[PacoMartin]

I wonder how keeping base WRX models on the 6spd affects the lineup - as it and the BRZ are the only remaining manuals. With the Impreza now moved to only CVT offerings, where does that put the SPT (for those that don't know the Subaru Performance Transmission, an upgraded CVT put... currently... only in the new WRX GT)

Although it is widely believed that the 2024 Crosstrek will drop the 6 spd manual, to the best of my knowledge no official announcement has been made. It is also my understanding that a huge percentage of the WRX and BRZ are sold with manual transmission. You might as well discontinue the cars if you drop the MT.

 

[PacoMartin]

entry point for many customers into the subaru brand

The loss of MT also took out some of the lowest priced trims. Even though the days of the 5-speed entry point for Subaru at under $20K died with the pandemic, I am glad they seem to be preserving the under $23K entry point (presuming the price does not go up to much for 2024).

• $21,595 + $1,020 destination: 2023 Impreza Base hatchback with CVT 152 hp
• $24,395 + $1,020 destination: 2023 Legacy Base sedan with CVT 182 hp
• $24,995 + $1,225 destination: 2023 Crosstrek Base CUV with CVT 152 hp
• $25,095 + $1,020 destination: 2023 Impreza Sport hatchback with CVT 152hp
• $26,145 + $1,225 destination: 2023 Crosstrek Premium CUV with CVT 152hp

The only 2022 Subaru Impreza at the local dealer is priced at $31,853 (still at MSRP) but it is a Limited trim with Moonroof, STARLINK 8.0" Multimedia Navigation System,Harman Kardon Speaker System, Mirror Compass w/ homelink, Crossbar Set, Door Edge Guards, Rear Seat Back Protector, LED Map and Dome Lights & Destination & Delivery.

I guess the 2.0 liter 152 hp engine will vanish by the next generation.

 

[PacoMartin]

I think they're keeping the 2.0 in the non-RS models no?

Yes, they are keeping the 2.0L in the Base and Sport Impreza and the Base and Premium Crosstrek. Mileage is the best in the industry for naturally aspirated, non-hybrid, all wheel drive. I did not include manual transmission below since they are certainly going to discontinue for the 2024 Imprez and almost certainly for the 2024 Crosstrek. These are the most fuel efficient All Wheel Drive non hybrid vehicles for 2023.

31.1​	AWD​	​	2023​	IMPREZA 5-DOOR​	-------------​	Subaru​	2.0L​	4 cyl​	Auto(AV-S7)​
31.0​	AWD​	​	2023​	ROGUE AWD turbo​	-------------​	Nissan​	1.5L​	3 cyl​	Auto(AV-S8)​
30.2​	AWD​	​	2023​	IMPREZA 5-DOOR SPORT​	-------------​	Subaru​	2.0L​	4 cyl​	Auto(AV-S7)​
30.0​	AWD​	​	2023​	LEGACY​	-------------​	Subaru​	2.5L​	4 cyl​	Auto(AV-S8)​
29.9​	AWD​	​	2023​	CROSSTREK AWD​	-------------​	Subaru​	2.0L​	4 cyl​	Auto(AV-S8)​

Even if they sell very few vehicles with 2.0L they may want to keep them around as they have designations such as SULEEV (Super Ultra Low Energy and Emission Vehicle). SULEEV is a U.S. classification for passenger vehicle emissions. The classification is based on producing 90% fewer emissions than the average gasoline-powered vehicle.

As late as 2019 the 2.0L was 29% of US sales. I don't know the precise percenage today as SOA does not report "take rates" for individual models, but I suspect by 2024 the take rate for the 2.0L will be under 10%. The take rate for turbos for Subaru was 24% for 2020. Rates for Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) is 98%, for CVT is 94%, and for non-hybrid stop-start is 63%. Only less than one percent of Subarus are Crosstrek hybrids.

year​	Take Rate for 2.0 liter engine​
2020​	23%​
2019​	29%​
2018​	34%​
2017​	32%​
2016​	26%​
2015​	30%​
2014​	30%​
2013​	33%​
2012​	28%​

 

[PacoMartin]

As long as it's still a vehicle that takes gas it should have a manual offering. I could understand if it were going full on EV but that isn't the case.

They have been threatening to take away the manual transmission since the introducion of the 5th generation in 2017. I expect they will do the same with the 2024 Crosstrek, leaving the entry price for MT in the upper $20's.

$28,595​	228hp​	6MT​	2023 BRZ​	Premium​	​	with destination and delivery $29,615​
$29,105​	271hp​	6MT​	2022 WRX​	Base​	​	with destination and delivery $30,100​