Sports car with muscle and agility

When Subaru sent me an invitation to drive in their caravan from Bangkok to Rayong and Pattaya, it occurred to me that I had never test driven the Impreza WRX STi – the souped-up version of the Japanese auto-maker’s compact model.
Three years ago I had a chance to drive the car in Singapore, but just as a short behind-the-wheel impression, through small, narrow streets and even parking lots.
This time, I was quite eager to get my hands on the 300-horspower hot hatch, priced at Bt3.95 million.
Many may consider the price rather high for a Japanese compact car, but bear in mind that this is a pocket rocket that gets you from 0 to 100kph in slightly over 5 seconds and its top speed is claimed to be 250kph. And it’s all-wheel drive.
The new STi is a hatchback rather than a sedan, like previous models, and at first Subaru loyalists, me included, didn’t like the idea at all. At one point I was thinking that this must be a hot hatch for housewives.
But I guess by now everyone’s laid off that subject, so let’s get into what the car really stands for – performance.
Power comes from a horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve 2.5-litre engine with turbocharger and intercooler, capable of pumping out 300 horsepower and a whopping 407Nm of torque.
There is no optional automatic transmission. The car comes with a 6-speed manual transmission that has been geared up to provide quick acceleration.
You may experience some turbo lag when flooring the accelerator from low revs, but once the torque starts to come, expect the view ahead to start blurring.
I found it difficult to start off smoothly at high revs in first gear, but from first to second, third and fourth, acceleration is swift and easy. The all-wheel drive system minimises wheelspin, and the car’s occupants actually sink into the backrests when the turbo fully kicks in.
Both my passengers kept on saying “oof!” when I kicked the clutch, red-lining each gear change, as they fought to keep their heads vertical. To be honest, I love teasing these guys when I have a car like the STi to drive.
The car comes with several interesting gadgets, including Subari Intelligent Drive, or SI-Drive. It allows the driver to control the car by setting one of three driving modes: intelligent, sports and sports sharp. Each setting has a pre-determined throttle opening that determines the engine response and overall performance.
Choose intelligent for driving in traffic so that fuel consumption is minimised and step up for faster drives.
Meanwhile, the Driver Control Centre Differential allows the driver to choose manual and automatic modes for the centre differential, allowing optimal road handling and desired manoeuvring capacity. There are also three modes for the Vehicle Dynamics Control system – normal, traction and off, and there’s a Hill Start Assist system that’s active all the time.
Apart from a 6-step manual adjustment mode, there are three automatic modes for the central differential: auto, auto(+) and auto(-).
Auto(+) mode increases centre-differential locking force for enhanced stability, focusing on traction when driving on slippery roads. Auto(-) mode decreases the centre-differential locking force for enhanced turning capability, emphasising agility and responsive handling on winding roads.
Suspension comprises a front strut and rear multi-link type while brakes, supplied by braking specialist Brembo, are vented discs all-round with Super Sports ABS and EBD.
Thankfully, Subaru didn’t forget to maintain a suspension in the STi that is a little harsh. This is a sports car and there is no reason for a soft and comfortable suspension.
Inside the new STi, materials have been significantly improved compared to earlier generations, and so is the build quality.
There are sporty bucket seats and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, and the aluminium trim looks good. The only thing that doesn’t fit is the 2-DIN audio system, which looks like it was built in the 1970s.
Surely the new STi is a better drive than its predecessor, but not necessarily in terms of the rawness that many enthusiasts enjoy. It’s more cultured; the new STi has evolved to appeal to a wider audience.

Specifications: Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Engine: horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo with intercooler
Displacement: 2,457cc
Bore and stroke: 99.5 x 79mm
Compression ratio: 8.2:1
Max power: 300hp at 6,000rpm
Max torque: 407Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Ratios: 3.636/2.235/1.590/1.137/0.891/0.707
0 to 100kph: 5.6 seconds
Top speed: 250kph
Ave fuel consumption: 11.7km/litre
Suspension (f/r): inverted McPherson strut/double wishbone
Steering: powered rack-and-pinion
Min turn: 11 metres
Brakes (f/r): vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD
Dimensions (mm)
Length: 4,415
Width: 1,795
Height: 1,475
Wheelbase: 2,626
Track (f/r): 1,530/1,540
Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres
Weight: 1,505kg
Price: Bt3.958 million