The Subaru WRX STI (Subaru Tecnica International) has long delivered considerable performance at an affordable price. For 2015, the WRX gets better, although die-hards hoping for a five-door model might disagree. But first, the rumors. Contrary to initial reports, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI does not ride on its own platform. The WRX STI still has Impreza flowing through it. The WRX STI however, drops “Impreza" from its name, to signify a higher-performance blood line. There are also chassis improvements, thorough suspension retuning and ample power increases over the Impreza to reinforce the WRX STI's gravel-spitting, rally-racing heritage.
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| 2015 Subaru WRX STI |
Design
A bolder front design makes the 2015 Subaru WRX STI look ready to devour the road. The "nose-cone" configuration combines the grille and bumper cap into one unit ahead of the hood, which for the 2015 model is made from aluminum to reduce weight over the front of the car. Narrower headlights, designed to evoke a raptor's stare, flank the Subaru hexagonal grille. The car's more powerful stare is further boosted by the new standard LED low-beam headlights.
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| Front headlamps |
The special hood, fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the Subaru WRX STI identity. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air, and in the 2015 model it is set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.
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| Rear diffuser |
Other new performance-oriented details include foglight surrounds with a carbon fiber-like pattern and front fender vents that feature a mesh screen. A full aerodynamic body package includes the large boot spoiler, a WRX STI signature feature. A rear diffuser, LED taillights and LED center high-mount stop lamp differentiate this beast from its other more timid siblings.
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| Rear lights |
Performance
The 2015 Subaru WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder BOXER power unit, which features Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS). The engine, which is exclusive to the STI model, produces 227 kW (305 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 392 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The Subaru WRX STI power unit is teamed exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission.
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| Power plant |
Incline Start Assist momentarily prevent the car from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on a steep hill. The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) power train management system allows the driver to tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes - "Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp" - using a rotary dial on the center console.
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| Refined suspension |
Handling
The 2015 Subaru WRX STI body structure makes greater use of high-tensile steel than the previous model and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The stiffer chassis helps yield a super-quick steering response that was benchmarked against top-handling sports cars. As on previous Subaru WRX STI models, the 2015 version uses an exclusive inverted-strut front suspension system that provides higher levels of cornering agility. The STI tuned suspension works with standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 tyres.
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| Profile |
Interior
Subaru WRX STI longer wheel base, increased by one-inch compared to the previous model, helps provide a roomier interior. The windshield is more raked, the A-pillar has been pulled forward, the dashboard has been lowered and the A-pillars narrowed to offer better forward visibility than ever before. Lower side sills and wider-opening doors make easier to enter or exit the interior. Rear seat legroom is increased by nearly two inches, and trunk capacity is now 340 litres from the 314 litres found in the previous model.
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| Sporty interior |
A standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat extends versatility. The driver grips a new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, which integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth control. The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel gets a new 3.5-inches central LCD screen that displays various functions, including low-level warnings for oil and windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.
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| 18-inch wheels covering the Brembo brakes |
Adornments
Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. A new multi-information central display with 4.3-inches LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio, climate control settings and Bluetooth.
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| Most capable Subaru WRX STI ever |
The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod control capability, USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.
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| Rear of the Subaru WRX STI |
Verdict
The 2015 Subaru WRX STI refinement, design and performance make it a glorious machine and a great adolescent dream toy. Sadly the popular hatchback version has been discontinued. However, the roomier and more comfortable saloon Subaru WRX STI provides all the practicality you will ever need. If you dislike the standard Subaru WRX, the STI version is the one to go for.