2024 Subaru Impreza discontinues manual and sedan models and adds RS model

Sedans are dying, but hatchbacks are even less popular. Subaru is bucking the latter trend by eliminating sedans from the 2024 Impreza lineup and sticking exclusively to hatchbacks. Subaru unveiled the new Impreza at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Thursday.

The sixth-generation Subaru Impreza gets a simplified lineup with the return of the base and Sport trims, plus the RS, while also dropping its available manual transmission.

Base and Sport models use a carryover 2.0-liter flat-4 making 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

Sitting atop these models is the new RS, a reference to the WRX's predecessor, the 2.5 RS of the late 1990s; the 2.5 is not in the name, but under the hood in the form of a 2.5-liter flat-4 that makes 182 hp and 178 lb-ft more power. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission, and the Sport and RS versions have eight preset gear ratios to simulate a conventional automatic; according to Subaru, the base version is given wider gear ratios, and the RS version is given a wider range of gear ratios to simulate a conventional automatic, quicker driving experience, according to the company.

The 2024 Impreza, which shares its platform with the WRX, uses three times as much high-tensile steel and adhesives to improve torsional rigidity by 10% over the previous generation. The standard all-wheel drive system has also been improved, with better response and a center differential that does not lock prematurely, which Subaru says improves handling. The WRX's dual-pinion electronic power steering rack also provides better response and a more direct steering feel.

The company also claims to have reduced powertrain vibration by 22% by strengthening the engine block and transmission case and improving the engine mounts.

The exterior design features wider fender haunches and the same body panels as the Crosstrek small crossover, but with different bumpers and no body cladding. It also features standard roof brackets and a step plate at each rear door opening to allow owners to reach the roof rack; the RS has dark gray wheels and gloss black trim on the grille, side skirts, fog lights, and mirror caps.

Inside, the Impreza features a new seat design that is more comfortable and less tiring. The base model comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while other models feature an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen. The exterior design changes have resulted in a slightly smaller overall interior space.

Standard equipment on the base model includes keyless entry, cloth upholstery, LED headlights, and 16-inch wheels. The Sport adds an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fog lights, and 18-inch wheels; the RS adds sport seats with red trim, carbon fiber interior trim, heated front seats, aluminum pedals, rear USB port, upgraded LED headlights, and LED fog lights. The RS also offers a Harman Kardon 10-speaker audio system, 10-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar support, and a sunroof.

Subaru equips all Imprezas with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. A wider-angle camera quickly detects people, motorcycles, and cars coming from the side. Blind-spot monitoring and a rear-seat reminder system are also standard. Safety options include active lane control, blind-spot monitoring with steering assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza goes on sale in spring 2023. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but the highest price is expected to be below the $30,000 that the WRX will start at; the 2024 Impreza will be built in Japan, rather than in Indiana like the current model.

For more information on the Los Angeles Auto Show, see the dedicated hub.