I still dislike the hvac controls in the touch screen. Personal opinion is it's a deal breaker. Didn't like it on a wrx test drive, but everything else on these new platforms are done so well.
Temp, defrost are physical buttons, fixed fan speed buttons and AC on the bottom of the screen are always there and easy to pop, an infrequent venture into the main HVAC is easy to fat finger any function in a second.
That CVT drone just kills the fun. If Subaru was willing to introduce something like VW's DSG transmission, this car would probably be more fun to drive. Thanks for the review!
A solid review to say the least! Really appreciate a very detailed and easy to understand overview of features, driving dynamics and components. Do you feel that this RS will be able to do a quick pass(other cars) on the freeway if need be or is there lack of power?
I’ve still got my bought new, no mods ‘02 WRX wagon with 74k miles. I’m getting this RS for a solid, comfortable, good handling daily driver and keeping the bugeye for fun canyon runs.
Would you happen to know if there's only one interior color scheme option? A very thorough review that really helps in my decision for this specific trim. The other video on your channel relating to what's under the hood also goes into more depth and gives a lot of insight on what to expect as far as maintenance goes. Thanks!
We don't know. Because it was a pre-production 24 model there was no information on the retail website or even provided us from Subaru as to available colors.
For the same price you can get a Mazda CX-30 with some ground clearance, standard AWD, more power with real automatic transmission and a nicer interior.
@@brocklanders6969 the CX-30 has less than 10 more horsepower than this unless you get the turbo, which is very much not the same price. AWD is also standard on the Subaru. only other thing you mentioned is ground clearance, which not everyone wants. lower cars handle and corner better for one
Sam, what lives underneath the foam tray in the rear? is there a tire well to accommodate a spare? or are we relegated to carrying a spare on (a hip trendy) roof rack (safari style)?
I like the two blue color choices. Especially the Sapphire Blue Pearl. This car is a consideration for me. It's really nice for what I want, with the optional package. Pretty pricey, and I would rather not have the sunroof, but the Harman Kardon Stereo is a must for me.
I appreciate that this model hasn't been covered w/ so much cheap side cladding like their other models. I like the tablet layout. This may be tempting in a northern, heavier snowfall state. I would like to see MSRP w/ sunroof & audio package. Here in the southeast its is priced too close to Mazda 3 or Civic Touring/hatch where AWD is wasted just adding weight & burning more gas.
@@zergilli9719 Fuel economy gains come from a more efficient engine, reduced drag or gearing. Sending more power to a 2nd set of drive wheels cannot add mpg...at least not in our physical universe.
Great review Sam! Do you see yourself reviewing one of the lower trims once this model year is released? Very curious about the value proposition for the lower trims, and if the 2.0L is a “deal breaker”. Thanks!
If like the Crosstrek the 2.0 is made in Japan and that’s enough for me. Although having a 2014 XV crosstrek limited I’d never buy one again. Way too slow for where I live.
Ive watched your channel for many years & one of my favs. Im ok WITHOUT u doing a zero to 60 with time. I myself brand how fast stuff is by your facial expression. Odd but just opinion as long time viewer. All good if u add that but im ok if you dont.
As an owner of a 2016 Imprezza, I've found that jamming your foot on the gas and just leaving it down isn't the way to drive a CVT (a Subaru one at least). You put the gas down and then let up to allow the CVT to catch up to the engine, and then put it down further but not all the way down. It's almost like playing a video game in real life. You'll get a faster response than just jamming the pedal down.
Oh yeah, that infotainment is nuanced, alright. As much as I want to like this car, the infotainment (not to mention it's vertical instead of horizontal), only black/red and only cloth interior, and poor mileage despite having a cvt compared to an awd 2.5 mazda 3 with a traditional auto, along with no spare tire just sours my taste for this. I'd rather get mazda3, or a civic hatch which I have been eyeing. I don't HATE the car, but I'm not particularly really interested in it unless I wanted to offroad this more than my regular camping trips. Nice video, though.
I still don't know who this car is for. People who want a cheap AWD car with a CVT are just going to get a regular Impreza or Crosstrek. If it had a stick, I could see it being a nice all-weather enthusiast daily for people who don't want to drive a WRX or BRZ to work every day.
Subaru can dress this car up anyway they want, but it still only has a CVT. A flaccid driving experience. No thanks. I’ll keep my Subaru Crosstrek manual.
I had an Outback XT limited for a loaner last week and those vertical ac vents are terrible. I did have an Impreza limited loaner back in 2017 and it was very nice.
It’s a very nice looking car. I wonder if it would feel speedy air with a Performance a Air filter from K/N and using a very high-quality 5W 30 with a oil filter that filters up to 99.9%? And obviously I wouldn’t chins on transmission fluid
If you're talking about a stock type K & N air filter element, and proper viscosity oil and oil filter, don't expect much performance increase. You may have an oil brand preference, but all the major brands are good and the oil synthetic and industry standard.
I love hatchbacks but the Impreza RT just isn't worth the money, arguably. I'd rather get a Crosstrek. I can wait for another WRX 6-speed hatchback coming I hope in the near future.
Sam I've watched many reviews on the 24 Impreza RS and I really like the newer body style and added HP. My big complaint is the " No Spare Tire " ???? What happens when you hit debris or tear the sidewall while in the middle of nowhere ? I don't think the provided inflator kit would be much help. I have commented about this on other blogs and people say if you want a spare, just throw one in the rear hatch. Are there any provisions to have a spare in the RS ? It's a game changer as I don't want to be on a long trip without a spare and guess I will keep my 2020 Impreza premium as it has a nice matching spare.
I've had 3 Impreza's and all were in the Crystal Pearl White with has tiny multi color specks in the paint. It looks awesome in the sun and I wouldn't have another color as it keeps the car cooler inside.
I don't understand why car manufacturers keep giving us the CVT. I haven't met a single person who likes it. Just for that extra MPG that it might give us it's totally not worth it. Maybe it's time car companies read the room a little better.
I agree with 100%. I own a 2012 impreza, i love it specialy during the winter. But, god damn that cvt pisses me off sometimes. It just feel so slow. If subaru would actualy listen to its customers and get rid of that thing, it would be perfect.
@@Retributionify cvt transmissions (that arent the crap Nissan Jatco transmission) are way more expensive than a regular auto transmission. It's Subaru's own in-house tech. I've heard that the cost of replacing a CVT is around $7,000+ if it's out of warranty.
Good review, nice car( apart from no spare- c'mon Subaru, 30 grand- really??!!). Just a small thing, I believe the correct way to say the name is with a t in it ie impretza, sorry, not trying to nit pic😉. Best wishes and regards from the UK.
I completely agree !!! Inflator kit ???? what happens when you hit debris or slice the tire ??? You will be stuck and probably in the middle of nowhere. What ever possessed Subaru to delete a spare tire...... I would love to go for the 24 Impreza RS, with the higher HP engine, but I really think the " No Spare " is a game changer for me. I will keep my 2020 Impreza premium.
@@zergilli9719I agree and would. Some cars may have the room to put the spare in and not take up other cargo space. The lower trims may have the conventional spare tire, but some manufacturers tend to put the inflator kit in their performance models to save weight.
No real performance, yet packaged like a hot hatch. No car enthusiast will fall for this dad-car, and nobody looking for a reliable daily driver should pay the premium for 30 more hp, especially when you can get the lifted version (Crosstrek Sport with the same engine) for around the same price.
Precisely why I opted against it. The dealership didn’t have any for me to test drive but I drove a 182HP Crosstrek 2024 and was so underwhelmed by the lack of power and CVT. Ultimately ended up ordering a Mazda 3 Hatchback Turbo.
agree. this RS needed to be a non-turbo WRX, but Subaru fell short of that mark. good news is most upgraded mounts and suspension should fit/carry over from other models. the least Subaru could have done is give the RS gold wheels to redeem its shortfalls.....
I think it's so worth it to get the $2,000 package and get the moonroof in the updated sound system and also get those roof rails put on that on your on your Subaru I have a 2015 Sport and has the paddle shifters has a nice sound system it has the roof rails like that it's definitely worth it to get that