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Remember what happened when the Crosstrek Sport arrived with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine? Sales shot up, and the subcompact SUV became Subaru of America’s hottest model. Crosstrek was hot because Subaru of America’s number one selling model passed the Outback and Forester.
The same thing will happen to the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS with a new 2.5-liter engine upgrade. Subaru has needed a hot hatchback since they dropped the WRX and STI hatch in 2015. Unfortunately, Subaru has been without one since.
But things will change with the next-generation Impreza RS hot hatch. The re-tuned 2.5-liter Boxer engine develops 182 horsepower and 178 ft lbs of torque. In addition, the RS has a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, and SI-Drive. The 2.5-liter engine is mated with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.
Subaru Impreza RS will be the hot model, and Subaru retailers are already seeing the excitement for the all-new compact hatch. For just under $30,000, Subaru of America now has the hot hatch they’ve been missing in its lineup.
2024 Subaru Impreza pricing
The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base hatchback starts at $24,085, the Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine has a starting price of $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).
With 182 horsepower, it will be more than enough for the lightweight Impreza to be a fun car for driving enthusiasts. However, we expect performance enthusiasts will also be attracted to the new Impreza RS, tune the 2.5-liter engine and add a turbocharger for even more horsepower.
We don’t expect the Impreza RS to take the top spot away from the hot Crosstrek. Instead, it fills a void in the all-wheel-drive lineup that’s been missing for the last eight years. The Impreza RS does not offer a manual transmission, but the 2.5-liter engine is mated with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.
There isn’t another hot compact hatch under $30,000 with standard all-wheel-drive available today. However, Subaru has a new model that will be a sleeper and take the market by storm. Even without a manual transmission, look for the next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza RS hatch to set the world on fire.
You Might Also Like: 5 Reasons Why You Should Wait For The Next-Generation Impreza Hatchback
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Comments
Subaru had a prototype 2024
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Subaru had a prototype 2024 Impreza RS at the Lehigh Valley Auto Show on March 22-26, 2023. The Impreza RS did not have a spare tire. It had a inflator / puncture sealer kit. Is this the only Subaru without a spare tire?
No. The 22+ WRX is also sans
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In reply to Subaru had a prototype 2024 by ZachE1 (not verified)
No. The 22+ WRX is also sans spare tire.
No manual transmission, not a
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No manual transmission, not a hot hatch. If it had one I'd upgrade from my 2012 Legacy instantly.
No manual no interest. Sorry
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No manual no interest. Sorry subaru. I've owned 5 different subaru's over the past 16+ years And nothings felt better than your manual. I feel a bit offended that an RS model doesn't have manual option.
not buying another subaru
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not buying another subaru until they put a turbo in the forester again. hurry up subaru
False prediction, SUV all the
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False prediction, SUV all the way
People are going to add
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People are going to add turbos to it? Get outta town. That CVT will barely handle the meager output from the 2.5 as it is
These little cars are over
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These little cars are over 3000lb curb. 180HP isn't going to make them "hot". Especially not with a CVT, AWD, TCS, and VSC.
A mid-90s Civic hatch was around half the weight.
An Impreza hatch can be an awesome bad-weather commuter around a city. The Crosstrek is a bit better away from urban areas though, with its higher clearance. I like the AWD, hatchback, roofrails, hwy MPG, and 1500lb of towing capacity. My used Crosstrek has been a fantastic all-weather commuter on a budget. Skids, AT/MT tires, and a winch even make it somewhat capable offroad. LSDs and a rear diff-locker are even available.
Any thoughts on an electric
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Any thoughts on an electric impreza? No one builds a small electric car. I’d love for Subaru to be the first.
Lukewarm hatch
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Lukewarm hatch
Nice package, but certainly
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Nice package, but certainly not a "hot hatch". Needs about 30 or 40 more hp for that. The CX-30 has more power standard, at least in US models. I like the Impreza, but I think it will still be overshadowed by the Crosstrek.
Why call it RS? Shouldn't it
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Why call it RS? Shouldn't it be TS?
The Impreza...lightweight?
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The Impreza...lightweight? Those two words have only ever been ushered together when referring to something else that has two less drive wheels. This article feels out of touch, calling 185hp a sleeper in 2023.