When it was first introduced a couple of years ago, some thought the new generation Impreza lacked visual impact. Not only was it sold as a five-door hatchback in the UK, but the rather anonymous styling meant that telling the performance versions from their more mundane siblings could be hard.
Hence the 2011 Subaru WRX STI Type UK, which has been designed to address those criticisms. It gets a proper boot for the first time (the hatch version remains on sale too) and wider wheel arches, but it loses the Impreza name. According to Subaru, the WRX STI has become a model in its own right.
The WRX STI was never going to be a particularly pretty car, and the saloon is crying out for a decent boot lid spoiler to help balance its proportions, but the update appears to have been generally successful. The changes are more than skin deep, though.
A stiffer body than before has allowed longer travel suspension to be fitted, which improves both ride quality and road holding. Based on the ‘Spec C’ set up, the revised chassis has been combined with a lower ride height and wider tyres to further improve driver feedback and control.
Unsurprisingly, there’s a turbocharged boxer engine under the bonnet. Still with a capacity of 2.5 litres, it has now been cleaned up to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. Power remains at 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS), with a very healthy 407 Nm of torque available at 4,000 rpm. Subaru claims the way in which that torque is delivered has been improved, meaning that there’s a better throttle response and more linear acceleration.
0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes just 5.2 seconds, while top speed is still restricted to 155 mph (250 km/h). Fuel economy isn’t too brilliant though, with the WRX STI managing just 26.9 mpg (10.5 l/100km) on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions of 324 g/km mean that the Subaru doesn’t quite make it into the top tier for UK road tax purposes, but nevertheless it’s in Band L which will set the owner back £425 each year.
For 2011, the WRX STI’s all-wheel drive system has been upgraded, and the differentials now have revised settings. Torque is sent 41% front / 59% rear by default, but this can be altered via the four-mode Driver’s Control Centre Differential system. Also adjustable is the electronic stability control - or Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control in Subaru-speak - which lets the driver decide how intrusive it is.
As part of the revisions, the interior gets better materials for a more quality feel, and there are new Recaro seats for the driver and passenger. Standard equipment for 2011 includes Bluetooth telephone connectivity, climate control, ten-speaker audio with USB and AUX input jacks, cruise control and keyless entry.
The Subaru WRX STI is available in the UK now and costs £33,405 OTR for either the saloon or hatchback versions.
That price would usually be comparable to its archrival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR FQ-300. However, significant reductions across all of the Evo X range mean that the GSR FQ-300 can currently be had for £28,804 and, unluckily for Subaru, that’s a big saving.
