@@jameskocks4734 it’s okay, we are allowed to have different opinions. I like your 2018 Subaru WRX too! I think it’s the second best looking WRX generation.
That was even worse, 2009 got the vf52 turbo and transmission up grade ; but was still narrow body. I think the 2011 got the flares and pillow ball front arms
the "stinkeye" has two different body styles. The "narrow body" and the "widebody". I think that if you are going to show that generation you should show both variants.
Was about to say, he missed the wide body of the stink eye and that kinda bugged me because of how he was criticizing it for not having the fender flares. I have a 2013 sedan and it looks fine as hell with its wide body😳😩
I literally stopped watching after he missed the widebody 11-13 WRX/STi, it went to show that he didnt do enough research for the video. No mention of the 22b; the bugeye, blobeye, and hawkeye are all the same generation but facelifted. Then complaining about not having flares of the 08-10 wrx (commonly refered to as the "narrowbody wrx" but failed to mention the widebody STi or facelift 11-14 widebody wrx.
@@nozopoke1782 Looks are subjective, but based on popularity polls, those subjective looks provide objective facts. The first gen is a better looking car as it consistently is at the top of people's minds when Impreza is mentioned. Bug eye is probably the second.
I think they said in an interview that they wanted to produce more mature cars because they're buyers have grown up. They lost their "Subaru-ness" to chase a wider demographic (like most companies)😔
The average of car buyers nowadays are 50-70 years old. It’s true that most young people can’t afford new cars though. That’s why Scion flopped so massively. At $7.25 minimum wage and with 4 decades of wage stagnation in the face of record inflation. The cost of living and cost of a college degree has ballooned to a crazy amount.
@@SilverScarletSpider I think part of it is that cars have gotten way more expensive than they were 10 years ago. The median income for millennials is close to $50k. There aren't a whole lot of people in any demographic making $7.25/hr.
@@SilverScarletSpider This. Subaru is styling and building the car for an older demographic that can actually afford to buy the car. I feel that 50-70-year-olds will not be upset at the styling like, so-called, enthusiasts are. Although even that seems like concocted outrage because they 'have to' be against each new generation.
Im 34 now and have had my 2006 Impreza 2.5i since 2008. I refuse to get rid of it and buy a new one because the new cars look like shit. I run into 20 year olds with bug eye and hawk eyes all the time and they say they would rather fix those up than buy new ones.
What Happened to Subaru? The Answer: Honda happened. Here’s what I think was going through Subaru’s mind when they developed this new gen CVT-focused Subaru WRX: lean in on the AWD off-road wilderness angle with weird plastic *because Subaru straight-up cannot build a better daily driver STREET Car than the Honda Civic Si.* I mean the writing’s been on the wall since the Subaru Impreza WRX STi vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution days. Mitsubishi would always have the sharper car that’s more livable on public roads, while Subaru was a bit more of a loud brute due to the boxer engine rumble. In the Post-Group B rally era after 2002: Mitsubishi was much more able to integrate the economy car based Lancer Evo into a Skyline/Lamborghini-killing street performance than the more understeery Symmetrical AWD Impreza STi. When the Ford Focus RS hatchback came out, it immediately took the 2016 Subaru WRX STi sedan’s lunch money. And so Subaru now needs to play to its strengths in the face of a 306hp Honda Civic Type R. What Honda is doing with $35K FWD is beating MK5 Toyota/BMW Supra’s at tracks. The Naturally Aspirated VTEC Honda Civic Si has been beating the turbo Subaru Impreza WRX in the manual sedan market ever since 2006 with the 8th gen’s. The Honda Si has a better manual shifter, way better MPG’s, better reliability, better handling, better interior, is a better daily driver, is a better family car, and is usually a more fun car on twisty back roads. Subsequently, the 9th and 10th gen Si’s have just been refining each year to be easier to live with. The amount of development costs to get a performance Impreza to handle itself like a Civic Si does would be ridiculous. And that’s to say nothing of the Volkswagon GTi/GLi, Golf R, Hyundai Veloster Turbo/Elantra N-Line/Kia Forte GT, and Hyundai Veloster N. All of them have built a more livable car than the current Subaru WRX. Sure, they are not as loud nor exciting as the Subaru Boxer Rumble/Exhaust with Winter tires and AWD; but usually they are more reliable (mostly applies to Honda), have more MPG, and cost less to maintain too. Even the Mazda 3 Hatchback Turbo came back with AWD because they knew there was an open market niche that Subaru wasn’t filling correctly. Now there are rumors Toyota wants to make a new GR Corolla? So what is Subaru to do? Keep development costs extremely low by using a cheap global platform, put worthless plastic body cladding to tell everyone that the WRX is rugged and signal as the only AWD option in the segment. And, Well they put 300% emphasis on the CVT WRX because Honda is still refusing to put an automatic transmission option on their enthusiast oriented Honda Civic Si and Type R’s. Volkswagon did the same marketing with their automatic DSG to appeal their GLi/GTi/R to the 98% of US population that don’t know how to drive stick shift. Now Hyundai did the same for their automatic DCT buyers of the Veloster Turbo/N and Elantra Sport/N-line/N. You can’t even get a manual GTi or Veloster Turbo without special ordering one one many dealerships. Yet Honda still insists on no automatic Si’s. 😂👍
What happened to Subaru is mostly current economy. Young people can't afford new cars. The buy used cars or cheap new cars. Subaru needs to change to their customers needs, just like Mitsubishi did. "The amount of development costs to get a performance Impreza to handle itself like a Civic Si does would be ridiculous." A barely tuned Sti vs a barely tuned FK8 Type R wins on Tsubuka comfortably. ua-cam.com/video/gX4VqSw0zac/v-deo.html "Civic Si is usually a more fun car on the backroads". Do you have a driver's license? "Volkswagen/Kia/Hyundai are more reliable." Volkswagen that were made in North America sucks. The quality control of german cars made in North America sucks to be fair. Kia and Hyundai aren't the definition of reliable in terms on body/rust and electrical issues. I owned one of each and these are common issues. I'm looking up to the new Mazda though, I would say they're fairly reliable.
@@imsomething5485 You’re right that the current economy makes it very hard for young people to buy new cars. Subaru for the most part, post-2018 seems to be adapting very well to customers needs with very strong Crosstrek and Forester sales to people aged 50-70 years. At that age buyers value the crash safety and comfort AWD brings so demand is so high people are paying over MSRP. Mitsubishi on the other hand seems to be trying to adapt yet still missing. Mitsubishi trying to sell on price/value while neglecting things like crash safety scores and interior material quality seems to be the biggest issue with hitting its target demographics. I love Best Motoring and that STi vs Type R Tsubaka race is awesome. But don’t delude yourself into thinking that the average Subaru WRX driver has the skill of a Japanese Professional Racing Driver. Orido has been in professional racing for 4 decades. In that video, you can literally see the “barely tuned” STi understeering out of corners. Most drivers are more likely to drive into a tree than tune their Imprezas to set lap records in Japan’s Tsubaka circuit. I do indeed have a driver’s license. Have owned and driven both the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2006 Honda Civic Si. Pound for pound the Subaru Turbo sounds, Boxer rumble, and lively exhaust is very fun; however, on a twisty back road, the Impreza front end will push in ways that make you start feeling like something brown wants to push out of your rectum. Honda’s NA VTEC is slower in a straight line and won’t have the rowdiness; but in daily driver setting and in a heavily forested/sloped twisty back road I would rather be driving it instead. Carving corners in the forest with a FWD Honda Civic Si like a quiet leopard, rather than charging through the night with Turbo sounds and exhaust burble galore in the Subaru Impreza WRX. My subjective opinion, and one that is shared by many other people that I have met in person. Lots of other reviews and youtubers you can find that support or say otherwise. Personally I do kinda prefer the Acura RSX Type S and Toyota Corolla XRS to both but I digress. I agree that North American Volkswagon reliability is rubbish. Hyundai and Kia are pretty bad too when compared directly to Toyota/Honda/Mazda. Unfortunately there are enough people out there that either don’t care or are mislead and will still buy from less reliable brands regardless. And Subaru’s CVTs (while not as bad as Nissan’s that die at 60k miles) still do not inspire the type of confidence from buyers that like cars that last 20-30+ years.
@@SilverScarletSpider Mistubishi didn't make a name for itself in NA or Europe. It's the quiet kid doing its job with nobody noticing. It's okay at it, but nothing really good comes out of it. The only thing I hear about them that still standout today are the 4G63 and VR4 engines. The reference to the show is more so to prove you can make a much heavier car (I think 300-400 pounds) handle very well despite the handicap. "Barely tuned" is referring the amount of money put into it, not the actual mods. It's still very much street and affordable. Obviously it's an opinion, but losing the rear end when exiting a corner on twisty roads in a STi feels more fun I've had driving a Forte GT or a Veloster. I'm gonna guess that you live in an area without snow. Everyone I know who bought a semi-sport/sport fwd car (Focus ST, Civic Si, etc.) would jump on a Subaru anytime. Feels much more safer and much more fun in the winter. Subaru's have amazing safety ratings, probably the best AWD system as well. Most older folks I know who own one love how safe they feel in it. The only other brands I hear that from are Toyota, Mazda and Volvo. There's a reason Subaru is winning the crossover/SUV market (along with Toyota and Mazda) where I live. Volvo despite being a good contender is way too expensive to compete. Honda is not that popular with the CR-V.
@ Bembli, I have a theory on why cars these days look so mismatched and non-cohesive. Gone are the days where you have 1 exterior designer to work on a car, it's too risky. So they assign a group to the front end, and another group to the back end. Who knows who has the final say on entire design, but these days they just frankenstein the final idea together, and you get another abomination unfortunately I'm sorry to say!!! 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
The bug eye in my opinion is my favorite design. The 2011 wrx came with an awesome sti redesign which untamed it and gave it more power and the fender flares.
Yes thank you. I always hear so much Stinkeye Sedan slander when it’s usually towards the pre-face lift. I have a 2013 WRX Sedan in WR Blue and it’s the most beautifully designed car. Only thing I wish was different is that it was an STI. Beggars can’t be choosers and I will not complain as my WRX only has 57,000 original miles and one owner previous to me.
when I was a kid Subaru Imprezas were the coolest thing on the road, to see the car from Colin McCrae Rally on the streets was so cool. 25 years later and now I have the money but Subaru is not a desirable brand. Not an innovative brand, not a motorsport leader
This is such a good video. I have a 1999 subaru impreza outback sport and I love how he included it even though he never explicitly talked about it. Great video tho you got a new subscriber.
You can't beat the original. They took a basic,everyday car and made a true rally-machine of it. Put all the needed parts on it to achieve a goal. Its honest and its believable.
That is the same thing with the famous E30 M3. BMW took a 3 series, bolted on a bunch of aero parts, hand made an engine for the track and put on some 5 series brakes and sent it loose to go after Mercedes blood. There was nothing on that car that was not added for the explicit mission to win races.
The best thing Subaru could've done was being back the classic Impreza look since all these other companies are brining back those iconic 90s japanese sport cars. I would probably sell my 2010 sti for a modern looking 22b Impreza. Good God that'd be awesome.
Isn't he "stink eye" version you showed us the WRX? The STi had fender flares etc which differentiated from the WRX when Subaru decided to separate them
Yes, the STI had the widebody from '08 which was added to the WRX in later years. This model was only available in hatchback for the first couple of years too.
What happened is that car safety ratings started taking into account pedestrian safety into the overall safety rating of the car. So all modern cars are big round ugly chucks of soft plastic which are less lethal to drunks who stumble in front of your car.
My biggest gripe with the WRX is that it started off as a trim level for the smallest sedan, the Impreza. Now it's so massive the newest one really looks more like a Legacy/Outback WRX
Yup. The Impreza hatch and sedan could have just been made into a WRX and STI trim. The Crosstrek would be sweet with a WRX 2.4T/6spd too. I like having roofrails. Just install some skids and some adjustable coilovers. Lower it on Saturday to rally. Lift it on Sunday to offroad. Commute at your height of preference during the workweek.
you got this all wrong bro.... you skip the part where they fixed the stinkeye wrx by giving it beefy fenders. the 08-10 wrx was narrow body the 11-14 wrx had the nice wide hips
Yup. Got one. I'm selling my 2011 STI and being an amateur photographer, I have shots that still make me giggle. In the 80's I skipped the Mustang GT and got a Mercury Capri RS. Huge fender flares. On Barrett-Jackson a few weeks ago they sold 2 of them, pointing out these fenders flares each time. Interesting note about wishy washy Subaru fans/haters: remember when the 2011 came out, these fans/haters were PISSED that the WRX got the same fenders.
Just little correction: '04 facelift isn't bugeye - it's blobeye. And '06 hawkeye isn't new model - it's second facelift. Well, I really like bugeye design but I prefer my blobeye. Let's hope that Subaru will release facelift soon - with completely redesigned bumpers, wider headlights and tailights more similar to concept. And that STI will get fender flares and more aggressive/functional design.
Sorry but you missed the target when reviewing the previous models. Not only did you not have images for the Bugeye you Completely skipped a whole Generation . What happened to the 11 -14 ( Widebody)
I have the 99 wrx sti in white and love it so much. I wish they could somehow do a remake of the 99 similar looks Mabye upgrade engine slightly different features idk
subaru wrx and sti was NEVER about good looking cars... it just happened with some models, but usually they were not the best looking cars... it was about the tech, sound and character of the mechanical AWD and the boxer engine... the cars were fun to drive on curvy roads and easy to work on for the mechanic (rally genes)... I judge a car after I drove it, not by looking at some pictures... and btw how many manufacturer's you know, who actually build a car the same way the concept car was presented ???
Yeah but functionally they didn’t add much either. They designed a whole new engine and only got a small boost in power. The higher performance version also only has paddle shifters and no manual despite lower trims having the option.
You forgot about the facelift of the 08WRX when they added the flared fenders I think that was in 2010 or 2012 it made the car looked much more aggressive. The front and rear bumper also was completely redesigned
It become a 4 door BRZ, 2nd picture is not the bug eye, the round circular headlights are the bug eyes. The hood scoop seems to be smooshed further and further into the bonnet.
2013 concept is literally the best concept I think I have ever seen all time. Most concept cars look a bit much but that one actually seemed nice and viable.
I hope there's a short life span for this version. The taillights and wheel well cladding has to go. I understand brand recognition and continuity but I don't want my performance sedan to be mistaken for a Crosstrek.
I admit that the design is a bit of a reach, however I think that it will grow on me in time. People tend to forget that the WRX has always been directly inspired by modern Rallycross design philosophy and for me, this new design fits that model perfectly.. Rally cars aren't supposed to be slammed to the ground with low profile rubber band tires on 20 inch wheels like the Civic Type R, it's supposed to have taller ride height to accommodate for loose gravel and dirt, which the plastic body clading helps to deter away from the body. Change is a constant y'all 🤷🏾♂️
Yes! People seem to think that their job is to hate the wrx as soon as it comes out and hate it until the newer one comes out...then they'll hate that! Lol! Theyre a bunch of Subi hypocrite fans!
You forgot about the wide-body stinkeye. Many of the criticisms you gave were sorta irrelevant when you take into consideration that there were 4 iterations of that generation. I think this was due to negative reception from the narrow bodies. Anyway here are the 4 stinkeyes: -Narrow Body Sedan -Wide Body Sedan -Narrow Body Hatch -Wide Body Hatch
How do you feel about the saabaru face? To me it's second to the blobeye. Its hood scoop style even hinted to the next generations' integrated hood scoops
I think the black trim on the rear is to seperate it from the Honda Accord. Everyone keeps saying it looks like a Civic but it actually looks like an Accord. If the CrossTrek comes with a diffuser like that we'll know why the Impreza I mean WRX has one.
This is the first time I saw this new WRX (It's even so hard for me not to say Impreza anymore), and as being a Subaru guy since eternity, Im singing this song in my room all alone..: Goodbye my lover.... Goodbye my friend.. You have been the one... You have been the one fooorr meeee....
Well spoken. Great video. Boy, Subaru is the talk of the town. I’d love to be in that board meeting right now. I wonder if they are thinking like me saying, wait for the STI… just wait for the STI.
The rear end is based on the new brz if you look at some photos comparing them it’s pretty obvious. I don’t know if it was Toyota or Subaru that designed the body but I think it doesn’t feel very Subaru.
I didn't even know got other channel existed. That's dope lol. Btw, there's a guy on my block who I'm pretty sure owns an 80s model Subie and a similar looking Saab in great shape. Gonna ask him about it next time I see him.
The 2nd Gen WRX starts with the Bug Eye, followed by the Blob Eye and ended with the Hawk Eye. The latest iteration’s behind reminds me of the rear of the Honda Civic and the plastic cladding reminds of the Crosstrek too much…Subaru failed to deliver their concept car VIZIV yet again.
I guess that means I got lucky. After being carless for a full year in 2019 I was able to snag a first gen GC8 on offerup. I got it for $1,200 and the only thing that was wrong with it was the wheel bearing. Once I fixed that, it drove like nobody's business. I never had any check engine issues at all and the car had about 280k miles on it. Now I'm on to upgrading it bit by bit so I can get it to the WRX STI ver. 6 that it once was. I think I'm going to enjoy this build a lot. 😏 I hope to bring back the JDM iconic legend.
Good comparison. I agree that the current design direction is a step away from what made WRX awesome. I had an 04 STi and currently own a 99 2.5RS (because they didn't bring a WRX to USA until 2002 :( ). One thing to note is in the Gen 1 cars the clear tail lights were JDM vs the amber of USDM (not later facelift, although a facelift did happen for the 98 model of the Gen 1).
i just bought a brand new base WRX for 28k. the same car is selling used on dealership floors for 31-32k.... imma hold on to this gold mine. the 2022 is making me money!
Not even close. First, waaaaay too early to know what the public reaction will be. Second...and you should know this...Subaru's retain insane resale value. In the upper midwest a 2006 Outback in so-so condition sells for $6,000+. I have a pristine 2006 Outback XT. Pristine. Dealer wants it, said they'd sell it fast for $7,500. I bought a 2011 STI in 2014, with a professionally built 550hp 2.5. Paid $31,000. It's for sale right now. The average STI sale price in 50 mile radius is $26,750. I "restored" it by replacing loads of tired OEM parts and upgraded to Recaros, DAMD steering wheel, custom JDM Cocomats, etc. I'm asking $31,000, and pretty sure I'll get it.
Its like you read my mind when discussing the most recent design iteration. I disliked it, but had difficulty articulating why until you discussed it. Fantastic video!
I actually like the tail lights, but do agree that the black bar shouldve been a light bar. also agree that there is too much black plastic on the rear, and the wheel wells shouldnt be like that.
What happened? Styling direction especially transitioning from concept to production. That's what set them apart. Doesn't matter how much of a beat you up interior it had, all was good when you looked at it on the outside.
i’m guessing they’re using a shared chassis platform that they decided was too difficult to actually translate from the 2018 concept. same thing with the new supra. concept had a unique chassis, and was forced into a z4
I actually like everything about the new one a lot (though yes, the rear lights look like an old Honda, that's true..) I don't think the WRX is in any danger of being turned into a crossover, because they basically already do that with the Forester. I'd love for them to do another hatchback though
Yeah I don't get all the hate. I'll be honest, I don't like this design as much as you, but If this strategy means that Subaru can move from a niche brand to a more mainstream brand, I am happy for them. I personally prefer CVTs over atumatics for daily use, and they still offer a manual. Plus, with how impressive the new BRZ is, I think this car might actually perform well, and I definitely think that will drive more sales and motivate them to keep making the WRX.
You only showed the narrow body 08 and forgot to show the 2011 that was wide body WRX which looked the most aggressive out of all all the previous WRXs gens.
Had a 2006 WRX sport wagon. In dark grey new. Had every issue with that car a car could have including a motor replacement but looked so good and was so much fun. Got rid of it in 2011. New one is basically a Pontiac Aztek. Hate the roofline plus so much black plastic. Plus rear wheel arches my goodness so ugly. Just so bad at the back. Front looks good though I guess that's a plus if looking at it from the front only.
Nothing compares to the 1990’s Subaru WRX styling
i like my 18 sorry
@@jameskocks4734 it’s okay, we are allowed to have different opinions. I like your 2018 Subaru WRX too! I think it’s the second best looking WRX generation.
@@SilverScarletSpider my favorite is a 2007 sti.
@@jameskocks4734 your car sucks . Peak subaru was 2011
@@Samlevine111 who cares what you think. That was my opinion.
You didn’t mention the re-design of the 2008 wrx into 2009-2014 where they added the fender flares!
That was even worse, 2009 got the vf52 turbo and transmission up grade ; but was still narrow body. I think the 2011 got the flares and pillow ball front arms
Subaru could have just used the retro-modern cheat code like Nissan, Dodge and Ford did but nope, progressively make things uglier instead.
Ugly in your opinion...advanced in my civilized opinion!!
The headlights should be called the squint eye. It looks like the old headlights are now squinting. I prefer the EVO eye.
the "stinkeye" has two different body styles. The "narrow body" and the "widebody". I think that if you are going to show that generation you should show both variants.
I always wanted the 2014 sti hatch 😢 don’t regret getting the 18 sti though
I’m right there with you. He should have broke it down better
@@mikedale241 that was just the WRX models that came Narrow Bodied.
Was about to say, he missed the wide body of the stink eye and that kinda bugged me because of how he was criticizing it for not having the fender flares. I have a 2013 sedan and it looks fine as hell with its wide body😳😩
I literally stopped watching after he missed the widebody 11-13 WRX/STi, it went to show that he didnt do enough research for the video. No mention of the 22b; the bugeye, blobeye, and hawkeye are all the same generation but facelifted. Then complaining about not having flares of the 08-10 wrx (commonly refered to as the "narrowbody wrx" but failed to mention the widebody STi or facelift 11-14 widebody wrx.
The moment when the first gen looks way better than the newest one, is the moment where you should realise to keep distance from a brand.
Looks are subjective. I think the new sti might look sexy
Ya like they should Make it skinnier and add more horsepower to it
Simplicity always wins in the long run
@@nozopoke1782 Looks are subjective, but based on popularity polls, those subjective looks provide objective facts. The first gen is a better looking car as it consistently is at the top of people's minds when Impreza is mentioned. Bug eye is probably the second.
@@MuShinnen the blob eye takes second, there are still a lot people that dont like the bugeye
I think they said in an interview that they wanted to produce more mature cars because they're buyers have grown up. They lost their "Subaru-ness" to chase a wider demographic (like most companies)😔
The average of car buyers nowadays are 50-70 years old. It’s true that most young people can’t afford new cars though. That’s why Scion flopped so massively. At $7.25 minimum wage and with 4 decades of wage stagnation in the face of record inflation. The cost of living and cost of a college degree has ballooned to a crazy amount.
Sad
@@SilverScarletSpider I think part of it is that cars have gotten way more expensive than they were 10 years ago. The median income for millennials is close to $50k. There aren't a whole lot of people in any demographic making $7.25/hr.
@@SilverScarletSpider This. Subaru is styling and building the car for an older demographic that can actually afford to buy the car. I feel that 50-70-year-olds will not be upset at the styling like, so-called, enthusiasts are. Although even that seems like concocted outrage because they 'have to' be against each new generation.
Im 34 now and have had my 2006 Impreza 2.5i since 2008. I refuse to get rid of it and buy a new one because the new cars look like shit. I run into 20 year olds with bug eye and hawk eyes all the time and they say they would rather fix those up than buy new ones.
What Happened to Subaru?
The Answer: Honda happened.
Here’s what I think was going through Subaru’s mind when they developed this new gen CVT-focused Subaru WRX: lean in on the AWD off-road wilderness angle with weird plastic
*because Subaru straight-up cannot build a better daily driver STREET Car than the Honda Civic Si.* I mean the writing’s been on the wall since the Subaru Impreza WRX STi vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution days. Mitsubishi would always have the sharper car that’s more livable on public roads, while Subaru was a bit more of a loud brute due to the boxer engine rumble. In the Post-Group B rally era after 2002: Mitsubishi was much more able to integrate the economy car based Lancer Evo into a Skyline/Lamborghini-killing street performance than the more understeery Symmetrical AWD Impreza STi. When the Ford Focus RS hatchback came out, it immediately took the 2016 Subaru WRX STi sedan’s lunch money.
And so Subaru now needs to play to its strengths in the face of a 306hp Honda Civic Type R. What Honda is doing with $35K FWD is beating MK5 Toyota/BMW Supra’s at tracks. The Naturally Aspirated VTEC Honda Civic Si has been beating the turbo Subaru Impreza WRX in the manual sedan market ever since 2006 with the 8th gen’s. The Honda Si has a better manual shifter, way better MPG’s, better reliability, better handling, better interior, is a better daily driver, is a better family car, and is usually a more fun car on twisty back roads. Subsequently, the 9th and 10th gen Si’s have just been refining each year to be easier to live with. The amount of development costs to get a performance Impreza to handle itself like a Civic Si does would be ridiculous.
And that’s to say nothing of the Volkswagon GTi/GLi, Golf R, Hyundai Veloster Turbo/Elantra N-Line/Kia Forte GT, and Hyundai Veloster N. All of them have built a more livable car than the current Subaru WRX. Sure, they are not as loud nor exciting as the Subaru Boxer Rumble/Exhaust with Winter tires and AWD; but usually they are more reliable (mostly applies to Honda), have more MPG, and cost less to maintain too. Even the Mazda 3 Hatchback Turbo came back with AWD because they knew there was an open market niche that Subaru wasn’t filling correctly. Now there are rumors Toyota wants to make a new GR Corolla?
So what is Subaru to do? Keep development costs extremely low by using a cheap global platform, put worthless plastic body cladding to tell everyone that the WRX is rugged and signal as the only AWD option in the segment. And, Well they put 300% emphasis on the CVT WRX because Honda is still refusing to put an automatic transmission option on their enthusiast oriented Honda Civic Si and Type R’s. Volkswagon did the same marketing with their automatic DSG to appeal their GLi/GTi/R to the 98% of US population that don’t know how to drive stick shift. Now Hyundai did the same for their automatic DCT buyers of the Veloster Turbo/N and Elantra Sport/N-line/N. You can’t even get a manual GTi or Veloster Turbo without special ordering one one many dealerships. Yet Honda still insists on no automatic Si’s.
😂👍
What happened to Subaru is mostly current economy. Young people can't afford new cars. The buy used cars or cheap new cars. Subaru needs to change to their customers needs, just like Mitsubishi did.
"The amount of development costs to get a performance Impreza to handle itself like a Civic Si does would be ridiculous." A barely tuned Sti vs a barely tuned FK8 Type R wins on Tsubuka comfortably. ua-cam.com/video/gX4VqSw0zac/v-deo.html
"Civic Si is usually a more fun car on the backroads". Do you have a driver's license?
"Volkswagen/Kia/Hyundai are more reliable." Volkswagen that were made in North America sucks. The quality control of german cars made in North America sucks to be fair. Kia and Hyundai aren't the definition of reliable in terms on body/rust and electrical issues. I owned one of each and these are common issues. I'm looking up to the new Mazda though, I would say they're fairly reliable.
@@imsomething5485 You’re right that the current economy makes it very hard for young people to buy new cars.
Subaru for the most part, post-2018 seems to be adapting very well to customers needs with very strong Crosstrek and Forester sales to people aged 50-70 years. At that age buyers value the crash safety and comfort AWD brings so demand is so high people are paying over MSRP. Mitsubishi on the other hand seems to be trying to adapt yet still missing. Mitsubishi trying to sell on price/value while neglecting things like crash safety scores and interior material quality seems to be the biggest issue with hitting its target demographics.
I love Best Motoring and that STi vs Type R Tsubaka race is awesome. But don’t delude yourself into thinking that the average Subaru WRX driver has the skill of a Japanese Professional Racing Driver. Orido has been in professional racing for 4 decades. In that video, you can literally see the “barely tuned” STi understeering out of corners. Most drivers are more likely to drive into a tree than tune their Imprezas to set lap records in Japan’s Tsubaka circuit.
I do indeed have a driver’s license. Have owned and driven both the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2006 Honda Civic Si. Pound for pound the Subaru Turbo sounds, Boxer rumble, and lively exhaust is very fun; however, on a twisty back road, the Impreza front end will push in ways that make you start feeling like something brown wants to push out of your rectum. Honda’s NA VTEC is slower in a straight line and won’t have the rowdiness; but in daily driver setting and in a heavily forested/sloped twisty back road I would rather be driving it instead. Carving corners in the forest with a FWD Honda Civic Si like a quiet leopard, rather than charging through the night with Turbo sounds and exhaust burble galore in the Subaru Impreza WRX. My subjective opinion, and one that is shared by many other people that I have met in person. Lots of other reviews and youtubers you can find that support or say otherwise. Personally I do kinda prefer the Acura RSX Type S and Toyota Corolla XRS to both but I digress.
I agree that North American Volkswagon reliability is rubbish. Hyundai and Kia are pretty bad too when compared directly to Toyota/Honda/Mazda. Unfortunately there are enough people out there that either don’t care or are mislead and will still buy from less reliable brands regardless. And Subaru’s CVTs (while not as bad as Nissan’s that die at 60k miles) still do not inspire the type of confidence from buyers that like cars that last 20-30+ years.
How long are y’all spending typing these multiple paragraph responses. Respect to both of you
@@SilverScarletSpider Mistubishi didn't make a name for itself in NA or Europe. It's the quiet kid doing its job with nobody noticing. It's okay at it, but nothing really good comes out of it. The only thing I hear about them that still standout today are the 4G63 and VR4 engines.
The reference to the show is more so to prove you can make a much heavier car (I think 300-400 pounds) handle very well despite the handicap. "Barely tuned" is referring the amount of money put into it, not the actual mods. It's still very much street and affordable.
Obviously it's an opinion, but losing the rear end when exiting a corner on twisty roads in a STi feels more fun I've had driving a Forte GT or a Veloster. I'm gonna guess that you live in an area without snow. Everyone I know who bought a semi-sport/sport fwd car (Focus ST, Civic Si, etc.) would jump on a Subaru anytime. Feels much more safer and much more fun in the winter. Subaru's have amazing safety ratings, probably the best AWD system as well. Most older folks I know who own one love how safe they feel in it. The only other brands I hear that from are Toyota, Mazda and Volvo.
There's a reason Subaru is winning the crossover/SUV market (along with Toyota and Mazda) where I live. Volvo despite being a good contender is way too expensive to compete. Honda is not that popular with the CR-V.
@@bostonmckibben1840 It's mostly surface knowledge and personal experience so it's very easy to just lay down.
Great analysis!
@ Bembli, I have a theory on why cars these days look so mismatched and non-cohesive. Gone are the days where you have 1 exterior designer to work on a car, it's too risky. So they assign a group to the front end, and another group to the back end.
Who knows who has the final say on entire design, but these days they just frankenstein the final idea together, and you get another abomination unfortunately I'm sorry to say!!! 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
The Bonsai Zone?
If Subaru still had the Evo to compete with. There designs would of being a lot better then what it is now.
Yes I agree! After having both an Evo X then an STI I’m disappointed with this Honda look they’ve gone for.
Facts
Their*
The "stink eye" had a widebody version that is honestly one of the best looking models
The rear light are the same as the new BRZ/GT86, they look bad in photos but more pleasing in person.
The bug eye in my opinion is my favorite design. The 2011 wrx came with an awesome sti redesign which untamed it and gave it more power and the fender flares.
Yes thank you. I always hear so much Stinkeye Sedan slander when it’s usually towards the pre-face lift. I have a 2013 WRX Sedan in WR Blue and it’s the most beautifully designed car. Only thing I wish was different is that it was an STI. Beggars can’t be choosers and I will not complain as my WRX only has 57,000 original miles and one owner previous to me.
I was 100% sure that's some budget version of Civic with plastic fenders.
when I was a kid Subaru Imprezas were the coolest thing on the road, to see the car from Colin McCrae Rally on the streets was so cool. 25 years later and now I have the money but Subaru is not a desirable brand. Not an innovative brand, not a motorsport leader
Agreed! The Impreza GC8 is by far the greatest Subaru ever made. Such a classic! The VA is a close second.
This is such a good video. I have a 1999 subaru impreza outback sport and I love how he included it even though he never explicitly talked about it. Great video tho you got a new subscriber.
The CVT-only WRX GT *is* the new Crosstrek Sedan. Subaru just doesn't call it that.
they fixed the issue with the stink eye from 2011 to 2014 with the fender flayers
You can't beat the original. They took a basic,everyday car and made a true rally-machine of it. Put all the needed parts on it to achieve a goal. Its honest and its believable.
That is the same thing with the famous E30 M3. BMW took a 3 series, bolted on a bunch of aero parts, hand made an engine for the track and put on some 5 series brakes and sent it loose to go after Mercedes blood. There was nothing on that car that was not added for the explicit mission to win races.
Also why do you show the STI on the first row and then regular Imprezas on subsequent rows?
they should have stuck with the viziv concept... that car looked bad ass
The best thing Subaru could've done was being back the classic Impreza look since all these other companies are brining back those iconic 90s japanese sport cars. I would probably sell my 2010 sti for a modern looking 22b Impreza. Good God that'd be awesome.
I have been asking for this for a decade. Just make it cool with boxy fender flares and print money...
It's so funny to me that the new WRX looks like a last Gen Civic from the rear xD
Everything's been done. That's the lesson.
Isn't he "stink eye" version you showed us the WRX? The STi had fender flares etc which differentiated from the WRX when Subaru decided to separate them
No, what happened is similar to the 2022 generation people hated it, so they re-designed it and added the fender flares including the wrx
yeah i noticed that too the 08-14 sti had a widebody and the 11-14 wrx then had the widebody
I have the 12 wrx hatch. It has the fender flares.
Yes, the STI had the widebody from '08 which was added to the WRX in later years. This model was only available in hatchback for the first couple of years too.
@@jasonschubert6828 the sti was only available in a hatchback in the first few years. ive seen some narrowbody wrx sedans but theyre only a few.
What happened is that car safety ratings started taking into account pedestrian safety into the overall safety rating of the car. So all modern cars are big round ugly chucks of soft plastic which are less lethal to drunks who stumble in front of your car.
My biggest gripe with the WRX is that it started off as a trim level for the smallest sedan, the Impreza. Now it's so massive the newest one really looks more like a Legacy/Outback WRX
Yup. The Impreza hatch and sedan could have just been made into a WRX and STI trim. The Crosstrek would be sweet with a WRX 2.4T/6spd too. I like having roofrails. Just install some skids and some adjustable coilovers. Lower it on Saturday to rally. Lift it on Sunday to offroad. Commute at your height of preference during the workweek.
you got this all wrong bro.... you skip the part where they fixed the stinkeye wrx by giving it beefy fenders. the 08-10 wrx was narrow body the 11-14 wrx had the nice wide hips
Yup. Got one. I'm selling my 2011 STI and being an amateur photographer, I have shots that still make me giggle. In the 80's I skipped the Mustang GT and got a Mercury Capri RS. Huge fender flares. On Barrett-Jackson a few weeks ago they sold 2 of them, pointing out these fenders flares each time.
Interesting note about wishy washy Subaru fans/haters: remember when the 2011 came out, these fans/haters were PISSED that the WRX got the same fenders.
Just little correction: '04 facelift isn't bugeye - it's blobeye. And '06 hawkeye isn't new model - it's second facelift.
Well, I really like bugeye design but I prefer my blobeye.
Let's hope that Subaru will release facelift soon - with completely redesigned bumpers, wider headlights and tailights more similar to concept.
And that STI will get fender flares and more aggressive/functional design.
Sorry but you missed the target when reviewing the previous models. Not only did you not have images for the Bugeye you Completely skipped a whole Generation . What happened to the 11 -14 ( Widebody)
4:10
@@Bembli @Bembli you were on about the narrowbody and said the wrx didnt have any fender flares whereas the 11-14 wrxs and 08-14 stis had a widebody
@@Bembli But glossed over the whole Sedan
I have the 99 wrx sti in white and love it so much. I wish they could somehow do a remake of the 99 similar looks Mabye upgrade engine slightly different features idk
I would pay good money for a retro styled 99 looking Subaru with 400-450 on tap.
subaru wrx and sti was NEVER about good looking cars... it just happened with some models, but usually they were not the best looking cars... it was about the tech, sound and character of the mechanical AWD and the boxer engine... the cars were fun to drive on curvy roads and easy to work on for the mechanic (rally genes)... I judge a car after I drove it, not by looking at some pictures... and btw how many manufacturer's you know, who actually build a car the same way the concept car was presented ???
Yeah but functionally they didn’t add much either. They designed a whole new engine and only got a small boost in power. The higher performance version also only has paddle shifters and no manual despite lower trims having the option.
You forgot about the facelift of the 08WRX when they added the flared fenders I think that was in 2010 or 2012 it made the car looked much more aggressive. The front and rear bumper also was completely redesigned
It become a 4 door BRZ, 2nd picture is not the bug eye, the round circular headlights are the bug eyes. The hood scoop seems to be smooshed further and further into the bonnet.
You definitely nailed this vid SketchMonkey
Who would sign off on that design?
Really interesting video, great work!
2013 concept is literally the best concept I think I have ever seen all time. Most concept cars look a bit much but that one actually seemed nice and viable.
agreed
I wonder if the black trim piece is because they do plan on adding a light bar but wanted to save it for a future model year.
I hope there's a short life span for this version. The taillights and wheel well cladding has to go. I understand brand recognition and continuity but I don't want my performance sedan to be mistaken for a Crosstrek.
I really want a 1998 subaru sti Impreza in rally blue with the gold looking rims but theyre so hard to find :(
Does the GT really have body-color cladding? Isn't it just gray plastic that kinda matches the paint color?
You forgot to Mention the WRX GR generation Widebody Refresh after the backlash of the narrow body 2008 wrx
So to the the oil cooler and adaptive dampers you have to buy the CVT? How freaking stupid!
I admit that the design is a bit of a reach, however I think that it will grow on me in time. People tend to forget that the WRX has always been directly inspired by modern Rallycross design philosophy and for me, this new design fits that model perfectly.. Rally cars aren't supposed to be slammed to the ground with low profile rubber band tires on 20 inch wheels like the Civic Type R, it's supposed to have taller ride height to accommodate for loose gravel and dirt, which the plastic body clading helps to deter away from the body. Change is a constant y'all 🤷🏾♂️
Yes! People seem to think that their job is to hate the wrx as soon as it comes out and hate it until the newer one comes out...then they'll hate that! Lol! Theyre a bunch of Subi hypocrite fans!
after the hawkeye things went down hill fast smh
Those two concept cars looked awesome. Better than all the others.
Great video. My favourite generation is the first one. I think that 90s design will never die: cars like Escort Cosworth, BMW E36, Ferrari 355...
Just based on your thumbnail you get it. Man you see the 22B too, that's the eye of a fellow designer.
Great channels you have! Keep it up! Would be awesome it you did a restomod of the prettiest car of all time, the Iso Grifo!!!
You forgot about the wide-body stinkeye. Many of the criticisms you gave were sorta irrelevant when you take into consideration that there were 4 iterations of that generation. I think this was due to negative reception from the narrow bodies.
Anyway here are the 4 stinkeyes:
-Narrow Body Sedan
-Wide Body Sedan
-Narrow Body Hatch
-Wide Body Hatch
You had to get the STI of the stinkeye in order to have beefy fenders. That wasn't the case on earlier models where the WRXs already had them.
@@Bembli from 2011 to 2014 the wrx had the wider fenders as well!
@@Bembli both the wrx and sti's also recieved a mild facelift for that generation
@@choutaa1646 Sure did. I have a 2012 wide body premium spec.
How do you feel about the saabaru face? To me it's second to the blobeye. Its hood scoop style even hinted to the next generations' integrated hood scoops
The Hawkeye STI is one of the best looking sedans ever produced!!!
The only Subaru I've ever liked the looks of is the SVX. Everything else looks like it was designed by a committee.
In the Subaru Ad, they drove through a bunch of dust to hide that gross bumper 😂😂😂
I can deal with the tail lights but the finder flares kill it
That’s a beautiful Subaru Aztec!
BHAHAHAHA!
Just pray that it doesnt get turned into a suv
I think the black trim on the rear is to seperate it from the Honda Accord. Everyone keeps saying it looks like a Civic but it actually looks like an Accord. If the CrossTrek comes with a diffuser like that we'll know why the Impreza I mean WRX has one.
How TF did you miss the 2009-2014 stinkeyes with wider finders?
About the 2021 wrx... totally agreed. The black arches and the rear really mess things up. The front and body line look really great tho.
I am so much more interested in the functionality of the new WRX that its looks arent as big of a deal.
This is the first time I saw this new WRX (It's even so hard for me not to say Impreza anymore), and as being a Subaru guy since eternity, Im singing this song in my room all alone..:
Goodbye my lover.... Goodbye my friend.. You have been the one... You have been the one fooorr meeee....
Well spoken. Great video. Boy, Subaru is the talk of the town. I’d love to be in that board meeting right now. I wonder if they are thinking like me saying, wait for the STI… just wait for the STI.
Just so you know. The gen after bug eye is called the blob eye wrx
if only 22Bs were mass produced :(
The subaru type R?
Speaking of width. I really like the new hood scoop design. It is more standout compared to the VA, yet still flow smoothly with the hood.
The rear end is based on the new brz if you look at some photos comparing them it’s pretty obvious. I don’t know if it was Toyota or Subaru that designed the body but I think it doesn’t feel very Subaru.
I liked the bug eye 2 door most
Subaru putting the last nail in the coffin.
You keep referencing the redesign video, I can't find it for the life of me
i liked the video a lot! In the stink eye generation, there is a narrow and wide body version for both the hatch and sedan.
Where is the 2011 wrx re design?
The front of the car looks like a mix of the Subaru Outback and a 2013 Ford Taurus
You left out the updated version of the 08 tho lol
Yup. Ugly, ugly...disappointed...Hatch only!!?? Boo, boo. Now? Fanatics love ❤ them and beg Subaru for a Hatch.
Short memories...
I didn't even know got other channel existed. That's dope lol.
Btw, there's a guy on my block who I'm pretty sure owns an 80s model Subie and a similar looking Saab in great shape. Gonna ask him about it next time I see him.
You skipped the actual impreza bugeye with round headlights. That was pretty cool looking
Been waiting for this
The 2nd Gen WRX starts with the Bug Eye, followed by the Blob Eye and ended with the Hawk Eye. The latest iteration’s behind reminds me of the rear of the Honda Civic and the plastic cladding reminds of the Crosstrek too much…Subaru failed to deliver their concept car VIZIV yet again.
Really good video! Honestly the whole back of the 2022 needs to go but the front hella good. Personally hawkeye takes the cake for me
why didn't subaru make the 2013 wrx concept a production car, that thing is beautiful
I guess that means I got lucky. After being carless for a full year in 2019 I was able to snag a first gen GC8 on offerup. I got it for $1,200 and the only thing that was wrong with it was the wheel bearing. Once I fixed that, it drove like nobody's business. I never had any check engine issues at all and the car had about 280k miles on it. Now I'm on to upgrading it bit by bit so I can get it to the WRX STI ver. 6 that it once was. I think I'm going to enjoy this build a lot. 😏 I hope to bring back the JDM iconic legend.
sorry Bembli but it was facelift called Blobeye bugeye is something well different
Good comparison. I agree that the current design direction is a step away from what made WRX awesome. I had an 04 STi and currently own a 99 2.5RS (because they didn't bring a WRX to USA until 2002 :( ). One thing to note is in the Gen 1 cars the clear tail lights were JDM vs the amber of USDM (not later facelift, although a facelift did happen for the 98 model of the Gen 1).
The Human Duality...
Constantly creating change, but will freak out when something changes.
The Human, one helluvan animal.
they employed a MITSUBISHI design member - and then they looked like EVO`s = i got an old SF5 GT Forester and track SLEEPER style
Very often cars lose beauty on the way from concept to production but Subaru took it a new level
i just bought a brand new base WRX for 28k. the same car is selling used on dealership floors for 31-32k.... imma hold on to this gold mine. the 2022 is making me money!
Not even close. First, waaaaay too early to know what the public reaction will be. Second...and you should know this...Subaru's retain insane resale value.
In the upper midwest a 2006 Outback in so-so condition sells for $6,000+. I have a pristine 2006 Outback XT. Pristine. Dealer wants it, said they'd sell it fast for $7,500.
I bought a 2011 STI in 2014, with a professionally built 550hp 2.5. Paid $31,000. It's for sale right now. The average STI sale price in 50 mile radius is $26,750. I "restored" it by replacing loads of tired OEM parts and upgraded to Recaros, DAMD steering wheel, custom JDM Cocomats, etc. I'm asking $31,000, and pretty sure I'll get it.
Bugeye with morreti headlight much nicer then the stock one n wagon also
I had Hawkeye STI Dccd n GC8 Wrx both sexy Impreza ever ;)
Its like you read my mind when discussing the most recent design iteration. I disliked it, but had difficulty articulating why until you discussed it. Fantastic video!
I actually like the tail lights, but do agree that the black bar shouldve been a light bar. also agree that there is too much black plastic on the rear, and the wheel wells shouldnt be like that.
Nothing beats that cat at the start of your video
What happened? Styling direction especially transitioning from concept to production. That's what set them apart. Doesn't matter how much of a beat you up interior it had, all was good when you looked at it on the outside.
i’m guessing they’re using a shared chassis platform that they decided was too difficult to actually translate from the 2018 concept. same thing with the new supra. concept had a unique chassis, and was forced into a z4
@@slickest123452
But this looks like they didn't even bother trying.
I actually like everything about the new one a lot (though yes, the rear lights look like an old Honda, that's true..)
I don't think the WRX is in any danger of being turned into a crossover, because they basically already do that with the Forester. I'd love for them to do another hatchback though
Yeah I don't get all the hate. I'll be honest, I don't like this design as much as you, but If this strategy means that Subaru can move from a niche brand to a more mainstream brand, I am happy for them. I personally prefer CVTs over atumatics for daily use, and they still offer a manual. Plus, with how impressive the new BRZ is, I think this car might actually perform well, and I definitely think that will drive more sales and motivate them to keep making the WRX.
@@shawtmanXR bmw is niche but good subaru should remain like bmw
front looks ok, body looks like the cheap toyota, apply the new brz light makes it looks bad, and last, throttling price
You only showed the narrow body 08 and forgot to show the 2011 that was wide body WRX which looked the most aggressive out of all all the previous WRXs gens.
It looks like they just borrowed the rear lights from a Saab 9-5
Unique take. I don't see it whatsoever. But ok.
The facelifted version of the bugeye is often referred to as the "blobeye".
Wide body stink eye hatch is perfection
I got a grey one. The darker color masks its imperfections.
Had a 2006 WRX sport wagon. In dark grey new. Had every issue with that car a car could have including a motor replacement but looked so good and was so much fun. Got rid of it in 2011. New one is basically a Pontiac Aztek. Hate the roofline plus so much black plastic. Plus rear wheel arches my goodness so ugly. Just so bad at the back. Front looks good though I guess that's a plus if looking at it from the front only.