2024 Subaru Impreza RS
Subaru announced it would debut a new generation of Impreza at the 2022 Los Angeles auto show, with RS models in the lineup, rally racing, and tuning enthusiasts pricking their ears.
This isn’t the first time the Japanese brand’s entry-level offerings have been warmed up with sportier RS trim levels.
2024 Subaru Impreza RS
The 2024 Subaru Impreza introduces the sixth generation of the brand’s compact vehicle.
It debuted at this year’s LA Auto Show, which was appropriate due to the premiere of the first gen at the show in 1992.
The 2024 Impreza comes in three trims: Base, Sport, and RS. The Base and Sport use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer that produces 152 horsepower (113 kilowatts) and 145 pound-feet (197 Newton-meters) of torque.
The RS gets a four-pot 2.5-liter boxer engine that produces 182 hp (136 kW) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm).
Subaru Impreza RS Design
Impreza 2024 styles update the same familiar design. The grille stretched higher and replaced the chrome trim with a calmer black cut.
The more pronounced rear wheel arches give it a slightly sportier look. Also, the taillights have been refreshed at the rear with a design that doesn’t stand out too much to the back. The RS model also gets an RS badge to mark its significance.
What’s New For 2024?
Subaru has updated EyeSight’s driver assistance technology for the Impreza so that it now more quickly recognizes cyclists and pedestrians and expands the field of view.
The new Impreza prioritizes comfort with noise reduction in the cabin, and front seats are claimed to be more supportive.
Subaru brought an 11.6-inch vertical center screen to Impreza, bringing the car in line with the rest of the lineup. Previously, a giant infotainment screen available at Impreza was 8.0 inches.
Subaru Impreza Trim Level
Base and Sport trim levels return with the same horizontal 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque.
Subaru eliminated the five-speed manual transmission, leaving only the CVT. Usually, we would regret the manual transmission, but the speed of five is so imprecise that it will be noticed.
The Sport and RS trims will receive paddle shifters and a “manual mode” simulation that allows the driver to select eight preset ratios.
All-wheel drive is standard and upgraded with a new active torque vector system. The car also received a dual-pinion electronic steering rack version of the WRX, which should improve the steering sense.
Subaru also claims the 2024 Impreza has 10 percent more structural rigidity thanks to a redesigned and lighter inner frame.
All trims are equipped with a CVT. Versions in the Sport and RS classes have an 8-speed simulation mode with predefined ratios and a paddle shifter behind the wheel.
The Impreza continues to be standard with all-wheel drive. Subaru said the application of this technology has a faster response time. The system also has a torque vector.
Subaru Impreza RS Exterior
The sixth-generation Impreza is available exclusively as a five-door hatchback, while for the fifth generation, a four-door sedan is also available.
The exterior design is a development of the present aesthetic. The grille is slightly more prominent, and the headlights form is crisper. The rear modifications are more evident with fork-shaped taillights and an exposed exhaust pipe.
2024 Subaru Impreza RS Interior
Available on the new Impreza is an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display.
It supports both Apple Carplay and Android Auto wireless versions. Like the Outback and Legacy, the lower trim has a 7.0-inch dual screen.
For a more engaging driving experience, the 2024 Impreza receives the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack.
Subaru says this results in a better response and a more natural feeling when turning the steering wheel.
Subaru Impreza RS Technology
Impreza is getting an improved version of the brand’s EyeSight driver assistance technology. It has a broader field of view and can identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections.
Vehicles with blind-spot detection, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alerts get an automatic emergency steering system.
Subaru Impreza RS Powertrain
Under the hood of the original 2.5 RS was a horizontally opposed 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, especially the one without a turbo (notable because the WRX that came after was all turbocharged).
It develops a modest 165 horsepower and 162 to 165 lb-ft of torque depending on the model year, which is not much today but was worth 20 a few years ago.
In comparison, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine in the 2024 Impreza RS produces 182 hp of power and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Still on the low side, but better than the original. Both outputs are more significant than the existing non-turbo 2.0-liter engines on the 2024 Impreza and Sport base models, which produce only 152 hp of power and 145 lb-ft of torque.
2024 Subaru Impreza RS Release Date and price
The 2024 Impreza will go on sale in the U.S. this spring. Subaru has not provided pricing details, and we expect to start at $20.815.
