Revealed at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2024 model year, the sixth-gen Impreza is much safer than its predecessor. The five-door hatchback received maximum scores in the crashworthiness tests, crash avoidance and mitigation evaluations, headlight performance, front crash prevention tests, and for the LATCH system’s design.
Incorrectly categorized by the nonprofit organization as being a four-door wagon, the 2024 Subaru Impreza may be described as being nothing more than a heavy facelift. In truth, Subaru enhanced the Subaru Global Platform for the sixth generation with full inner frame construction and additional structural adhesive (think 88.5 feet as opposed to 26.2 for the fifth generation). All told, Subaru claims the Impreza boasts 10 percent higher torsional rigidity.
The less rigid fifth generation was rated poor in the updated side crash test, whereas the sixth passed this evaluation with flying colors. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also deemed the previous Impreza’s front lighting system to be marginal. As for the newcomer, that would be good (the highest overall rating possible).
Given that utility vehicles and pickup trucks reign supreme nowadays, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Subaru discontinued the four-door sedan body style in favor of the more practical yet pricier five-door hatchback. That’s why the Impreza starts at $22,995 for the 2024 model year, which is very good value in many respects.
In addition to being a safe car, the Impreza comes with a plethora of standard equipment, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. From the wider field of view to the updated control software, the electric brake booster, and the system’s capability to identify both pedestrians and bicyclists, EyeSight has been thoroughly improved over the 2023 model year Impreza. Vehicles equipped with Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert also get Automatic Emergency Steering, a feature that assists the driver with steering control to avoid collisions at up to 50 mph (80 kph).
Photo: Subaru
What else do you get for the aforementioned $22,995 sans destination charge? According to Subaru, dual-zone automatic climate control and Subaru STARLINK Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The list of standard goodies further includes LED steering responsive headlights, roof crossbar mounting points, Symmetrical all-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission. Unfortunately, a manual isn’t available.
Stepping up to the Sport trim level means you’ll have to shell out $24,995 in exchange for a bit more stuff. Highlights come in the guise of a fancier infotainment system with cordless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paddle shifts and eight-speed manual shift mode, slightly better suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels instead of steelies with plastic wheel covers, as well as keyless access.
The most exciting Impreza in production today is the RS, which gets the Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems mentioned earlier as standard. Dark gray alloys, leather on the steering wheel and transmission lever, cloth upholstery with red accents, and the All-Weather Package are standard as well, along with a 2.5-liter boxer engine that belts out an estimated 182 hp.
Said lump is exclusive to the RS, though, a naturally-aspirated boxer with 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) on deck. The Sport and Base trims make do with a 2.0-liter engine that develops less power (152 hp) and less torque (145 lb-ft or 197 Nm) at higher engine speeds (6,000 and 4,000 rpm as opposed to 5,800 and 3,700 rpm for the 2.5-liter H4).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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