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The next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza will arrive next year, missing the sedan body style, and the 5-speed manual transmission is gone forever. The 2023 Impreza Sport came standard 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.
Now the all-new next-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza trim levels, including the Sport trim, will only be available with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic. The 5-speed manual is gone forever from the Impreza lineup.
Why did Subaru drop the manual shifter?
It’s a trend many automakers are making, and the end of the manual transmission is here for the new Impreza. For Subaru, it’s about slow manual transmission sales, but it’s more about safety. Subaru dropped all manual shifters in the 2024 Impreza to bring EyeSight driver assist technology as standard equipment to all Impreza trim levels.
Why is EyeSight important for Subaru?
Subaru wants every Impreza trim level to achieve the highest safety scores, and EyeSight will upgrade Impreza’s safety score to a Top Safety Pick+ winner from the IIHS.
It’s all about safety
All Impreza trim levels will now come with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology. Subaru says the enhanced system operates smoother, faster, and under a greater range of conditions. The next-generation EyeSight has a broader field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster. EyeSight can now identify bicycles and pedestrians at intersections sooner and, when necessary, alerts the driver and applies brakes to avoid collisions.
Automatic Emergency Steering is included on models equipped with Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The safety feature works with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph.
Dropping the manual transmission is also about fuel mileage
Dropping the manual is also about improved fuel efficiency in the new Impreza. The Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic gets improved fuel efficiency compared with the manual gearbox. It’s why Subaru uses the CVT exclusively in most of its models except for the WRX, BRZ, and Crosstrek.
What is the Impreza fuel mileage?
There is a considerable difference in fuel efficiency. The EPA says the 2023 Subaru Impreza with the CVT automatic gets 31 combined mpg and 28/36 city/highway mpg. The 5-speed manual Impreza gets 26 combined mpg and 24/31 city/highway mpg.
The Sport and RS trims get a CVT upgrade
The 2024 Impreza Sport and the new RS trim feature an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. It’s not as fun to drive as the 5-speed manual, but it’s better than the standard CVT.
The sixth-generation 2024 Impreza Sport trim drops the 5-speed manual gearbox to get Subaru’s EyeSight safety technology as standard equipment. It will be safer but not as fun to drive. Subaru says the all-new 2024 Impreza Sport will launch in the U.S. this spring and later be introduced to other markets worldwide.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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