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The next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza will only come in a hatchback body style and will no longer have the standard 5-speed manual transmission option. The 2023 Impreza Sport came with a fully synchronized 5-speed manual gearbox, making the Sport hatchback a fun car to drive. It is one of the last models in America with a standard gearbox for driving enthusiasts. But it’s going away.
The all-new next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza will now only be available in select markets with a Lineartronic CVT automatic. The 5-speed manual has been discontinued altogether from the Impreza lineup.
Why did Subaru drop the manual shifter?
With Subaru discontinuing all manual shifters in the 2024 Impreza, this marks the end of an era for many die-hard manual transmission fans. But there's no need to worry – while it may be heartbreaking news for some enthusiasts, this change is primarily due to safety concerns. With automaker sales slowly declining, and fewer people choosing manuals over automatics, Subaru has decided to focus on what sells: automatic transmissions with EyeSight driver assist technology standard on all Impreza trim levels.
Why is EyeSight important for Subaru?
Subaru aims for every Impreza to have high safety scores. With EyeSight, the IIHS will upgrade Impreza’s safety score to make it a Top Safety Pick+ winner.
It’s all about safety
All Impreza models will come standard with the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology. Subaura says that this new and improved system operates smoother, faster, and under a greater range of conditions than before. The next-generation EyeSight has updated control software as well as an electric brake booster for added safety. With its expanded field of view, it can more easily identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections, alerting the driver when necessary to avoid collisions.
Models that are equipped with Blind-Spot Detection and Lane Keep Assist have the Automatic Emergency Steering feature, which helps avoid collisions at speeds of 50 mph or less. The safety feature uses information from EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection to help control steering.
Dropping the manual transmission is also about fuel mileage
The new Impreza's automatic Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has better fuel efficiency than the manual gearbox, which is why Subaru mostly uses CVTs in its models (except for the WRX, BRZ, and Crosstrek).
What is the Impreza fuel mileage?
The difference in fuel efficiency is quite noticeable. For example, the 2023 Subaru Impreza with a CVT automatic gets 31 combined mpg and 28/36 city/highway mpg according to the EPA. On the other hand, the 5-speed manual Impreza only gets 26 combined mpg and 24/31 city/highway mpg.
The Sport and RS trims get a CVT upgrade
The new Impreza Sport for 2024 comes with an 8-speed manual mode, which can be controlled by the driver via eight pre-set ratios using steering wheel paddle shifters. Even though it's not as fun to drive as the 5-speed manual, it's still better than the standard CVT.
By dropping the 5-speed manual gearbox in favor of Subaru's EyeSight safety technology, the sixth-generation 2024 Impreza Sport trim becomes much safer. However, this change unfortunately means that it won't be as fun to drive. The all-new 2024 Impreza Sport is set to launch in America this spring and then roll out to other global markets afterwards.