Subaru Impreza RS Keeps the Hot Hatch Alive

A great car genre seems to be disappearing from the United States market. This is a shame because a hot hatch is a lot of good things in one tidy package. It can be a lot of fun to drive while also quite affordable. These versatile vehicles do all the practical things you need a car to do, like seat five comfortably, provide useful cargo space, and are frugal to operate. Add Subaru’s all-wheel drive, and you even have optimized traction for slippery roads. This is why Subaru has brought back the Impreza RS; you can find it at Centennial Subaru in Las Vegas.

A Bigger Engine

Like all 2024 Imprezas, the RS is a hatchback. Subaru replaces the 2.0-liter engine found in the Base and Sport with the 2.5-liter boxer-4 found in the Outback, which produces 182 @ 5,800 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque @ 3,700 rpm. These may not be supercar figures, but they give the small, lightweight, compact Impreza enough scoot to bring a smile to your face. Numerically, it gets to 60 in about 7.6 seconds. Being naturally aspirated, the throttle response is instant and predictable. The engine is combined with a CVT, and paddle shifters allow you to easily run up and down 8 preset ratios.

A Hot Chassis

Of course, hot hatches are not just about acceleration. They are primarily about being nimble and sure-footed in the curves. For that assignment, the RS is gifted with the dual-pinion electronic power steering rack that was previously found on the WRX, resulting in quicker response and a more direct and natural feel. 

All 2024 Imprezas received a 10% increase in torsional rigidity and inner frame construction with far greater use of structural adhesive. When driven as a hot hatch, this improves dynamic performance, when just driven as a hatch, it results in a smoother ride and quieter cabin.  The standard Active Torque Vectoring built into the all-wheel drive system also becomes more apparent the harder you drive the RS with more agile handling and better cornering.

Looking the Part

Hot hatches have practical proportions, but they are not expected to be sleepers. The RS appearance is enhanced with a blacked-out treatment on the grille, rear spoiler, and side mirrors.  The front also features upgraded LED headlights and LED fog lights, and it all rides on light gray 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, you will find gunmetal gray and simulated carbon fiber interior trim on the dash, which is anchored by the big 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK touchscreen. The front seats are dressed in black cloth with red cloth bolsters, and carpeted floor mats feature the RS logo. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter, and aluminum alloy pedals, are all upgraded from the rest of the Impreza line. As the top Impreza grade, the RS is also available with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, power moonroof, and 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support. 

As fun as it is useful, as safe as it sporty, and well-equipped while starting at under $30K, the RS checks off a lot of boxes of what anyone needs and desires in a car. See if it is the car for you at Centennial Subaru in Las Vegas.