The Impreza first came on the scene in 1994. For its 30 birthday, Subaru gave it a redesign which includes the return of the RS as the model line flagship. The RS will be the sportiest grade in the Impreza lineup, and to back that up will come with a more powerful engine and several other enhancements. The 2024 Impreza should be arriving at Twin Falls Subaru by the time you read this.

Subaru made Symmetrical All-wheel Drive standard on all models, the Impreza has been pretty good when running off the pavement. But after Subaru gave the Outback treatment to the Impreza Hatchback with a raised ride height and other off-road enhancements, the resulting Crosstrek has been a runaway success. It has now become Subaru’s best-selling model, with 155,142 sales in 2022, which is five times that of Impreza.

Still, Subaru knows that there remains a market for those who are “on-road enthusiasts”. People like a low center of gravity, want to stay on the road and appreciate the capabilities of all-wheel drive to keep them there. Subaru has redesigned the Impreza for them and, in the process, offered a bit of added fun with the RS.

Last year, 75% of Impreza sales were hatchbacks, so Subaru simplified things making the Hatchback the sole body style for the redesigned Impreza. All RS models will be powered by a 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder engine presently found in the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and Legacy. In this form, it produces 182 hp and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. It is connected to a Lineartronic CVT that features eight pre-set gear ratios and paddle shifters to let you manually step up and down through them. The paddle shifters are particularly useful on mountain roads, enabling the driver to keep the ratio in a place where the engine is in a responsive power band when climbing the hills and can provide various levels of engine braking when coming down. During steady cruising, the highest set ratio keeps the engine to a relaxed 2000 rpm at 75 mph. This both keeps engine noise and vibration down and achieves an EPA-rated 33 highway mpg. Thanks to a generous 16.6-gallon fuel tank, the RS has a potential bladder-busting 480-500 miles of Highway range.

The RS standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is equipped with a revised multi-disc center coupling for faster response time and standard Active Torque Vectoring for more agile handling. When taking a curve quickly, you will actually feel the enhanced rotation of the vehicle as the system directs rear torque to the outside wheel. The RS dipped into the WRX parts bin for its dual-pinion steering system geometry for a more direct and natural steering feel with greater responsiveness. The result is a more powerful Impreza that can be quite fun and confidence-inducing on a challenging road.

Like the rest of the model line, the RS gets a larger grille flanked by sleek swept-back LED headlights. Body surfacing has been smoothed on the sides and rear for a more integrated appearance. Exclusives to the RS are a black-finish grille, side spoilers, & side mirrors, LED headlights, and dark gray 18-inch wheels. All Imprezas benefit from the increased use of high-strength steel, which improves both crash test protection and body rigidity for more precise ride and handling tuning.

Both the mid-grade Sport and RS dash have a new dash with the SUBARU STARLINK® 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system as its centerpiece. They also get Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you never have to touch your phone to get it to integrate with the system. The RS also comes with a wireless phone charger, and for rear passengers’ devices, there are both USB-A and USB-C charge ports in the rear console.

As proof of how Subaru knows its owners, the cup holders can hold Hydro Flask or Nalgene water bottles. Features unique to the RS include gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber interior trim accents. The front sport seats are black cloth with red bolsters, the steering wheel and shifter handle are leather-wrapped, and below are aluminum alloy pedals. RS options include a 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support, a power moonroof, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system.

All Impreza models get an enhanced EyeSight® Driver Assist system with a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. As a result, the system operates smoother, faster, and more quickly identifies both bicycles and pedestrians at intersections. And it can now apply the brakes to help avoid a collision when necessary.

For those who hit the trail by foot or pedal but appreciate some 4-wheel fun on their way to the trailhead, the RS is for you. And like all Subarus it gives you some added confidence whenever and wherever the weather throws you a surprise. If the 2024 Impreza isn’t at Twin Falls Subaru already, it soon will be. Just give the Twin Falls Inventory an occasional check and come by for a closer look.