering assistance at speeds less than 50 mph.
The existing fifth-generation Impreza has been rated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety consecutively for the past 15 years. With the added benefit of an all-new platform and body backed up by the enhanced safety and driver assistance tech, it’s likely that Subaru’s streak will continue.
Three trim levels, including an old favorite
The 2024 Impreza will be available in three trim levels. The Base and Sport trims will come equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected boxer engine. It is rated at 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and symmetrical all-wheel drive.
At the top of the Impreza line is the RS trim. This harks back more than 20 years to the original Impreza 2.5RS, which was the brand’s sport model before the advent of the turbocharged WRX. Similarly, the new generation also includes a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that delivers 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. On both the Sport and RS trims, the standard Lineartronic transmission features a simulated automatic mode with 8 speeds, which can be controlled via steering-wheel paddles, and both trims feature Subaru’s SI-drive performance management driving mode system.
The RS trim also includes an upgraded interior with the look of carbon fiber, heated front sport seats, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter, and an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The RS rolls on 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, and lights up the night with LED headlights. A 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support is optional on RS trim.
Up to date tech
Among the many improvements to the new Impreza is an available 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is standard on the Sport and RS trims. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both supported. Subaru’s in-house Starlink safety and security system is also supported.
The on-sale date for the 2024 Impreza is expected in the spring of 2023, and pricing will be announced closer to the sale date.
