We all know Subaru’s penchant for targeting active lifestyle families and proud pet owners. Its wagons and SUVs are tough, rugged, and ready for life in the great outdoors. Yet, the Japanese automaker can also mix it up on the sporty side, from the rally-ready WRX to the energetic 2024 Impreza 5-door hatchback representing its 6th generation.
The quick and agile Impreza is offered in three models: the Impreza Base, Impreza Sport, and our Pure Red Impreza RS, elevating the compact hatchback’s performance attributes. It cuts corners like mice in mazes and stops on a dime, so the RS is perfect for thrilling weekend drives or turning daily chores into road-ready excursions.
Active driving is predicated on the hot hatch’s sport-tuned suspension, a 10% stiffer chassis, 18” alloy rims wrapped in Yokohama AVID rubber, a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, and revised Subaru Symmetrical AWD augmented by Active Torque Vectoring. The 4-cylinder distributes 182-horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which doesn’t sound like much but exponentially balances out with precision tuning and reduced curb weight. A Lineartronic CVT is standard on all models, whereas the Sport and RS receive an 8-speed manual mode and paddle shifters which are all too fun.
The Impreza’s physique inherits an all-new design with distinctive exterior elements on the RS such as the RS badging, and to contrast the red paint scheme, a black theme highlights the frameless hexagonal grille, side spoilers, side mirror caps, the compact LED headlights, and the LED fog lights. Overall, the latest Impreza commingles enriched driving charismatics, boosted safety systems, and modernized multimedia technology.
Inside, the RS cockpit features gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber trim, large aluminum alloy pedals, an upgraded leather-wrapped and thumb-indented steering wheel with red stitching, black-clothed seats with red trim and red cloth bolsters upfront, rear USB charge ports, a wireless charging pad, and a sunroof. Once seated, you feel immersed in the vehicle and its confident attributes. The vertical 11.6” SUBARU STARLINK touchscreen multimedia system is ultra-intuitive and comparable to Stellantis’ Uconnect, one of the best in the business. Here is where you operate media, vehicle settings, navigation, Rear Vision Camera, climate control, and much more. The RS also receives an exclusive 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system to play through wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto. Lastly, a 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support is reserved for the wheel operator.
From a safety perspective, the Impreza comes standard with an updated version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that now scans intersections for bikes and people, and when necessary, alerts the driver while simultaneously slowing down the vehicle to avoid collisions. Other safety systems include Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, and Rear Seat Reminder designed to help prevent child and pet entrapment through a warning to view the rear seat before exiting the Subaru.
With pricing starting at $27,885, excluding the $1,090 destination delivery fee expect 26 city and 33 highway mpg from the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS. The latest RS brings back the Impreza’s Rebel Soul for enthusiast-focused customers ready to rip runways. Enjoy!