Filed under: Wagons/Estates, Hatchbacks, Subaru
Slinging dirt: Subaru Impreza WRX STI reviews hit the 'net
Some of our favorite online reads released their initial driving impressions of the new for '08 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, and the consensus seems to be that the new STI is a big step forward, with a competent combination of daily usability and track-ready driving dynamics.
InsideLine asks at the beginning of their article, WWPSD? (What Would Petter Solberg Drive?) A valid question considering that the Subaru wheelman has been getting trounced by hatches recently, and the new model's five-door setup reflects his desire to remain competitive in the world of WRC.
The wider track and longer wheelbase seems to pay dividends in steering feel, while the new rear double-wishbone layout eats up road imperfections with ease. The 2.5-liter four (producing 305 hp and 290 lb. ft. of torque) with variable valve timing both on the intake and exhaust cams doesn't speak as loudly as its dad, but even though redline has been dropped by 300 rpms (from 7k to 6,700), the engine is a force to be reckoned with. One problem though: in order to get the full dollop of power, Subaru recommends 93 octane – a tough order for those of us saddled with 91 piss fuel.
As expected, the interior is a dramatic improvement, although some complained about the seat's lack of bolstering (Americans can be skinny Subaru), and first gear is apparently super short, causing bouts of over revving on take off. The Brembo-sourced stoppers are the best ever offered on an STI, holding up to relentless pounding and, according to Motive, "talk" to the driver.
Follow the links to check out the reviews from InsideLine, Motive and Popular Mechanics.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
strongbadinator 11:48AM (12/04/2007)
STi>Challenger, in terms of performance, mpg, reliability, and price.
Challenger> Sti, in terms of looks.
Come on dodge. Quit competing in a war that happened 30 years ago. Bring something to the table to compete with this, like you ALMOST did with the SRT4.
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paul34 11:55AM (12/04/2007)
lol! Did Dodge actually say that their Challenger even remotely competed with the STi? If so, that's hilarious.
The Challenger has nothing to do with a turbocharged "hot hatch" like the STi! It's a muscle car for crying out loud! It should be compared with other muscle cars, like Mustang GTs, Camaros, etc.
Silly Dodge.
EnviroBob 11:55AM (12/04/2007)
The Challenger isn't supposed to compete with the STi, that's the SRT-4's intended mission. The Challenger competes with the Mustang and Camaro. Two very different categories and intended purposes.
JD 12:15PM (12/04/2007)
Bob, The SRT-4 ceased to exist 3 years ago if i recall. Maybe 2? Dodge doesn't have anything to compete with this, and even if the SRT-4 were still being made, that sure wouldn't match the STI in my book. FWD, ~220HP
Jamie M 12:30PM (12/04/2007)
JD, there is a new Caliber SRT-4. It is still FWD but has 285hp. I agree that isn't any real competition for the STi though.
Actaeon 12:56PM (12/04/2007)
JD -
The 2008 Caliber also has an SRT-4 Trim. Autoblog had several articles on it last week.
deadlydave 11:48AM (12/04/2007)
"...and first gear is apparently super short". Aye, the first gear on my soob is also short.
I can't wait to see how the STi does on the WRC.
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Mike 11:54AM (12/04/2007)
Gimme, Gimme!
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razL 11:56AM (12/04/2007)
Sounds great, but why couldn't they make it look cool?
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youknowit 1:57PM (12/04/2007)
I love the looks, and the inside looks like I can bring others in too, like the lady, a father-in-law, my boss, and not look like too much of a boy racer.
Richard 2:51PM (12/04/2007)
I was thinking about this this morning before I went to work and, you know Subaru is, first and foremost, a company of engineers - really good ones too. If you had ever been under an SVX and compared it to a Lexus or SL of the time you can appreciate how well the guys in Osaka (?) did their jobs.
So with that as prelude - the STi is beautiful as an engineering piece. That body generates 0 lift without any added wings or appendages beyond that vestigial rear lip. That's pretty beautiful!
brad 11:59AM (12/04/2007)
any one know the avail date and price?
Will be interesting to see how it compares up to the mazda speed three and R32
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MemphisNET 12:08PM (12/04/2007)
I love how we can so easily forgive a 50k compact AWD car, but trash an UNRELEASED, 40K Muscle car, which will turn into mid 20's to mid 30's for the normal versions.
They're not in the same category.
They're apples and oranges.
I think this car is a joke and I would never consider it, because it doesn't appeal to me. BUT that doesn't mean I don't respect it from a technical point.
strongbadinator 12:38PM (12/04/2007)
Memphis you are a retard. STis cost 30 grand.
bj 12:57PM (12/04/2007)
mazda speed3 and the r32 will suck. I like the mazda for its price though. real bang for buck. I've come to hate vw's ( i own 2 btw- so dub owners dont attack me now) becoz of their reliability issues + big price tag + with not that much great performance. I'll pay same price as r32 and get the evo or sti and be better of anyday.
Fooman 1:24PM (12/04/2007)
I do now see how the mazda speed 3 compares...
Also on the GTI R32 just pay 2k more and get the A3 with the 3.2 quattro it is the same car with a much much better interior.
mooj 12:07PM (12/04/2007)
except for the fact that Car and Driver ripped it for being heavier, more isolated, and .3 of a sec slower to 60.
they also were emphatic that the body roll is very pronounced, and thus erodes confidence in this car. for all its trouble, it does the exact same on the skidpad. whoopty doo.
i am outraged that both this and the evo were intentionally compromised (the evo especially-- nearly a second slower to 60? what a joke).
so, in nearly every dynamic respect, it is either the exact same or worse than the outgoing one, not to mention aesthetically challanged as well. as added insult, it is much more expensive.
all it manged to do was get quieter and more comfortable, and i don't recall any of the STI faithful clamoring for any of that.
thanks for the help, subaru. i hope you get punished with low sales, and a deminished brand perception.
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Brian 12:16PM (12/04/2007)
"except for the fact that Car and Driver ripped it for being heavier, more isolated, and .3 of a sec slower to 60."
Did Car and Driver already test an STI or is this the WRX?
mooj 12:46PM (12/04/2007)
it was the STI, unfortunately
Pete 12:49PM (12/04/2007)
I guess you haven't actually the articles on the American version. Car and Driver reviewed the Japanese version, not the American like Inside Line did:
Pros:
"Slightly faster and better handling than the old STI"
Bottom Line:
"Significant changes to the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI have simultaneously given it more performance and more practicality."
Or Motive Magazine:
"This new STI is a more refined, more mature, and more capable performance sedan than ever before."