Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru WRX STi 340R

Our verdict on the 335bhp Subaru WRX STi 340R, which aims to make the saloon a contender

Find your Subaru WRX STi
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The latest WRX offers lots of power and four-wheel-drive agility at a price similar to less potent hot hatches, but lags behind when it comes to running costs and interior quality. Still, the potent new 340R is an exciting car which carries a great-value price tag for those who want something quick and old school.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Subaru has not only cut the price of its rally bred WRX STi, it’s also introduced a new power kit, called 340R. This lifts power from 296bhp to 335bhp and shaves half a second off the 0-62mph time.

The £1,599 kit can either be fitted to existing cars or specified on a new one. Go for the latter, and the STi carries a £28,594 price tag – you can’t buy a more powerful new car for the money.

Doors that sound tinny when shut and an old-fashioned cabin hold the 340R back, although it comes with lots of equipment for the money: Recaro sports seats, Bluetooth and cruise control are all standard. The trouble is, this car just doesn’t have the high-quality look or feel of rivals. The WRX (formerly Impreza) has been with us since 2008, and it feels it.

All might be forgiven when you drive it. The 340R upgrade ensures explosive performance, with quicker acceleration than the standard car. You’ll have to negotiate the turbo lag, with very little torque below 3,000rpm, but a slick gearbox makes working the engine satisfying, and you’re rewarded with a rally car sound.

The STi handles well, too. The steering is too light, but a range of modes for the traction control, powertrain and mechanical differential means you can alter the car’s reactions to your heart’s content. Subaru’s famed four-wheel drive ensures the power is delivered effectively.

It’s a proper performance car for hot hatch money. But while the likes of the Renaultsport Megane 265 and BMW M135i trail on power, they’re just as much fun and cost less to run.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,922 off RRP*Used from £12,349
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,906 off RRP*
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,250
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,879 off RRP*Used from £13,997
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier
Skoda Enyaq SE L 85 - front 3/4

Skoda sneaks long-range Enyaq under EV grant barrier

Skoda's latest Enyaq SE L 85 delivers a 359-mile range and qualifies for the £1,500 government electric car discount.
News
30 Sep 2025
BYD, Skoda and Renault are giving premium car brands a run for their money
Opinion - premium car brands, header image

BYD, Skoda and Renault are giving premium car brands a run for their money

Mike Rutherford thinks traditional premium car brands are beyond the reach of most car buyers, and the competition is now closing the gap
Opinion
28 Sep 2025
Audi Q3 review
Audi Q3 - front

Audi Q3 review

The Audi Q3 doesn’t rewrite the rulebook, but it does significantly improve on most key metrics; the PHEV is particularly compelling
In-depth reviews
29 Sep 2025