Subaru WRX STI

Overview

One of the most accomplished sports sedans sold currently, the Subaru WRX STI is the more powerful and racier iteration of the WRX sedan and promises unadulterated performance and driving dynamics. The Subaru WRX STI is available in a single variant, which is being offered in Dark Grey, Ice Silver, Crystal White, Lapis Blue, Crystal Black, and WR Blue colour options.

Interior & Features

Just like the exterior, the overall layout of the cabin on the inside of the Subaru WRX STI has a plain approach. However, Subaru has done a decent job in finishing the cabin in an all-black theme, which comes with contrast red stitching as well as the red tone for the upholstery.

The multifunctional steering wheel is flat bottomed and comes with contrast red stitching, whereas the part digital instrument console behind it looks cool with comprehensive sporty details and data on offer.

The centre portion of the dashboard has a conventional design, which though comes with additional sport-oriented gauges on its upper housing. The rectangular AC vents come with a large touchscreen infotainment system and three round dials for the automatic climate control below them in the centre console.

The round themed gear lever feels good to hold and looks cool with its red coloured knob, while behind the gear lever are placed dial for the drive mode selector and a hidden small compartment.

Other prominent features of the cabin of the Subaru WRX STI, which can easily seat five passengers in great comfort, include a 10-way powered front driver’s seat, 60/40 split rear seats, push-button start with keyless entry, Apple Carplay and Android Auto and cruise control.

Exterior

While Subaru has made sure that there is no dearth of sportiness in the visual appeal of the WRX STI, the fact that the original design of the car has been in existence for many years makes it look a bit dated.

At the front, the Subaru WRX STI has got a slim looking hexagonal front grille which is completely finished in black and comes with honeycomb mesh and red coloured STI badge in it. The sweptback headlamps with projector bulbs and daytime running LEDs do add some modernity to the frontal stance. To instil some sportiness, Subaru has given large faux air dams on the front bumper and a large scoop on the front bonnet. 

The side profile of the Subaru WRX STI looks quite simple with large side windows and door panels. However, the squared hump over the wheel arches on both the ends, black alloy wheels and door-mounted rearview mirrors again work in favour of the WRX STI to make it look sporty.

Moving towards the rear, while the Subaru WRX STI has been blessed with a pair of simple looking tail lamps with curved outer edges and a conventional-looking design for the boot lid, what easily stands out is the huge boot-mounted spoiler.

Ride & Handling

The Subaru WRX STI is highly regarded as one of the best driver’s cars around the world, for the inverted Macpherson struts at the front and double-wishbone setup at the rear have been tuned on a stiffer side. To bring this great blend of performance and stability to a halt, the WRX STI has been blessed with high-performance Brembo brakes.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Subaru WRX STI is powered by a highly powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder high boost turbocharged petrol engine, which produces a maximum power output of 300 PS, while the peak torque output is rated at 407 Nm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard.

Braking & Safety

With great power comes great responsibility, and the Subaru WRX STI has been equipped with a range of safety features like front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, active torque vectoring and multi-mode vehicle dynamics control.

Verdict

The Subaru WRX STI might not be an outright swanky car to look at, but then, it really outshines some of the higher-priced sports cars with its perfect balance of performance and driving dynamics, which makes it one of the best driver’s cars available in the modern era.