Subaru Impreza (GU)

Back to being a "new driver's basic", the Subaru Impreza is now on its sixth generation, and for the first time, it is offered only as a hatchback, making it a direct competitor to the likes of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla Sport. So, what's it all about the all-new Impreza?

2024 Subaru Impreza

The all-new, sixth-generation Subaru Impreza is a back-to-basics hatchback made for commoners looking for their first ride. Nothing is surprising about this all-new model. Just the basics it possesses.

2024 Subaru Impreza

Beginning with the design, the all-new Impreza is basically a toned-down Crosstrek, which came first before this, meaning those who are familiar with the Crosstrek should have no problem with the all-new Impreza's exterior design, which features striking scales on the front grille, sculpted lines, and contoured facets you would expect for an everyday hatchback like this.

2024 Subaru Impreza interior

Inside, the new model is now focused on minimalism as well as gaining better visibility on the driver's side, making it easy to spot children from any window. Of course, because of the minimalist interior, you can still run into the same Tesla-esque dashboard from today's Levorg. An optional extra not favorable for speedo boys behind the wheel because of touchscreens.

Asked about comfort, the new Impreza's added size made it more spacious and more comfortable than before, and with improved stability, children won't get carsick even on long rides. As for the boot space, the new model has up to 368 liters of boot space for the entry-level ST variant (315 liters for high-end variants like the ST-G and the ST-H) with the rear seats folded down. That's more than the Toyota Corolla Sport and with a couple of useful features such as the hidden compartment below, cargo hooks, and an LED rear gate lamp, it's convenient as well.

2024 Subaru Impreza

Under the hood, the all-new Impreza is powered by an available 2.0L e-BOXER mild hybrid powertrain where the 145PS 2.0L boxer 4-cylinder engine is bolted to a tiny electric motor and Li-ion battery. Mated to a CVT gearbox, it has a fuel economy of 16.6km/L for FF variants while AWD variants get 16km/L. A normal 2.0L boxer-four engine is offered on the entry-level ST variant.

Coupled with the Subaru Global Platform, two-pinion electric power steering, double wishbone rear suspension, and SI-DRIVE, this car behaves like every commoner's car should. Not exciting as such but it feels okay to drive everywhere, even with the legendary Subaru AWD capability on it.

As for safety, the new Subaru Impreza comes with an updated EyeSight system with Pre-Collision Braking, Automatic Emergency Steering, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and others. With such features, it's no wonder Subaru made a commitment that the Eyesight feature drops the rear-end collision rate to 0.06%. 

The all-new Impreza starts at a reasonable 2,299,000 Japanese Yen and it's available in three variants; ST, ST-G, and ST-H, in FF and 4WD configurations. With such pricing, it's cheaper to own than the Honda Civic by a long shot.

Although not the most exciting car to drive, the all-new Subaru Impreza is mature and well-refined for drivers from all walks of life. With its improved space, sharper looks, refined efficiency, and cutting-edge technology, it's back to being a "driver's basic" just like the first one.

Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Sun Blaze Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Horizon Blue Pearl, and Oasis Blue.

Photo: Subaru