- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
‘World Rally eXtreme’ in your garage
The Subaru WRX STi has been produced since 2014. That was then that the letters WRX STi were removed from the Subaru Impreza WRX STi name. The Subaru WRX STi Sedan is a C-segment five-seater four-door sedan with maximum power, excellent handling and a first-magnitude star image. The abbreviations WRX (World Rally eXtreme) and STi (Subaru Tecnica international) are well-earned. In 2021, Israeli buyers can purchase the first generation sports car after the 2016 restyling.
The first generation
It has been produced since 2014, and was restyled in 2016. The entry-level sedan has a bright blue body with golden wheel rims, which is a direct reference to the legendary rally cars that are the true ancestors to the car. It is from the powerful ancestors that the modern Subaru WRX STi inherited the turbocharged engine, the proprietary four-wheel drive, and the aggressive image of an athlete. But if earlier only an experienced pilot who knew the Subaru habits could cope with the tough character of the energetic Impreza, currently everything is much simpler. Safety technologies are there to help the driver, and good manners have replaced the former roughness of the car. Its concept has changed, so the name is now different: Subaru WRX STi.
So, the Subaru WRX STi debuted in 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show, and was restyled in 2016. A 2.5-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed engine with 300 hp growls, rumbles and snorts under the hood. The sports car features only a six-speed manual transmission, which is the result of transformation of the previous five-speed transmission.
Technical evolution
The sedan has kept the permanent four-wheel drive and a low center of gravity, but at the same time has changed its reputation of a difficult-to-drive car. Thanks to the electronic assistants, the Subaru WRX STi has become pleasant to drive, has ceased to stress the driver out, demanding him to mobilize all the skills. However, you can completely deactivate the Vehicle Dynamic Control and enjoy your driving skills.
There are other cool features that tame the cool temper of a sports car, including the multi-mode VDC and the ATV active torque distribution system, which help to avoid unpleasant situations. Subaru takes safety very seriously. The WRX STi has a reinforced ring-shaped body shell and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. Powerful Brembo brakes work for a successful speed drop, the sports car is also equipped with an emergency braking amplifier and a gas pedal lock. In emergency situations, the emergency braking amplifier is connected and the accelerator pedal is locked when it is pressed simultaneously with the brake.
The Subaru WRX STi is 4,595 long, 1,796 wide and 1,476 high, with a wheelbase of 2,649 and a clearance height of 125 mm.
Trim levels
The interior standardly features combined seat upholstery (Alcantara fabric), but more expensive versions are finished with leather. A more expensive version implies the presence of an electric driver’s seat, blind spot scanners, as well as rain and light sensors. The standard equipment includes LED dipped headlights, LED taillights, a multimedia system with a 7-inch color touchscreen and Bluetooth support, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and other premium attributes.
2016 restyling
After the restyling in 2016, Subaru has acquired a slightly modernized exterior (a narrower radiator grille, a new front bumper), reconfigured suspension and steering, improved sound insulation (thicker glass, better seals and sound insulation). The WRX STI is equipped with the same improved 2.5-liter engine.
The interior of the restyled car demonstrates few changes. For example, the enlarged display of the multimedia system is 7 inches instead of 6.2. The car is still equipped with Recaro sports seats and aluminum pedal pads. The entry-level version has cruise control, navigation system, infotainment complex, AUX connectors and two USB ports for connecting external devices. For comfort, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, electric front seat adjustments (options) are responsible. The car is equipped with a keyless entry and engine button start system.
