The Hot Hatch Lives: Impreza RS

Lost in this country’s love for all things SUV is a very useful and enjoyable automotive genre: the Hot Hatch. The hot hatch is a tidy package filled with many things people want in a car. On the rational side, it will hold five people comfortably with some space for cargo or two people with a large and easily accessible cargo area, and it is efficient to run. On the emotional side, it can be a blast to drive with agile handling and fortuitous power-to-weight ratios. 

Most of the few hot hatches that remain on the market are front-wheel drive, but because the Impreza RS is a Subaru, it adds the optimized traction of all-wheel drive, giving you confidence when the roads get slippery.  Given that at the time of this writing, the high temperature for the day here at Subaru of Rochester is 5 degrees, and where any amount of precipitation immediately turns to ice, that optimized traction is very welcome.  

It Has the 2.5L Boxer

Like all 2024 Imprezas, the RS is a hatchback. Replacing the 2.0-liter engine found in the Base and Sport is the 2.5-liter boxer-4 found in the Outback and Forester tuned to produce 182 @ 5,800 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque @ 3,700 rpm. As the lightest Subaru besides the BRZ, that is plenty of power to induce a grin with a 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds. Compared to the smaller engine, efficiency only drops one MPG with Epa-estimated city/highway combined MPG of 23 / 33 / 29.

All-wheel drive uses every bit of tread available to immediately get the power to the road, and the naturally aspirated engine gives you instant and linear throttle response. On the RS model, the Continuously Variable Transmission includes paddle shifters, enabling you to run up and down eight preset ratios efficiently.

Structure and Chassis Increase the Fun

Of course, a Hot Hatch is more about being nimble and sure-footed in the curves.  To facilitate that end, the RS is equipped with the dual-pinion electronic power steering rack from the WRX for steering that is quicker to respond and provides a more direct and natural feel. Reduced body flex from the 10% greater torsional rigidity of all 2024 Impreza models enables the suspension to be more precisely tuned. On the Base and Sport Imprezas models, this is experienced with a smoother ride and quieter cabin. The sport-tuned suspension in the RS brings about a more dynamic performance, particularly when encountering bumps on a curve. The All-wheel drive system’s Active Torque Vectoring becomes more apparent the harder you drive the RS, as it helps rotate the car in each curve and corner.

Appropriately Dressed

Its shape may be practical, but the RS design details speak to its capability. The exterior features a blacked-out treatment on the grille flanked by upgraded LED headlights and LED fog lights.  The black-out theme continues to the rear spoiler and side mirrors. The shoes are striking dark gray, 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, gunmetal gray and simulated carbon fiber trim adorn the dash, which features the large 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK touchscreen. Bold red seat bolsters bring an immediate sense of excitement to the cabin.  Other interior upgrades include the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter, and aluminum alloy pedals. As the Flagship Impreza, the RS is available with a 10-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, power moonroof, and 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support. 

Fun, sporty, practical, safe, and efficient. Let’s add one more: affordable. The RS is well-equipped at its starting MSRP of under $30K. Visit Subaru of Rochester and see how the Impreza RS Hot Hatch serves both your practical needs and emotional desires.