Subaru's successful compact car celebrates 30 years of production with a complete redesign.

Subaru unveiled the all-new sixth-generation Impreza compact car at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 17. The Japanese manufacturer is celebrating 30 years of the Impreza with an entirely new design, improved performance, upgraded safety suite, and a new performance model.

The Subaru Impreza was first launched at the 1992 LA show for the 1993 model year. At the time, full-time all-wheel drive was a new feature for Subaru, and the Impreza was the only economy car to offer the feature. Subaru's symmetrical AWD soon became the feature that made Subaru a familiar household brand with a devoted following in the Pacific Northwest.

The Impreza sedan departs

The new sixth generation Impreza will be available only as a hatchback, as Subaru retires the sedan, at least for now. The new model is built on Subaru's global platform, which uses a full inner frame and three times more metal adhesive than the outgoing model, resulting in a 10% stiffer chassis. The new Impreza will be quieter, smoother, and offer better handling. Subaru's distinctive Symmetric AWD system has also been updated for more dynamic handling.

Subaru has given the new Impreza a sporty demeanor, with strong flared fenders and a bold stance. Especially in the top trims, the new Impreza is designed to turn heads, and shares a great deal of design DNA with Subaru's WRX sports car.

Safety comes standard

For 2024, the Impreza still features all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The new model will also offer Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance and safety suite on every car. EyeSight implements adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The new generation of EyeSight included with the Impreza has a wider field of view, and operates smoother, faster, and under more adverse conditions.

An optional driver assistance package will implement blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane keeping assistance. Together with EyeSight, this package will also offer automatic emergency steering assistance at speeds less than 50 mph. This feature allows the Impreza to swerve out of the way of a collision if the driver fails to act.

The existing fifth-generation Impreza has been rated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety every year for the past 15 years. With the added benefit of an all-new platform and body backed up by the enhanced safety and driver assistance tech, it's likely that Subaru's top safety rating will continue.

Three trim levels, including an old favorite

The 2024 Impreza will be available in three trim levels. The Base and Sport trims will come equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected boxer engine. That engine is rated at 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and comes paired with Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and symmetrical all-wheel drive.

At the top of the Impreza line is the RS trim. The RS name harks back over 20 years to the original Impreza 2.5RS, which was the brand's sport model before the advent of the turbocharged WRX. Similarly, the new generation also includes a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. On both the Sport and RS trims, the standard Lineartronic CVT features a simulated automatic mode with 8 speeds, which can be controlled via steering wheel paddles, and both trims feature Subaru's SI-drive performance management driving mode system.

The RS trim also includes an upgraded interior with the look of carbon fiber, heated front sport seats, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter, and an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The RS rolls on 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, and lights up the night with LED headlights. A 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support is optional on RS trim.

Up to date tech

Among the many improvements to the new Impreza is an available 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is standard on the Sport and RS trims. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both supported. Subaru's in-house Starlink safety and security system is also supported.

The on-sale date for the 2024 Impreza is expected in the spring of 2023, and pricing will be announced closer to the sale date.