New pricing is terrific; even better to drive; looks great
Supply is tight from the factory.
New technology, new looks, better drive and priced from $49,990, the all-new Subaru WRX STi is now on-sale and by any measure it’s the best yet.
So is the Subaru WRX STi still the one for performance car fans?
Yes, yes it is.
In fact, with this latest fourth generation model WRX STi, Subaru has lapped the field.
Subaru WRX STi Overview
STi ‘purists’ will be pleased the all-new model is exclusively a four-door sedan and exclusively a six-speed manual. No hatchback and no CVT auto – and the ‘Rex’ fans say: “Told you so!”
The fourth generation model is all-new except for the turbocharged 2.5-litre Boxer engine which carries-over (ECU re-programmed for faster throttle response). Subaru has focused its engineering efforts underneath and the latest STi arrives with staggering improvements in chassis, suspension and steering which make this the most dynamic STi yet.
It’s also the best-equipped with standard features like a reversing camera, Harman Kardon audio, satellite navigation, 4.3-inch colour multi-function display and a driver’s knee airbag.
Models are familiar – entry level STi and range-topping STi Premium.
Both versions are outstanding value-for-money but the Premium is exceptional with extras including 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, leather seats (heated fronts and power adjustment for the driver) and a sunroof.
So perhaps the best news is the sticker price. The regular Subaru WRX STi is listed at $49,990 and the STi Premium will set you back $54,990. That’s $10,000 and $11,000 respectively less than the outgoing models.
Subaru says this pricing reflects a goal of getting STi prices closer to the standard WRX and is not a reaction to the new model being exclusively sedan and six-speed manual. The Japanese giant says around 140 STi models were sold in the past 14 months and there was some discounting of the previous $65,990 tag.
Prices are:
STi $49,990
STi Premium $54,990
Subaru WRX STi Engine
Only detail changes under the bonnet (Subaru’s turbocharged 2.5-litre Boxer engine is a cracker so why change?). Maximum power of 221kW is delivered at 6000rpm and peak torque of 407Nm arrives from 4000rpm.
Subaru Australia chief Nick Senior pointedly confirmed those figures of 221kW/407Nm have been tested and confirmed in Australia using Australian fuel. STi critics take note there has been no de-tuning.
Subaru engineers focused their engine work on better throttle response and this was achieved with a re-tune of the ECU.
As well, the new chassis required a re-shape of the turbocharger intercooler for space reasons.
Subaru WRX STi The Interior
There’s an instantaneous high performance feel about the interior of the Subaru WRX STi. Sport seats with red highlights, the new D-shaped sports steering wheel with red stitches, alloy pedals and the centre 4.3-inchLCD Multi-Function Display screen with boost pressure display (as well as reversing camera image and audio details) all confirm this thing is ready for serious pedaling.
And there’s a noticeable shift in ambience with nice soft-touch materials, carbon-fibre look trim highlights and lots of natural light thanks to the extra glasshouse. Extra space helps too – the 25mm extra wheelbase providing more rear legroom and the fourth-generation Subaru WRX STi is 15mm wider inside for enhanced elbow room.
Gauges are conventional and easy-to-read with another 3.5-inch LCD digital display (SI-Drive, digital speedo etc) between the rev-counter and speedometer. Audi is an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system.
The driver’s seat (heated and electronic control in Premium model) has a backrest 60mm taller and extra travel. And as well as the extra leg-room, rear seat passengers enjoy a 20mm higher hip-point to improve their view.
Out-back luggage space is up by 40-litres to 460-litres.
Subaru WRX STi Exterior & Styling
Like the regular WRX, the STi adopts a totally new look which we think is very eye-catching. WRX STi fans will immediately pick the lower, wider bonnet scoop (much more cohesive and an aid to better visibility).
Also immediately obvious is the sharp front-end with Subaru’s hallmark hexagonal grille and STi-unique mesh plus the LED hawke-eye headlights (including for the first time standard DRLs) and low-mounted fog-lights. There are also front wing ducts.
Side view is dominated by side sills.
And the rear – of course – sees the hallmark WRX bootlid spoiler and under-bumper diffuser. The spoiler is 8.0mm higher and 0.3kgs lighter than the previous model.
You will also notice the A-pillar has shifted 200mm forwards - incorporating small front quarter windows – and the new door-mounted exterior mirrors.
Both models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, but the range-topping Subaru WRX STi Premium scores BBS wheels which look great. Tyres are 245/40 R18 97W Dunlop SP Sport MAXX RT.
And that massive rear spoiler is actually a no-cost delete option…but why would you? C’mon this is a WRX STi you know!
Subaru WRX STi On The Road
We spent a full day in the latest Subaru WRX STi on the roads East of Canberra and the Wakefield Park race circuit near Goulburn. Enough to confirm this is best STi so far.
The improvements are all down to the chassis and steering – like the regular WRX, the focus was on rear-bias, so the car feel like it’s steering from the rear. The re-tuned suspension, stiffer platform and quicker ratio steering were all tested relentlessly at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany and the payback is immense.
And the facts speak for themselves – the famed ‘Moose Test’ swerve and recover, the Subaru WRX STi outperformed the Porsche 911 which was Subaru’s benchmark (in fact according to Subaru, the STi outperformed the 911 in several driving dynamics tests).
Among the new technology is Active Torque Vectoring Control (brakes the inside front wheel to reduce understeer). And among the figures – bending rigidity is up by 30 per-cent, torsional rigidity is up by 39 per-cent, struts are 10 per-cent stiffer in rebound and 20 per-cent stiffer in bump, springs are 62 per-cent stiffer plus the anti-roll bars are thicker at 20mm.
And apart from all the chassis stiffening, there are copious detail changes like lowered rear sub-frame mounts for the lateral links which allows 3mm more initial toe-in and moving the rear shock mounts 10mm outward.
So what does it all mean? Well this WRX STi points and steers like no other.
And it’s responsive. Switch the centre differential out of ‘Auto’ and towards the rear and you can feel the changed dynamic instantaneously.
On the race circuit, in track mode, understeer is still the default setting but unlike the previous WRX STi, response to changes in steering and throttle response pays big dividends.
And all the time you enjoy the startling response of Subaru’s 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine.
Brilliant!
Subaru WRX STi Challenges
Worldwide demand is massive and Subaru Australia has only 300 STis coming this year. We’re ordering ours today!
Subaru WRX STi The Competition
Good as Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution is, it’s now looking dated and expensive (prices start at $56,990). You get 217kW/366Nm from Mitsubishi’s turbocharged 2.0-litre to 221kW/407Nm from Subaru’s latest 2.5-litre Boxer turbo.
While it’s a front-drive hatchback and only delivers 195kW/360Nm from its turbocharged 2.0-litre, you do get plenty of bang for your bucks from the Renault Megane RS (prices start at $42,640) and it’s an awesome track day racer. Euro styling inside is excellent.
