Subaru WRX STI - features of ownership in Russia

Cars Subaru is both loved and disliked in Russia. Mostly, they don't want to deal with them, although former owners speak well of them. At the same time, they don't deny that these cars are unique, and the spare parts for them are increasingly original - and what an expense!


But the Impreza has always stood apart, even among Subaru. By the way, the modification of the WRX STI used to be called the Impreza!

And who will compete?

Subaru's sports car model is an endangered species. You can compare it with the BMW M3 or some Alfa Romeo, but there is a different philosophy and cost. The main opponent in the class was the famous Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, and it remains to be seen who was better. But now Mitsu is out of business - it is not being produced.



It turns out that in its price category, the Subaru WRX STI simply has no competitors!

How much is new and used?

Before proceeding to describe the features of the car, let's deal with the prices. Despite the unpretentious appearance of an ordinary body kit sedan, the Subaru WRX STI is a real sports car and it costs accordingly.

The minimum price for a new car starts at 4 rubles. Not enough for a sports car, but too much for a small sedan.
In the used market for cars of the latest generation (it is the only one) they ask from 2 rubles - it's expensive.

The Subaru WRX STI is an amateur car, but those who ride it, especially in winter, will understand what the advantage of a strange sports car is. When the road is slippery, Subaru's four-wheel drive with good tires on wheels almost does not notice the snow.

This causes price tags in the used market. Subaru WRX STI are being sold slowly, but they are not going to reduce the cost. Cars are waiting for their buyer and find him.

As for the reliability of the model, there are no problems with it. The car is quite “fresh”, produced since 2016, and rare in Russia, so there is no information about “sores”. The only thing worth noting is the exactingness of the engine to the quality of the oil, recommendations to change it every 5-7 thousand km. run.

Appearance

The appearance of the Subaru WRX STI awakens twofold feelings in the soul. For those in the know, Subaru's looks command respect - it's a sports car. For the vast majority of cars in beautiful tuning, nothing outstanding.



By the way, as for the body kit - it's not just there, but aerodynamic. For example, a wide rear wing comes in the basic version. At high speeds, this spoiler reduces lift and even replaces it with downforce, which increases vehicle stability.



There are no hatchbacks, as was the case with older cars produced as Impreza, in the WRX STI. As time has shown, they are not in demand, buyers prefer a sedan.

The automatic options have also been ditched - this is an old-school sports car, uncompromising!

Salon

It can be seen that the Japanese decided to raise the level of their sports car - the interior has become much more comfortable than before. Finally, soft plastic, several color displays, a full-fledged on-board computer appeared.



But bucket seats are no longer even available as an option. Why they did this is not clear. But the stock seats are also distinguished by the presence of good lateral support.



Finally, we thought a little about the rear passengers - the living space for them was increased. Even so, the Subaru WRX STi is a car for the driver and front passenger, the rest will not be very comfortable.

As before on the Impreza, the interior soundproofing is at the level of budget models. It’s like it doesn’t exist at all, and the sounds of a running engine, tires and even rain trickling down the windows are constantly heard in the cabin. The manufacturer does not refuse this, but on the contrary, is proud of it. Say, a sports car needs to be listened to!

Despite the stiff suspension, bumps on the Subaru WRX STi are now smoother, pleasing the driver's ass. This is due to the increased rigidity of the body, which received additional amplifiers and a new high-strength alloy.

Technical details

The engine remained only in a single version - 2,5 turbo gasoline with a return of 300 hp. With. The motor is old, but proven - this is the same EJ25 that was installed at the beginning in the 2000s.

But they worked seriously with the motor electronics:

• ? Low torque increased
  
• ? Faster throttle response
  
• ? The engine complies with the environmental standard Euro-6
  

But now it’s easier to burn the clutch - you have to get used to the updates.

How to ride

If earlier sports modifications of the Subaru Impreza in corners at speed did not differ in the stability of the rear axle, which slid, now this is not the case. It was possible to achieve perfection thanks to the help of Tommi Mäkinen, one of the most successful rally drivers in the world.



But Subaru's engineers didn't go the BMW route, building cars that would do all the work for the driver. No, their Subaru WRX STi simply helps to merge with technology, understand it and act together.

The power steering here is classic, so the control is sharp and clear - sporty.

Catch up and overtake Porsche

When creating the Subaru WRX STi, Japanese engineers focused on Porsche, and not on some Cayenne, which is Volkswagen, but on the famous 911 model. And they did it in terms of steering response time and transverse overloads. The Porsche 911 did not reach the level of rolls, but the Cayman caught up, which is also not bad.



At the cost of a Porsche, it is at least twice as expensive, but it also has its own appearance, legendary, no one doubts that this is a sports car.

How to ride in the city?

Despite the fact that the Subaru WRX STi is positioned as a universal car, it is almost a car with the ensuing problems in everyday use. Gasoline consumption is around 16 liters, jerky acceleration in the first two gears, a sharp reaction to the gas pedal ... This is especially unpleasant in traffic jams.



The manual transmission (the Subaru WRX STi does not have another) is distinguished by its precise operation. Short-stroke gearshift - it's great!



For urban use, the car is not very suitable - you have to get used to it. Although, some do not experience any difficulties in everyday driving. The trunk is quite voluminous, plus you can fold the backs of the rear seats and translate something large and long. Although, you should not count on something large and high anyway - it's a sedan!

How does it behave on dirt roads?

It is not for nothing that the car is positioned as a rally car - it is pleasant to drive on a dirt road, and at any of the permitted speeds. This does not mean that you should drive from 130 and above, but up to 120 there is no discomfort.

With the stabilization system turned on, it is almost impossible to make the Subaru WRX STi roll sideways. If you want, then the ESP is turned off and you can enjoy cornering in the slide. In this case, the driver will still be in control of the situation without going into an uncontrolled skid.

Subaru WRX STi is a charismatic car. He is the last in a specific class with the departure of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo from the scene. I am glad that the Japanese are trying to maintain traditions by releasing classics, and even on a mechanical box.