Does the 2024 Subaru Impreza impress?

The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza has been unveiled at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show. As the sixth generation of the famed Impreza line of the Japanese brand, it will now come as a 5-door hatchback sans the sedan. Three trims have been announced, Base, Sport, and the new RS. 

What's new?

Highlighting the unveil is the RS variant's 2.5-liter 184 PS and 241 Nm Subaru Boxer engine, which is mated to a CVT with eight preset ratios available in manual mode using the paddle shifters. Also, a first is the 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink center information display. This is complemented by the improved EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which comes standard across the range, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS will also have exclusive 18-inch wheels and RS badging on the exterior and interior, a black finish on the front grille, side spoilers, side mirrors, upgraded LED headlights, and LED fog lights.

The Base and Sport trims will be powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct injection Subaru Boxer engine, but with a lower power output of 154 PS and 197 Nm of torque. The Sport has paddle shifters as well to allow the driver to manually shift through the eight ratios of its CVT.

Of course, the 2024 Subaru Impreza will not be complete without its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Revised for 2024, the system offers a faster response time, more agile handling, and better cornering, according to Subaru. The all-wheel-drive system is further enhanced with standard Active Torque Vectoring. And to further enhance handling, feel and responsiveness, the 2024 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a version of the WRX's dual-pinion electronic power steering rack.

The Sport and RS variants are equipped with the SI-Drive performance management system, 18-inch alloy wheels finished in dark grey for the RS, and a two-tone polished finish for the Sport, and a sport-tuned suspension to maximize performance and handling. 

Enhanced Safety

According to Subaru, all 2024 Impreza models will have the latest version of the award-winning Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. "The enhanced system operates smoother, faster, and under a greater range of conditions. These improvements are thanks to a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can now identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alerts the driver and applies brakes to avoid collisions," says the brand's presser.

"Automatic Emergency Steering is included on models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The safety feature works with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph (80 km/h),"

Now if you struggle to see the differences between the 2024 model year with the current Subaru Impreza, you're not alone. Let's just hope Motor Image Pilipinas finds the justification to bring it back as the distributor has been focused on selling crossovers lately.