Impreza RS Keeps the Hot Hatch Alive

The Hot Hatch is a very versatile vehicle type that has been disappearing from the United States. Fortunately, Subaru plans to keep the Hot Hatch fires burning, which is why Ewing Subaru of Plano excitedly welcomes the return of the Impreza RS. 

A hot hatch is a tidy package filled to the brim with many practical and fun features. It easily carries out the valuable things you need for a daily driver, such as seating five comfortably, providing useful cargo space, and running efficiently. However, like the muscle cars of the past, it will have a more powerful engine, accompanied by an upgraded chassis, making it quite entertaining when driven with enthusiasm. As a Subaru, the Impreza RS adds the optimized traction of all-wheel drive, giving you confidence when the roads get slippery, with a few added tricks for dry pavement fun.

A Hand-Me-Down Engine From Its Big Brother

Like all 2024 Impreza models, the RS is a hatchback. The 2.0-liter engine in the Base and Sport grades is replaced with the 2.5-liter boxer-4 found in the Outback and Forester, which is tuned to produce 182 @ 5,800 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque @ 3,700 rpm. The RS is grin-inducing with a 0-60 time of about 7.6 seconds. The all-wheel drive immediately plants the power on the road, and you experience instant and linear throttle response from the naturally aspirated engine. The continuously variable transmission keeps you engaged with paddle shifters to enable you to quickly run up and down eight preset ratios.

Sport Tuned Chassis

The real fun occurs when you turn the steering wheel. A hot hatch is expected to be nimble and sure-footed in the curves, so the RS is fitted with the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack, bringing quicker response and a more direct and natural feel. All 2024 Imprezas benefit from a 10% increase in torsional rigidity. This gives the Impreza Base and Sport grades a smoother ride and quieter cabin. When matched with the sport-tuned suspension of the RS, it brings about a more dynamic and confident performance at speed, particularly when encountering bumps on a curve. The all-wheel-drive system standard Active Torque Vectoring becomes more apparent the harder you drive as it helps rotate the RS in each curve and corner.

Lookin’ Good

The RS gains exterior details that visually communicate its intentions. Up front is a blacked-out treatment on the grille and upgraded LED headlights and LED fog lights. The rear spoiler and side mirrors continue the black-out treatment, and the whole package rides on striking dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels. 

The changes are even more significant in the cabin, where you immediately notice bright red bolsters flanking grippy cloth seating surfaces, which are heated on the front seats. Gunmetal gray and simulated carbon fiber trim adorn the dash. Other interior upgrades include leather wrap for the steering wheel and shifter and aluminum alloy pedals. As the flagship of the Impreza model line, the RS is available with a 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, and a power moonroof.

Inherently practical and overtly fun, the Impreza RS also ticks the affordability box with a starting MSRP of under $30K. Visit Ewing Subaru of Plano and see how the Impreza RS Hot Hatch covers your needs and delivers on your desires.