2024 Subaru Impreza RS - POV Driving Impressions

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[devo]

bro this looks better than the wrx, if they brought back the sti hatch on this body it would've been so sickkkk

[fuze]

If they gave it the FA24 2.4l N/A motor from the BRZ and gave it a 6 speed box, it would be worthy of that RS title

[YocoWheelin]

Being a Subaru fan for over a decade, and have owning a RS coupe back in the day I’m glad how harsh you were on this. Subaru missed the mark and they need to know it.

[ken_in_atx]

As an owner of a 2018 Forester XT, it’s so weird how Subaru sees “sport trim” as tacky red accents. They stripped the turbo from the 2019 Forester and added the red trim.

[BahhJustaLamb]

I had a similar impression of this car. I felt that it really needed perhaps a revised version of the BRZ engine making ~220 HP. Not sure how many of you remember, but in 2009 Subaru had basically three performance Imprezas. The WRX and STI of course, but also the "Impreza 2.5GT". It had the old WRX's 220 or so HP whereas the incoming WRX jumped to 265. I think that rather than going with a 180HP 2.4RS, they could have had a 2.4GT. I suspect it would sell vastly better in this configuration rather than as it is now.

The WRX base can be had AT MSRP (or less) for about $31, 000. I negotiated a Premium with keyless entry, STI short throw and the bigger screen for only about $32, 000 despite MSRP being $34, 000. That makes a WRX Premium only about $3, 000 more than the Impreza RS. For that $3, 000, I gained 80lb/ft of torque and 90 HORSEPOWER, as well as a true performance car suspension setup. If there was a 220HP Impreza 2.4GT available in auto and manual for $29, 000, I suspect it would start eating into Civic Si sales in no time. Subaru already has an N/A 4cyl that can make over 200HP with an excellent powerband. Had they used such a design for a sport compact, it would be a game changer in today's market.

As is, if you MUST have a hatch, the Crosstrek is the better choice, as it's available with the same engine for not really more money, and has the benefit of offroad-capable ground clearance.

[stevenr]

Nice review. Thanks for talking me out of it. I'll stick with a Civic hatchback if I can find one at MSRP.

[Phiz]

I find this car to be the perfect Niche. Yes, it isn't what the enthusiast hopes and dreams desire. It's not a turbo Impreza. 5 Speed. Hatchback WRX. But it has excellent handling, is a better value than the crosstrek for an urban commuter and the gas mileage is still good. My wife needs a car soon and this is the one. Light, nimble, easy to park, safe to drive in PNW. 10/10 for our needs.

[tpolerex]

It’s a solid handling, stiff chassis, great riding, good power, quiet and comfortable, feature filled AWD hatch. It’s not a WRX hatch but neither was the original RS. I drove a new, ‘99 RS coupe, for a week courtesy of my buddy owning a Subaru dealership. It is what sold me on the brand buying an ‘02 WRX wagon a couple years later. This seems to fulfill most of the qualities of the original, albeit less cool and no manual. This works for me, but I’m keeping the WRX.

[CapFlipGaming]

Loved my 2014 a few years ago. Not sure this has enough power to keep me happy though. But they are fantastic commuter cars. They are incredible in the snow as well.

[ThePolarPanda]

I gotta lie I'm really impressed.

[jjacob]

Very good points. The stereo sounds pretty good on my phone and nice earbuds, but the optional package has the power seat, sunroof and Harman Kardon stereo, which like you stated must be even better.

[horNNN_]

They shoulda gave us this in WRX form.

[jasonmoyer]

This and the Wilderness Crosstrek would be fun dailies if they came with a stick. It's sad when even Subaru are abandoning manual transmissions in their entry level cars.

[Spookyjumbie]

Really just wish they offered a manual

[YoungDriversPOV]

Unfortunately Subaru stopped caring about their enthusiast customers when they announced the discontinuation of the STI cars…

[zooropa]

RS gets HK stereo but it’s an option package

[aliniazi]

182hp with no manual option. Proper NPC car for the masses badged to make it look sporty.

[davesmith]

I really wish they'd bring back the WRX wagon and put a goddamn six speed in there again.

[igknyte]

I really really hate Subarus infotainment and air controls now.. it requires extra attention to change where you want the airflow while driving. Bring back the knobs!

[scenedummies]

Oof. I was so excited reading this title as I didn't even know Subaru released this, but man, Subaru just continues to drop the ball. I've owned a '98 Impreza, '02 WRX, '04 WRX, '11 WRX, and '18 STI. Finally left Subaru in '21, and I don't think I'll be buying another one anytime soon (most certainly not a newer one). I'm looking at getting another vehicle later this year, and if I stick with the $30kish price point I'll likely go with the Civid hatchback at this point.