Brian Armstead, Special Contributor
It’s rare that I post about a car that’s outside of the luxury or performance sphere. That changed for me this week when the 2024 Subaru Impreza was delivered for evaluation.
Is this the best vehicle in the compact car segment? If it’s not the best, it certainly is a solid offering in a crowded segment.
On the road, the 2024 Impreza is comfortable and benefits from a revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system offering a faster response time, more agile handling and better cornering. Active Torque Vectoring is also standard for 2024.
I generally hate Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) but have to admit, the Impreza’s standard “Lineartronic” CVT is pretty darn smooth and lacks the “wind up” feeling and sound of lesser CVTs on the market. Sport and RS trims feature an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios.
Trim Levels/MSRP: Base — $22,995, Sport — $24,995, RS — $27,885
MPG: 27 City/34 Hwy — Base & Sport trim, 26 City/33 Hwy — RS trim
Safety: Occupant and pedestrian safety has long been a Subaru priority. Standard on all 2024 Impreza models is the latest version of “EyeSight” driver assist technology. Improved for 2024, EyeSight can now identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alert the driver and apply brakes to avoid collisions.
Automatic Emergency Steering is included on models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (which includes my test RS trim). 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.
Things to know: For 2024, the sixth generation Impreza receives an all-new design, improved performance, enhanced safety features and updated multimedia technology. Also new for 2024 is the RS trim, exclusive 18-inch wheels and unique exterior and interior elements.
Pros:
- For the first time, the Subaru “Starlink” 11.6-inch telematics system is available for Impreza. The system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- The new Impreza features an improved seat design that reduces driver fatigue, while a focused effort on reducing interior noise results in a quieter and more comfortable cabin
- Standard all-wheel drive
Cons:
- Acceleration is marginal. The 2.5-liter engine needs a horsepower boost
- Not much cargo space
