Hatchback Solely, No Handbook Transmission

The Subaru Impreza was once a automobile that impressed wild loyalty amongst its homeowners. It appeared cool, did issues most compact automobiles couldn’t, and finally spawned two hardcore efficiency fashions we all know and love: the WRX and STI. Sadly, with the march of time, the Impreza turned bland as different fashions moved in to take its place. Subaru hopes to alter that with the 2024 Impreza that debuted on Thursday on the Los Angeles Worldwide Auto Present.

So what’s new for 2024? Nicely, to begin, the Impreza goes hatchback solely. If that’s a shock to you, congratulations, you’re one of many handful who remembered that the 2023 mannequin might be had with a trunk. Subsequent, it’s received a stiffer chassis. Subaru claims a ten p.c enhance on this division, although who is aware of if that will likely be sufficient to note. Nonetheless, the addition of a brand new steering rack derived from the WRX needs to be noticeable, and Subaru claims it will likely be extra direct and responsive.

The opposite huge change is the return of the two.5-liter engine displacement. Clearly, it is a new engine that has nothing in widespread with the old-school EJ motors that individuals know and love, and with 182 hp and 157 lb-ft on faucet, this boxer-four just isn’t going to mild your hair on fireplace, but it surely ought to make the driving expertise a little bit extra nice. That 2.5-liter engine is normal on the top-tier RS trim, however the Base and Sport trims get a 2.0-liter that generates 152 hp and 145 lb-ft.

Subsequent, the Impreza is taking away the guide transmission. As a substitute, all Impreza fashions will get a CVT, which, whereas not thrilling on paper, ought to make for a extra environment friendly trip, and with fuel costs nearing $7 per gallon in some locations within the US, effectivity is king. The Impreza is clearly nonetheless all-wheel drive, however Subaru has tweaked the system to react extra rapidly to altering street situations, which is cool.

Different adjustments embody an upgraded EyeSight superior driver help suite, which is normal throughout your complete Impreza vary. There’s additionally an accessible 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Sport and RS fashions profit from Subaru’s Si-Drive system, which permits for various user-selectable drive modes.

The styling of the 2024 Impreza has been revised as effectively, and whereas it’s not more likely to get anybody’s coronary heart racing, it’s completely nice and an enchancment over the milquetoast 2023 mannequin. The sides are a little bit sharper, the grille a little bit extra aggressive and there are new 18-inch wheels on the RS trim.

The inside is typical Subaru with supplies that really feel okay and appear to be they’ll put on effectively, even when they’re by no means luxurious. The portrait-mounted infotainment display screen is sweet, and there’s loads of room, even for somebody tremendous tall (I’m 6’4″ and had ample area within the entrance seat and even match comfortably sitting “behind myself” within the again).

Subaru has but to offer out any particulars on pricing, although we’d be shocked if it was an enormous leap from final yr. We do know, although, that the 2024 Impreza is about to hit sellers within the spring of 2023.