Sixth-generation Impreza is the best of the line

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- The venerable Subaru Impreza rolls out its sixth-generation vehicle for the 2024 model year, and while some might scoff at even the thought of a hatchback, this new Impreza is the best in the compact hatchback universe.

When did five doors look so sleek and functional?

My tester was the 2024 Impreza RS with a peppy 2.5-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine rated at 182-horsepower and matched to continuously variable transmission. With near-perfect balance and increased torsional rigidity, the tester zipped off the line with nary a wiggle and accelerated smoothly up the road.

The Impreza was likewise balanced in hard corners and slalomed through freeway traffic with remarkable ease.  The handling alone would have been worth the price of admission: a most reasonable $28,975.

The tester's aerodynamic look was enhanced by a striking "Oasis Blue Pearl" paint job that stood out beautifully in parking lots.  Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark-gray finish added to the eye appeal.

This being a Subaru, it's loaded with the latest technology, which both enhances the driving experience and makes it safer.

That includes standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which enhances the range of vision, braking and trouble-spotting ... careless pedestrians or all-over-the-road bicyclists, for example. The Automatic Emergency Steering system is designed to avoid collisions at speeds of less than 50 miles per hour.

I will confess that these systems worked somewhat aggressively, making slight adjustments of the steering wheel in my hands as a I motored along.  The systems demand driving excellence. Given that, they are doing their jobs well.

Per usual, fuel mileage is good at 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Another bonus: the back storage area is surprisingly roomy.

The Subaru Impreza holds a special place in my heart, given its sterling history of safety awards and development of all-wheel drive. It has been around for more than 30 years now, and it's never looked -- or performed -- better than right now.