- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Subaru WRX STi Sedan. 1st generation. 2016 restyling
The Subaru WRX STi is a more powerful and dynamic modification of the Subaru WRX four-door sedan, produced since 2014 by Subaru (Japan). The WRX without an STi prefix is a sports car for every day, while the WRX STi is built exclusively for dynamics. It features an aluminum hood with a large air intake and a powerful rear wing. In 2021, Israeli buyers could purchase the first generation sports sedan after the 2016 restyling.
The WRX STi car was officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2014, and in 2016 it was restyled. In Israel, the car is sold in two trim levels (2.5i and 2.5 Premium), both of which are equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine (300 hp) and a manual gearbox, and there are no other options for the WRX STi. Plus, the sedan is equipped with the branded four-wheel drive, multi-mode dynamic stabilization system, active traction control system, as well as with powerful Brembo brakes.
Exterior and interior
To make the car more reminiscent of its glorious origins, its classic version comprises the signature blue color of the body with golden light-alloy or lightweight forged wheel rims. There are, of course, other color combinations: in addition to the famous deep blue, you can choose from white, silver, red, dark gray or black.
The manufacturer has deliberately chosen a sedan to design its sporty powerful version, as the axles weight distribution and aerodynamics are better than those of a hatchback. The car is 4,595 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, and 1,475 mm high. The trunk volume is not the most important parameter for a sports car, but a fast Subaru can boast of quite a good volume of 340 liters.
The Subaru WRX STi looks aggressive, energetic and very recognizable. It could not be otherwise: the maximum speed reaches 250 km/h, while it takes the sports car 5.2 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h. As expected, the interior comprises sporty features: red seat belts, cool Recaro seats with red edging, which, together with other interior elements of the same color, inspire active driving.
Power trains and chassis
The Subaru WRX STI is equipped with a turbocharged horizontally opposed multi-point injection engine with an intercooler (intermediate cooling). With a working volume of 2.5 liters, it produces 300 hp (at 6,000 rpm) and 407 Nm of torque (at 4,000 rpm.). It is noteworthy that the engine is equipped with a dual active valve control system, which has made it possible to achieve an almost ‘flat’ torque characteristic in a wide rpm range. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is only 5.2 seconds, while the maximum speed is 250 km/h.
The Subaru WRX STI has fully independent wheel suspension. The front suspension (McPherson) uses L-shaped aluminum arms to reduce unsprung masses and very stiff springs. The double wishbone rear suspension also features stiffer springs and reinforced bushings. Large diameter front and rear stabilizers reduce roll.
The SI Drive intelligent drive system is controlled by a circular switch that sets one of three gas pedal response modes. Thus, you can choose one of three driving modes: standard and comfortable ‘Intelligent’, sporty ‘Sport’, and extreme ‘Sport Sharp’. The car is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission with a short stroke gear shift lever assembly. The gearbox is complemented by the Incline Start assistant, which holds the brakes so that the car does not roll down when starting on a hill.
The car is equipped with symmetrical all-wheel drive with three differentials. Between the axles there is a mechanical planetary type limited slip differential, which by default divides the torque between the axles in a ratio of 41:59 in favor of the rear axle. The front axle is equipped with a screw LSD, and the rear axle has a Torsen.
The upgraded VDC system allows you to select the level of intervention of the electronics that control the traction or to turn it off. The Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) system also allows the driver to adjust the center differential lock to suit driving conditions and preferences.
Trim levels
The superb entry-level trim level includes LED headlights, front fog lamps, electrically driven and electrically heated side mirrors, repeaters of direction indicators in the mirrors, a steering column adjustable for height and reach, a multifunction steering wheel, an engine start button, an on-board computer with a 3.5-inch information display on the dashboard, power driver’s seat, keyless access and start system, remote key, climate control, CD player and audio system with 10 speakers, AUX ports, USB, and a rear view camera. For better functionality, the second row of seats folds in a 40/60 ratio. Plus, there is an electric trunk.
As for safety, we should first note that the car has a reinforced body frame, the rigidity of which has increased by 40%. Reliable protection of the driver and passengers is provided by a full range of airbags, including the driver’s knee airbag, and a set of active systems: tire pressure monitoring, four-channel ABS with EBD, and Brake Assist.
