Subaru WRX STI: driving test and video
Posted on 18-08-2014 at 16:00 by Wouter – 81 Comments”
The story of a rallykanon in the Low Countries.
[ First look, then read? Watch the video HERE! ]
The lineage of sporty compact sedans from Subaru is impressive. Already since the nineties builds Subaru fast Impreza’s for the street and they drive there are even rallies. We forgive the Japanese that they are in between a hatchback built and also that they the name Impreza for this generation dumped.
Parent company Fuji Heavy Industries founded the branch for motorsport, Subaru Tecnica International, in 1988. The first Impreza WRX STI was launched in 1994 and was based on the 250 hp strong ‘GC8B’ Impreza.
Is it a boxer?
It is a USP (unique selling point) of any Subaru: boxer engine. Because the cylinders are flat instead of upright, a shaft bearing and the center of gravity also. It also produces a characteristic sound, that we also know of the Porsche 911 and former Alfa Romeo’s such as the Sud.
The strange thing is that in the WRX STI, the characteristic boxer sound is not too strongly present. The four cylinder engine sounds more interesting than the home-garden-kitchen-and-20%-other viercilinders, but it was more exciting for us. It begs the question, or Subaru, just like the European manufacturers, however, soundengineers in service?
Powerrr
The block is exactly the same as that of the previous generation and the performance are unchanged: in 5,2 seconds 100 on the clock and the top speed is 255 km/h. The torque peak to 407 Nm at 4000 rpm and maximum power is 300 horsepower (at 6000 rpm).
That sounds good enough, but the figures do not tell the whole story. The 2.5 litre boxer engine with turbo is so slowly to the left and right overtaken by other engines. Volkswagen pulls out a half-litre less the same power, but know that combining it with a better driveablity. Below 3000 rpm, the WRX STI is not very strong, newly above the boxer of los. The motto is thus: a lot of switching. You will need to work to the potential to pick out via the fine-shifting manual gearbox. An automatic bowl (with for example a dual clutch), was placed not on the list of options, while that very well in the WRX STI would fit.
A rallykanon & the speed zone
I have no idea if the speed zone is actually a Dutch invention, but it is syptomatisch for the Dutch road network. Every fun should be in the bud to be nipped by a structural lack of mountains, we must also do without the miles of long and winding strings of asphalt. It is right where the WRX STI can excel, but find but once such a road in the Netherlands.
In long turns at high speed, you feel little of the support symmetrical AWD, the WRX STI is simply the side where you send it back focuses. Only as the tighter it is, the WRX STI in its element. The bodyshell is 140% stiffer than that of the predecessor and the four wheel drive has torque vectoring. Throw the WRX STI a short bend in, stamp on the gas and all of the differentials and electronics go for you to work. As soon as the front wheels scrabbling for grip, feel the rear by the outer rear wheel angle to be pushed.
Interior and exterior
With the large hood scoop, lucas and ditto the rear spoiler, we don’t long to have about the appearance: you hate it or you love it. About the interior we can it faster. The carbon mouldings and red accentjes can not conceal that the interior is dated and not able to come with the European competition. The materials used are at most neatly, for the navigation system, the same applies. It may all be just, but fortunately, it seems well put together.
The decisive blow for the Netherlands
In Belgium, the cost of the WRX STI a little more than 40 mille. In the Netherlands, is the bare price 34.251 euro. Additionally: 34.551 euro to BPM (with thanks to the high CO2 emissions) and 7.193 euros in VAT. Indeed: for a WRX STI with yellow plates, you pay more tax than that Subaru something to deserve…
By the total from price of 75.995 euro competes with the WRX STI with the hothatch brigade (Golf R, Audi S3, Astra OPC, Megane RS), but with cars a few classes above. For this money, there is also an Audi S4, thick 3-series or even a nice Porsche Boxster for the door. That is a pity, because despite the fact that the look is not my thing, fast Subaru’s always a welcome change on our roads. Movie!
Gallery: Subaru WRX STI
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