Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Is time finally catching up with rally-bred performance star?

If RS means everything to fast Ford fans, then STi is the hallowed badge for followers of the Impreza. Having featured on some of the most capable high-performance models on sale over the last two decades, the STi
tag carries genuine kudos. But has its appeal slipped in recent times?

In hatchback form, the Impreza has undoubtedly lost some of its aggression. The bodykit and rally-style alloys improve the appearance, yet purist Scooby fans will still prefer the classic four-door shape.

The interior is also lacking in style. While the dashboard has more swoops and curves than ever, the Impreza’s cabin is still plagued by cheap plastics and too many switches. There’s no knocking the practicality, though, thanks to the versatility of having five doors and decent rear legroom. But this is not a key consideration for the average STi buyer – this is a car designed to thrill. With 296bhp, the Subaru is close to the RS in terms of power, while those with more to spend can go for the 325bhp 330S.

With Subaru’s latest 2.5-litre turbocharged engine under the bonnet, the STi does without the loud burble of its 2.0-litre predecessor. Once on the move, the unit doesn’t have the character of the RS’s five-cylinder – but it has its pace.

We managed an amazing 0-60mph sprint time of only 4.7 seconds, putting the Subaru way ahead of its rivals. Strangely, it doesn’t feel so fast in everyday driving.

To achieve the sort of launch off the line you need to leave the competition behind, you have to be brutal with the clutch. In reality, pulling away smoothly at any speed is tricky, as the laggy engine doesn’t seem to gel with the clunky six-speed gearbox. The Impreza has one key difference to its rivals here: four-wheel drive. With an adjustable centre differential, the driver has the opportunity to change the way power is distributed, yet the MINI and RS still deliver more in the way of fun.

While it has the most grip and is capable of carrying high speeds through tight corners, the Impreza isn’t particularly involving. The light steering offers little feel, and the chassis doesn’t shine until it’s driven at track-day speeds. In the dry at least, the Subaru gleans little advantage from its all-wheel-drive set-up.

The latest hatchback-bodied Subaru lacks the charm and brutal appeal of its predecessor. Like its more costly Mitsubishi Evo X rival, the Impreza has tried to become more refined to attract a wider audience.

As a result it looks expensive in this company, at £26,040 in basic form. Add hefty annual running costs and less immediate driver appeal, and you can be certain of one thing – Subaru won’t be celebrating the arrival of the Focus RS.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In detail

* Price: £26,040
* Engine: 2.5-litre 4cyl, 296bhp
* Torque: 407Nm
* 0-60mph: 4.7 seconds
* Top speed: 155mph
* Kerbweight: 1,505kg
 

Details

Chart position: 3
WHY: Why? Four-wheel drive should give the Subaru the traction it needs to get ahead.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £15,100
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £9,500
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,977 off RRP*Used from £12,200
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £13,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI
VW Golf R Estate - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: A Volkswagen Golf R Estate for less than a GTI

The Golf R Estate is one of the best performance estates around – and right now it’s criminally cheap. It’s our Deal of the Day for 9 June.
News
9 Jun 2025
Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results
Driver Power 2025 - header

Best cars to own: Driver Power 2025 results

The best new cars to own in the UK right now according to the people who already do. It’s the 2025 Driver Power results!
News
10 Jun 2025