Subaru Impreza STi

The STi already feels old fashioned and vague steering spoils driver enjoyment.

On the road price: £24,995

For : Fast, down-to-earth, enjoyable
Against : Light and indirect steering, crude feel, tacky cabin
Driving
Unlike the electronics and technology approach of some rivals, Subaru has stuck to tried-and-tested mechanical systems. The six-speed manual has a tight shift and weighty clutch, while the 4WD transmission uses limited-slip differentials front and rear, which allow torque to be distributed to the wheel that needs it most. That’s just as well, because the steering is a disappointment. Not only is it too light, but it’s not direct enough, so the nose is vague and agility suffers. But it is stable on rough roads, and absorbent, too. The long-travel suspension is softly set up and copes well with British B-roads, although it still fidgets over motorway expansion joints, and is rather noisy. Beneath the bonnet scoop lies a 296bhp 2.5-litre flat-four turbo, which growls characterfully and pulls well from low revs. The SI-Drive system alters engine mapping to vary throttle response as well.

Marketplace
The fastest Impreza is a curious looking thing, with the curved bonnet and roofline giving it a rounded appearance. The gaping bonnet scoop is a direct link to Subaru’s rally heritage, and does serve a purpose, as it channels air into the engine’s intercooler. Flared arches are also functional as they widen the Impreza, promising to improve stability and grip. The single five-door model has few options – unlike the latest Mitsubishi Evo X, arguably its key rival, the Subaru doesn’t offer a self-shifting gearbox option. Other four-wheel-drive hatchback alternatives include the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R32.

Owning
The STI costs upwards of £25,000, but the interior design and material quality are no better than on a £10k supermini. Cheap plastics and flimsy trim abound, although it does get the basics right, offers excellent all-round visibility and has a decent amount of cabin stowage. There’s plenty of headroom throughout, and the five-door hatchback layout makes it versatile. Don’t trust the speedo, though. During testing, we found an indicated 70mph was actually a true 62mph. Average economy of 19.3mpg wasn’t too bad, considering the performance, but the Subaru does demand expensive super unleaded fuel. It is also very expensive to run – 20 pence for every mile when compared to an Audi S3! Insurance is steep and retained values are only average.

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not feeling it at all

its a pimped up mazda 3. theyv lost theyr aggresion i think

it looks poo its now a hatch and hoestly has lost all its rally appeal as callum said it looks like a mazda 3 went wrong on steroids it has seriously lost all its uniqueness and now to be fair it looks average new corsaish inside

thats not a scooby !! im a scooby fan and that is just wrong looks like something proton would of produced just as scooby where gettig some where wit there 07 plate one that looked good now they go and make this !!!!

my nieboure has 1 in black looks piss sorry but its not a scooby at all i thought it wasa golf or civic 2 start with till i clockt the sti badge

she had the old shape sti saloon was minted looking and souded asume

this new 1 is poo totaly poo inmop

bring back old shape
scobbys are meant 2 be saloons not hot hatches

steven77 wrote:

my nieboure has 1 in black looks piss sorry but its not a scooby at all i thought it wasa golf or civic 2 start with till i clockt the sti badge

she had the old shape sti saloon was minted looking and souded asume

this new 1 is poo totaly poo inmop

bring back old shape
scobbys are meant 2 be saloons not hot hatches

couldnt have said it better myself lol

theyve killed the scooby!!!
xxx

i fooking love it n i sooooo wanna trade the wagon in to get a white one it has to be white or black i am in love with the new white scooby wrx sti

no dont do it keep the wagon this new 1 looks naff urz is kl dnt do it

Eurgh! Too much on the back, the make is distroyed

it's horrable ... nuff said!

looks even wourse in black

its sexy in white!