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2024 Subaru Impreza vs Volkswagen Golf GTI Detailed Comparison
The 2024 Subaru Impreza, in its latest generation, starts at an affordable $22,995 and now boasts standard all-wheel drive. The new generation brings larger screens, a more potent engine option, and expanded standard features. Subaru’s decision to discontinue the four-door sedan and manual transmission variants in favor of focusing on the hatchback models with CVTs indicates a shift toward practicality. In comparison, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has stood the test of time, with the 2022 model marking its eighth generation. Despite updated styling, the GTI maintains its iconic “box with an edge” character. It is Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 241-hp four-cylinder engine. They offer the choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as the sole option.
2024 Subaru Impreza
Interior and Features
The 2024 Subaru Impreza’s cabin features a number of noticeable upgrades that stand out. While the 7.0-inch screen on base models is standard, upgrading to the Sport or RS trims gives you access to a stunning 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Physical buttons around the digital display, which provide quick interactions without software-related delays, make this device user-friendly and effective. For better traction and stability, Subaru’s active torque vectoring carefully distributes power to each wheel. The 2024 Impreza RS offers the renowned 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, which produces excellent sound.
Engine and Performance
On paper, the Impreza RS’s more powerful 182-hp 2.5-liter engine, which replaces the original 2.0-liter unit, appears to be a significant increase. However, its additional 30 horsepower and 33 pound-feet of torque do not convert into exciting performance. The revised chassis shines when driven hard into downhill hairpin corners, effortlessly retaining speed owing to its perfect balance. On the skidpad, the Impreza RS achieved a good 0.83 g of grip, demonstrating its handling abilities. Despite a 1.2-second gain in the 0-60 mph sprint (now 7.8 seconds), the RS’s performance remains rather lacking.
Pricing
The 2024 Subaru Impreza series provides value in the AWD compact vehicle segment. It begins with a basic model priced at $22,995. Moving up to the mid-level Sport trim costs $24,995, which includes some more options and design components. For those looking for a higher degree of performance, the highest RS version begins at $27,885 and has a more powerful 2.5-liter 182 horsepower boxer engine. Despite a modest price rise over the previous model due to the CVT being the only gearbox choice, the 2024 Impreza is still priced favorably below its competitors.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Interior and Features
The Volkswagen Golf GTI’s interior is a fusion of contemporary elements and tasteful nods to its storied heritage. Notable features include front seats with iconic plaid inserts, red trim accents, and a golf-ball shift knob. A 10.3-inch gauge cluster display modernizes the dashboard, although some might prefer traditional analog meters. Infotainment ranges from an 8-inch screen in the base S model to a 10-inch display in the SE and above. While the larger screen offers more features, its touch capacitive “slider” controls for audio functions can be cumbersome. The S model retains an 8-inch screen with conventional volume and tuning knobs. Additionally, the GTI provides ample connectivity with four USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
Engine and Performance
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, marking a 13-horsepower and 15-pound-feet improvement over its predecessor. Power is directed to the front wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. In performance tests, the current GTI with the dual-clutch automatic achieved a swift 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds, outpacing the previous-gen Rabbit GTI with the automatic by 0.7 seconds. The GTI’s enhanced performance is attributed to its revised suspension, electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and brake-based torque vectoring, resulting in agile handling without compromising ride comfort during daily driving.
Pricing
The Volkswagen Golf GTI lineup offers a range of pricing options to suit various preferences. The base GTI S starts at a reasonable $30,530, with only a modest increase of $650 compared to the previous year. Next in line is the special 40th Anniversary Edition at $33,055, followed by the SE at $35,330 and the top-tier Autobahn at $39,070. These prices reflect the standard configuration with no additional cost for paint and the six-speed manual transmission. Opting for the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission incurs an additional $800 fee across all trim levels. It’s important to note that these prices are MSRP and do not include the $1,095 destination charge.