Subaru UK green light for WRX STI 15 | 01 | 2014
SUBARU HAS CONFIRMED, after an extensive period of uncertainty, that its new WRX STI will go on sale at its Scottish dealerships in the May. The famous badge, forever associated with Colin McRae's 1995 World Rally Championship win, will cost £28,995: that's £4000 cheaper than its predecessor.
There had been ongoing speculation that the UK importer of the WRX STI wouldn't make it available for sale unless it could dip below the £30k barrier.
Now, thanks to recent movements in exchange rates, the new model will be available — in limited numbers — across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
And if you fancy owning the latest WRX STI,
Subaru UK will be launching a dedicated area of its website (www.subaru.co.uk) later this week where you can register your interest.
“We wanted to acknowledge the following the WRX STI has," Paul Tunnicliffe, Subaru UK managing director, said, "and while both the market and the brand in the UK has changed in recent years, the WRX STI remains a demonstration of Subaru’s technical know-how.
“The new model will only be available in limited numbers when it goes on sale in summer. Nevertheless, we were keen to give our performance car fans the opportunity to try it here for themselves.”
Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show earlier, the new WRX STI is based on the WRX saloon car launched at the LA show in November, but with some significant enhancements.
Related: Subaru leaks WRX STI image
During development, Subaru honed the driveability of the new WRX STI to perfection, testing it under a wide variety of conditions around the world.
As with past generations of the model, extensive testing also took place on Germany's Nürburgring circuit to ensure the WRX STI is the pinnacle of Subaru AWD sports performance.
At its heart is a 2.5 litre turbo-charged Subaru Boxer four-pot engine, which in STI guise, produces 305hp and 290lb/ft of torque. The six-speed gearbox has been reinforced and now adopts even shorter throw and slicker, sportier shift feel.
Subaru’s trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive employs the latest vehicle dynamics control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring for maximum control and driver engagement.
Spring and damper rates have been meticulously re-tuned to provide a more compliant ride while retaining body composure, and the electronic power steering is now mounted on a more rigid steering gearbox mount for improved fuel efficiency and more ‘direct’ feel and response.
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An increase in wheelbase of 25mm gives the new WRX STI greater rear leg room, as well as more shoulder and elbow room inside the cabin, without increasing the exterior dimensions.
By moving the bottom of the A-pillars forward by 200mm and adding a quarter light to the front window, drivers have better visibility all round. Boot space is increased and ingress and egress are improved with larger door apertures.
A lot of work has also gone into improving the perceived quality of the WRX STI interior. For the new model, highlights include a new D-shaped steering wheel of smaller diameter and designed to give the driver maximum feel.
Soft touch materials are used in key areas while new dials and carbon effect and metal trim is also employed to give the STI both a suitably sporty feel and more upmarket ambience.
UK buyers can expect a comprehensive standard spec, in addition to changes over the WRX on the exterior design, including the large signature rear wing and larger diameter wheels.
At the rear, the diffuser integrated bumper and twin dual mufflers are unmistakably Subaru while new 18in alloys are designed to be both lighter and more rigid. LED lighting is employed for the headlights, tail and brake lights while ‘STI’ badges are found on the front grille and wings.
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Jim McGill