This car is NOT built "mostly for track". It needs a lot of work to be a reliable and fun track car. It's a great road car particularly in adverse conditions.
I saw the 2014 WRX yesterday in person and, honestly, it doesn't look that bad. It looks worse in photos and videos but in real life it's OK. I still think the previous generation sedan looks much better.
R.I.P o dear impreza. You gave us great joy and fun. But now tis time to part. The soccer moms have snuffed out your flame of passion! Oh a sad hour is upon us, the future is uncertain, the soccermoms have us burnt on a steak!
The spoiler is functional like most things on the car, and is an STI trademark. This car is not for everyone, which is one of the reasons it's popular and has a strong following. I'm just glad they continue to improve and update the car. Though, I wish they would give it more power from time to time. There's not much reason to upgrade from my 05 model.
The STI is one of the best car in its category. In comparison with the regular WRX, the symmetrical AWD of the STI is more sophisticated with a programmable central differential. Many thanks for your very good video.
I can't wait for mine!!! I won't see it until the end of April, but I'm counting down the days It's a handsome looking car compared to the old one, especially in person
Yorn Flarp If you're gonna spend 40 grand on a car for performance, got get a BMW 235i - that one at least doesn't come with a Corolla+scoop exterior and rental car interior... I respect WRX/STIs for delivering performance, but that's only one aspect of a good car. They fail on all others.
I do believe it looks kinda like the legacy. Rear doesn't though. I have always said it would always start looking like a toyota. With resent venture with toyota, i say it has a little camry in it too.
Georgi Trifonov I'd take the Subaru over the 235i. Performance and handling are just one aspect of the Subaru. Engine of the year award in 2008 and symmetrical AWD are some of its other virtues. The BMW is significantly more expensive also...
It looks like a 2012 Honda Civic with a 2012 STi wing and an Evo X Front Bumper and lights. Some people might like that.. But I don't. I'll take the 2014 STi
Im really surprised at how many people like the looks of the previous model. IMO it is by far the worst looking and this new model is an improvement over it. Though the previous model began to grow on me a bit I still think this looks better. That being said my 2000 RS is still the best looking.
the $8k price difference gets you 3 limited slip differentials (vs. 0 in the WRX), 18" vs. 17" tires, and more sport oriented suspension tuning which makes this the best handling WRX/STi yet (great turn in, no initial understeer, neutral drifts, etc.), and a ride so rough other reviews have said 'no' to it.
The new Subaru Wrx does grow on you, I have seen it at the Chicago Auto Show and it really looks good in person. That said, I am hoping to get a good deal on a '14 Wrx hatch when they start selling the new Wrx. Thanks for the video TFL.
They need to adjust their pricing if they really want these to sell well. The WRX should start at $17k and the STI should start at $22k. The only thing that would make those cars worth their current prices if it had all soft touch materials and had good sound deadening materials.
TheCobruhAlienat0r because you're not buying this car for it's interior. There are few new cars in the 35K range that can compete with this STI. The real competitors to this cost 10K more at least. The price you pay is in the interior no doubt.
Agreed bahasad. The people who end up buying this car don't care about the hard plastics, they buy it for the performance. You can go spend 10k less and buy a GTI or Focus ST (still really well performing cars) and get better interiors but their performance compared to the STi's performance are no match.
Agreed with both. Look at the impreza then, starts at 17k (i think). Anyone that doesn't like the interior and this it's not "comfortable" enough... test drive the legacy. This is NOT meant for luxury.... so stop comparing it to that way.
7:00 That's because they've put the same care out for the past 5 years or more, with only minor changes. That whole time they were working out how to make the new model ten times better.
It's a great car. But as you said, not a great daily driver. I'd have to go with the either the 2015 5.0 GT Mustang or 1Le Camaro. Both are comfortable daily drivers and great sports cars at the same time.
Robnting Tie I luv Z's because they are built tight as a tank, and LAST. I have friends that have owned Z's for 30 years before the started to show signs of ageing. The ONLY possible nit pic with the Z, is it doesn't have that V-8 grunt.
Robnting Tie I don't know why Nissan refused to charge $5,000 to $8,000 more and offer a twin-turbo option for the 370z. It would not be in competition with the all wheel drive GTR. Shame.
that depends on where you daily drive, because both 2015 5.0 GT Mustang or 1Le Camaro won't be a good choice if you live in Alaska or Africa or Soviet Union.
This was a really general review. He mostly spoke of the interior and the way it looks. Would love to HEAR specs motor wise as to how it compares to the WRX.
I cant wait to get mine. Few reason I picked the sti over the wrx. The sti wheels spoiler just the overall look fits better. the WRX to me looks like a massive body on some small wheels. I feel like if someone wants a nice DD thats sporty and quiet.. the Audi S3 is going to fill that bill. I cant wait for that review!
Awesome review, love Subaru. Subaru withdrew the WRX from sale in the UK a few years ago (Colin McRae would of turned in his grave), but looks like it may be coming back UK this year. Can't wait.
i wonder how long until some aftermarket company makes headlights that look like the WRX concept's concentric light rings? id buy the crap out of those, and they could be designed to fit within the stock housing easily
This may seem like a silly thing to complain about, but why is there no center tach on this generation WRX or STi? This has been a trademark of the gauge layout for the WRX.
Here's why I'm disappointed with this video. I feel like it was 9 minutes of saying a lot without really saying anything. Lots of explanations that were sometimes followed up by contradictory explanations. Disappointed. This is the one car that I've been looking forward to hearing more about all year.
It's just a press release review of the car. In cases such as those, there's never enough time to fully review the car. There are other reviews, though, that have more information (such as, there is little to no understeer in this car). Hit up Google and search for them...I've been watching them all day long.
Looks like it's not worth trading in my '13 sedan, especially because of the mods. Antisway-bars and endlinks made the biggest difference to handling. it's so sharp but still takes bumps very well.
305hp was good in 2007-2008. Now competitors like the M135i, RS3 & A/CLA45 AMG are all pushing upwards of ~330hp, the STI with the identical mechanical bits & uglier bodywork does Subaru absolutely no justice.
Ok... but in my Country, the RS3 and AMG are 10k to 20k more expensive... For that money, I can buy a turbo kit for example, air filters, exhaust improvements and maybe even a new brake system. So I would easily have more than 400bhp for the same price.
***** Honda is going for turbo btw for 2015 , on the Si model. You guys know nothing about marketing. Its not that simple to design a new engine without increasing the cost of production.
Jacky L. The costs are great I'm aware, which is also why I don't expect manufacturers to churn out an all new design every 2 years. Most engines will usually last for 2 model redesigns (give or take 10-12 years) before it needs to retire. However, the EJ motor is 25 years old: The EJ motor also powered 3 generations (4 generations now) of STI already. A redesign is LONG overdue. With a motor this ancient, I'm baffled Subaru still wants nearly ~$50k for this car. In my dictionary, that's called being cheap.
Totally agree! Although subaru got the suspension tuning right and I can live with its looks inside and out, it does nothing to push the performance envelope. No amount of suspension tuning can overcome the 10 year old carry over engine and transmission. This is a deal breaker for me! I will never spend $45000 on a car (FYI this is what it costs in canada) that has the same engine and trans, with the exact same output as it did in 2004. I hope subaru will update the engine with a 350 hp d.i. FA motor it needs and hopefully a twin clutch. Until then no deal. :(
I have a modded 2008 STI - love it. With the mods, it has over 400 lbs torque, and almost zero understeer. FUN! Works as a great DD....The new STI is stiffer - I'd wager it's better out of the box than mine was handling wise, but less of a DD candidate. So for my DD, I'm buying a 2015 WRX. I have to say, the 2015 WRX is the best handling Subie out of the box I've ever driven - it's actually awe inspiring handling wise. Do a few aftermarket parts, spending $1500 to $2000 and get the HP up over 300, and you have STI power, and great chassis for hard driving and it works as a DD for less money than an STI. Plus the new 2.0 actually has more torque at lower rpms and a turbo that spools way faster. So yeah, the WRX is the DD, a modded STI is your track or weekend monster. There are other great cars out there, but if you want AWD in a sports car, these and the Mitsus rule. Wish these came in a hatch!
Alot of the tuning companies are starting to tap into the fa20dit's potential.... in many cases it leaves the ej25 in the dust. So perhapsthe wrx can be the weekend track monster as well
It's nice to see Subaru finally differentiating the WRX and STI products more significantly. The STI's always had the 6sp, Brembos, and a different suspension package, but it does seem they've finally gone far enough with the car to make the difference meaningful. I have lots of questions, but I guess I'll wait for the big video before I start asking anything. I am curious how stiff they went with the suspension as it looks moderate. I am also curious if they tried any weight savings with the car since you said it is relatively noisy, and I'm guessing it may have less sound deadening than the WRX. The press presentation likely goes into detail on such things though.
I've always been a STI fan. It's got wicked performance that cars that cost twice as much have. I honestly though liked the previous generation's looks better. It's great that it's got a six-speed manual too.
I can definitely tell Subaru stiffened up the suspension and increased steering response with the new STi. On a different note, I may just have to get those gold wheels for my 08.
I was watching a review of the wrx, i think it might of been the 2014 maybe, but they changed the headers to equal length and took away that signature gurgle wrx's make, but in this vid it seems to be back? if so, that's a step in the wrxight direction.
The new WRX uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and the EL headers allow this to work properly. The STI uses the same EJ257 that was in the 2014 so it does not have the twin-scroll and still has the UEL Headers.
This husky guy also did the WRX videos that you "liked." It's a basic review - the detailed, in-depth video is coming soon. Thanks for watching us... again.
Thanks Nathan. It is warming to know you read the comments! Some will be positive, others negative....I'm sure (as a big boy) you can handle it. Keep reading the posts!
i bought an 04 sti right out of the showroom in july 03. back then the sti had more hp than a mustang gt and was about 32k. now the mustang gt has IRS and ~420hp on reg gas... don't think i need 2 more doors in my "fast car" enough to lose pass up that much of a power differential. you might not think they cross shop, but they do very well, because sti's aren't all that big inside, and mustangs do have huge trunks. i was cross shopping them at 20 years old and would still at 30+. can't wait to see a track comparison i guess.
not my first choice in style if I were Subaru and the wing will probably make a lot of drag but ive always wanted a sti and in the near future may buy one
I wish they would bring back the 06-07 body style. The look of them now resembles that of a lancer, which is its competition. Also sounds like they removed the blow off valve? Some things just need to be looked into.
In terms of looks, it's probably the best STi out since the 06 model... (you know, before they started to make the car look bloated/constipated.) A nice front lip and coils and the community will really start to see how sexy this car is. One BRUTAL mistake Subaru made however, was keeping the EJ25 inside the STi while using the FA20 in the WRX. It was already proven in the BRZ that this motor out-performs the EJ series. I doubt a lot of people would spend 10k more when they look exactly alike and the tuning capabilities of the WRX exceeds that of an STi.
I hear a lot of people say $8K to $10K more for an STi vs a base WRX. Well that's no really a fair comparison when talking about WRXs. The STi is more equipped like a Limited WRX minus the sunroof, (ie Leather trimmed-heated seats, upgraded lights, excreta). There the price difference is about $3.5K...
I'm nor sure if I like the overall style of the 2015. It seems to raised a bit high... maybe if it were lowered a tad it would look better. I can't tell yet.
They do offer a WRX wagon but sadly it wont be in the US for a while or it never will but i suggest that u try a find out more about the WRX wagon. I think its only in Europe right now.
That car does not have the European influence it once had, designed more for the US market. They didn't even release the BRZ in the UK, shame really as Europe was the biggest market for this type of car not so long ago.
depends on the trims, a base model wrx is around 26 sticker and the sti is around 35-36 sticker. when you go to the premium and limited trims it changes. i paid 28 for my wrx premium that had a sticker of 29,5.
STI has slightly more power, controllable center differential, probably bigger brakes etc. I always perfer the wrx because it's more comfortable, but for track days the STI is better.
With the STi you get a bigger, more powerful(albei dated) engine, the driver controlled center diff, larger brakes, bigger wheels, STi tuned suspension, upgraded transmission, not to mention that giant rear wing. IMO it is worth the extra if you care about having a well-rounded car. If all your after is speed you can get a WRX and tune to make faster for less.
yes, you can pay up to 10 grand more for the STI, but its all what your going to do with the car and your personality. are you going to race everyone you see? get the STI, do you have the extra cash? get the STI. but if you are on a budget and you need a car that is comfortable and tame enough to drive everyday buy the WRX, it is by no means a slouch, but if you wanna rip it up everywhere you go buy the STI.
I kind of like it now... maybe cause of the almost coupe like silhouette...I don't really know how to say, but yeah.. I dig it. Previous gen. was kind of weird, and I can't really go with the hatch in this kind of car. Maybe I'm too conservative. But... Even the interior is good now, so I wouldn't mind to use it everyday. For what I hear, and I have never driven it, they solved the under steering issues of the previous models so it is more like an evo now. ;)
I don't get people saying "It's not worth 10k" over WRX. The base STI comes with all of the features of the Limited WRX, it's only 10k more if you compare a base WRX with a limited STI. Really, a limited WRX is only 4k less than a base STI and you still get all the features. That was confusing to say but point is, stop saying it's 10k more than the WRX.
Are those "hawk eyes" actual lights or just reflectors? I thought they were DRLs but it looks like the high beams are used as DRLs. The "hawk eyes" look like they are on all the time so it makes me think they are just reflectors.
A lot of hype and expectations for the new STI. Anxious to see it in person. Definitely boring looking on video. And, though I'm an Evo X owner and have always preferred the rawness of the Evo, that boxer 4 still sounds awesome. In need of an aftermarket exhaust to wake it up a bit more!
Disappointed that Subaru's not coming out with a hatchback version. Nice to see they improved the interior, but it's still not at the level of a Golf R. Can't wait to see what VW has in store for us with their 7th Gen!
ill wait till someone does the comparison, but i have a hard time believing its 10K more car then the WRX. Only 30 more hp stock and the new rex has the new direct incjection motor series and a 6speed now. Going to be tough to justify this STI.
I was thinking about getting either the WRX or the STI, but I'm kind of on a standstill between the two. This is going to not only be my first manual car, and my first car that I'm going to be paying for myself, but also probably the first car I've ever driven with 200+ horsepower in it. I'm kind of a power-hungry person, and I would love to have a powerful car, which is why I'm looking at it. Anyone have suggestions on just going with the STI, or going for the WRX and just upgrading it?
I would just go with the WRX. The STi costs 8k more (in the US at least), and the gas mileage is much less than the WRX. The WRX is a very strong car, and with a few mods it is even better, so there really is no reason to drop a whole lot more on an STi.
Go with a WRX. The handling is phenomenal - better than past STI's IMHO, and the power is more than adequate. If you want more power than the stock, you can do mild upgrades that don't cost a lot or make noise, and still get over 305 hp. The new WRX motor is more efficient, and better for a daily driver - more torque down low in the rev range. The six speed is notchy at first, but will loosen up. The clutch is easy to work and the motor is not prone to stalling if you let the clutch out to fast. Def go with 2015 WRX for a daily...I just drove it and it will put a smile on your face. Not the best looking car and interior is still sub par, but functionally a great great giant killer of a car at the price. Seats are fabulous. Drive it.
Same here bro. Idk if i should get a 370Z or the STI. Sure the 370Z has a lot more hp than the STI, but i want an AWD car perfect for any road condition. 370Z on the other hand is perfect! 352 hp (might be wrong about the horspower lol) 2 door, very fun to drive,and has quite the looks! Im not even gonna go about the PRICES! the STI and the Z's price range is kinda close. The Z nismo is about 45k and the STI is about 40k. I dont want hate comments about the two cars btw. im just comparing the two and dont get me wrong.... I LOVE THEM BOTH!!!! :)
At first impression I thought "this thing is hideous!" but its grown on me and I love it now!
I love that 2.5 liter boxer's sound. The best thing never changes...
This car is NOT built "mostly for track". It needs a lot of work to be a reliable and fun track car. It's a great road car particularly in adverse conditions.
I love the new WRX STI look, the LED lights look so bad ass.
The single most amazing looking car I have ever seen!
Wow 10 years old. Crazy how time flies. Love my 2017 STI with 90k ❤
I saw the 2014 WRX yesterday in person and, honestly, it doesn't look that bad. It looks worse in photos and videos but in real life it's OK. I still think the previous generation sedan looks much better.
I'm with you on the 'wish they made a hatchback'. I prefer the 5 door, minus the chrome tail lights.
I saw this car at the auto show and changed my opinion of it since, the look really does grow on you!
R.I.P o dear impreza. You gave us great joy and fun. But now tis time to part. The soccer moms have snuffed out your flame of passion! Oh a sad hour is upon us, the future is uncertain, the soccermoms have us burnt on a steak!
welcome the forester..soccermoms will never knew what lies beneath
It's hideous. They should remake the 05 and 07 sti's with the new parts they are using now.
Alex Butera Exactly what I was just about to type
Alex Butera
Thats our job! i have no problem putting all that sexy mechanicalness under my 98!
Tor Guy
Just gotta wait for a few of those soccermoms and rich college kids to total a few of them hahaha
Thanks for the video TFL. The Golf R vs STi comparison later this year should be interesting.
The spoiler is functional like most things on the car, and is an STI trademark. This car is not for everyone, which is one of the reasons it's popular and has a strong following. I'm just glad they continue to improve and update the car. Though, I wish they would give it more power from time to time. There's not much reason to upgrade from my 05 model.
The STI is one of the best car in its category. In comparison with the regular WRX, the symmetrical AWD of the STI is more sophisticated with a programmable central differential. Many thanks for your very good video.
I can't wait for mine!!! I won't see it until the end of April, but I'm counting down the days
It's a handsome looking car compared to the old one, especially in person
Nice do you still have it?
Best looking STI in my opinion. Every detail has a purpose on this car. I think I found my next car
It's been ten years and I still think the 2005 STI is the best looking one.
Ive had 2 wrxs and two stis. This one looks awesome!
Subaru has the amazing ability to make every generation WRX/STI uglier than the previous one. Didn't think that's possible, but ........behold!
Yorn Flarp If you're gonna spend 40 grand on a car for performance, got get a BMW 235i - that one at least doesn't come with a Corolla+scoop exterior and rental car interior... I respect WRX/STIs for delivering performance, but that's only one aspect of a good car. They fail on all others.
Georgi Trifonov BMW 235i has $43,100 MSRP while sti is only around 35,000, thats not a small difference
Georgi Trifonov
and 235i is rwd coupe. WRX/STIs are 4 doors, king of the snows, japanese.
I do believe it looks kinda like the legacy. Rear doesn't though. I have always said it would always start looking like a toyota. With resent venture with toyota, i say it has a little camry in it too.
Georgi Trifonov
I'd take the Subaru over the 235i. Performance and handling are just one aspect of the Subaru. Engine of the year award in 2008 and symmetrical AWD are some of its other virtues. The BMW is significantly more expensive also...
The big questions are: 1.) Did Subaru turn down the Understeer? and 2.) Does it still have that Subaru scent?
Cool! What do prefer? *****
the sti is not for track? its for rallycross
It looks like a 2012 Honda Civic with a 2012 STi wing and an Evo X Front Bumper and lights.
Some people might like that.. But I don't. I'll take the 2014 STi
Im really surprised at how many people like the looks of the previous model. IMO it is by far the worst looking and this new model is an improvement over it. Though the previous model began to grow on me a bit I still think this looks better. That being said my 2000 RS is still the best looking.
There's actually a wagon version of this already on sale in Japan. It's called Levorg STi.
love the look of this car. I drive a 2005 impreza. hated the silly hatchback versions but this new one is great
the $8k price difference gets you 3 limited slip differentials (vs. 0 in the WRX), 18" vs. 17" tires, and more sport oriented suspension tuning which makes this the best handling WRX/STi yet (great turn in, no initial understeer, neutral drifts, etc.), and a ride so rough other reviews have said 'no' to it.
I bought one!!! launch edition!!! wow in person is awesome! everything is different fromany other preveiws STI love it!
Thanks for all the comments helped me decide to get a brand new sti
Cheers
Lp
lincoln p if you got the wrx, you would spend all your time wishing you had got the sti.
Bought an sti and i love it
lincoln p Should Of bought an Focus ST for 10K less and tuned to stage 3 and make Subi's cry.
Clinton Russell yea if you like fords and front wheel drive
Clinton Russell Fords are pieces of shits with zero resell value
The new Subaru Wrx does grow on you, I have seen it at the Chicago Auto Show and it really looks good in person. That said, I am hoping to get a good deal on a '14 Wrx hatch when they start selling the new Wrx. Thanks for the video TFL.
They need to adjust their pricing if they really want these to sell well. The WRX should start at $17k and the STI should start at $22k. The only thing that would make those cars worth their current prices if it had all soft touch materials and had good sound deadening materials.
Never will these cars be that cheap, neither should they be. You're talking base Toyota Camry prices for a WRX STi.
FoolItsGabe
I know, I was just using that as an example. $35k for a car with hard plastics and no sound deadening is overpriced.
TheCobruhAlienat0r because you're not buying this car for it's interior. There are few new cars in the 35K range that can compete with this STI. The real competitors to this cost 10K more at least. The price you pay is in the interior no doubt.
Agreed bahasad. The people who end up buying this car don't care about the hard plastics, they buy it for the performance. You can go spend 10k less and buy a GTI or Focus ST (still really well performing cars) and get better interiors but their performance compared to the STi's performance are no match.
Agreed with both. Look at the impreza then, starts at 17k (i think). Anyone that doesn't like the interior and this it's not "comfortable" enough... test drive the legacy. This is NOT meant for luxury.... so stop comparing it to that way.
Really like the looks of this gen. Nice review Nathan
7:00 That's because they've put the same care out for the past 5 years or more, with only minor changes. That whole time they were working out how to make the new model ten times better.
It's a great car. But as you said, not a great daily driver. I'd have to go with the either the 2015 5.0 GT Mustang or 1Le Camaro. Both are comfortable daily drivers and great sports cars at the same time.
I have to agree with you in part but I am a 370Z fan my self
Robnting Tie I luv Z's because they are built tight as a tank, and LAST. I have friends that have owned Z's for 30 years before the started to show signs of ageing. The ONLY possible nit pic with the Z, is it doesn't have that V-8 grunt.
Yep, agree with that. Would be a great car if it just had that little bit more power but it is a blast to drive anyway.
Robnting Tie I don't know why Nissan refused to charge $5,000 to $8,000 more and offer a twin-turbo option for the 370z. It would not be in competition with the all wheel drive GTR. Shame.
that depends on where you daily drive, because both 2015 5.0 GT Mustang or 1Le Camaro won't be a good choice if you live in Alaska or Africa or Soviet Union.
please make a proper review for this car it deserves it , just like you said it in the end WRX vs STI and maybe EVO
This was a really general review. He mostly spoke of the interior and the way it looks. Would love to HEAR specs motor wise as to how it compares to the WRX.
The hatch WRX is the Forester Turbo. Just watch the Nuremberg video with it. Plus its crazy fun
$34,495 base MSRP. Wonder how much the price goes up to get one that is loaded? 300+ horsepower, I bet it's an absolute blast to drive.
I cant wait to get mine. Few reason I picked the sti over the wrx. The sti wheels spoiler just the overall look fits better. the WRX to me looks like a massive body on some small wheels. I feel like if someone wants a nice DD thats sporty and quiet.. the Audi S3 is going to fill that bill. I cant wait for that review!
Awesome review, love Subaru. Subaru withdrew the WRX from sale in the UK a few years ago (Colin McRae would of turned in his grave), but looks like it may be coming back UK this year. Can't wait.
i wonder how long until some aftermarket company makes headlights that look like the WRX concept's concentric light rings?
id buy the crap out of those, and they could be designed to fit within the stock housing easily
This car is what happens when you replace a rally team with a focus group.
bulbinking well 5 years later, they sold better.
This may seem like a silly thing to complain about, but why is there no center tach on this generation WRX or STi? This has been a trademark of the gauge layout for the WRX.
im obviously getting older. I was intrigued until i saw the interior.
Here's why I'm disappointed with this video. I feel like it was 9 minutes of saying a lot without really saying anything. Lots of explanations that were sometimes followed up by contradictory explanations. Disappointed. This is the one car that I've been looking forward to hearing more about all year.
It's just a press release review of the car. In cases such as those, there's never enough time to fully review the car. There are other reviews, though, that have more information (such as, there is little to no understeer in this car). Hit up Google and search for them...I've been watching them all day long.
I can't wait for the comparison
the 2.0 litre Subaru when sold in the UK only claimed 208bhp which was a low figure to keep insurance costs low.The actual bhp was much higher
It'd be nice if all car companies did that. If its a 300hp engine then says its 95hp. lol
Looks like it's not worth trading in my '13 sedan, especially because of the mods. Antisway-bars and endlinks made the biggest difference to handling. it's so sharp but still takes bumps very well.
I totally agree with you on the fact that I wish they would have kept the hatchback
305hp was good in 2007-2008.
Now competitors like the M135i, RS3 & A/CLA45 AMG are all pushing upwards of ~330hp, the STI with the identical mechanical bits & uglier bodywork does Subaru absolutely no justice.
Ok... but in my Country, the RS3 and AMG are 10k to 20k more expensive... For that money, I can buy a turbo kit for example, air filters, exhaust improvements and maybe even a new brake system. So I would easily have more than 400bhp for the same price.
*****
Honda is going for turbo btw for 2015 , on the Si model.
You guys know nothing about marketing. Its not that simple to design a new engine without increasing the cost of production.
Jacky L.
The costs are great I'm aware, which is also why I don't expect manufacturers to churn out an all new design every 2 years. Most engines will usually last for 2 model redesigns (give or take 10-12 years) before it needs to retire.
However, the EJ motor is 25 years old: The EJ motor also powered 3 generations (4 generations now) of STI already. A redesign is LONG overdue.
With a motor this ancient, I'm baffled Subaru still wants nearly ~$50k for this car. In my dictionary, that's called being cheap.
***** EJ motor lasting forever... LOL its literally the most notorious engine in tuners history for cracking piston rings..
Totally agree! Although subaru got the suspension tuning right and I can live with its looks inside and out, it does nothing to push the performance envelope. No amount of suspension tuning can overcome the 10 year old carry over engine and transmission. This is a deal breaker for me! I will never spend $45000 on a car (FYI this is what it costs in canada) that has the same engine and trans, with the exact same output as it did in 2004. I hope subaru will update the engine with a 350 hp d.i. FA motor it needs and hopefully a twin clutch. Until then no deal. :(
Love this wrz sti 2015 I like da interior n design
I have a modded 2008 STI - love it. With the mods, it has over 400 lbs torque, and almost zero understeer. FUN! Works as a great DD....The new STI is stiffer - I'd wager it's better out of the box than mine was handling wise, but less of a DD candidate. So for my DD, I'm buying a 2015 WRX. I have to say, the 2015 WRX is the best handling Subie out of the box I've ever driven - it's actually awe inspiring handling wise. Do a few aftermarket parts, spending $1500 to $2000 and get the HP up over 300, and you have STI power, and great chassis for hard driving and it works as a DD for less money than an STI. Plus the new 2.0 actually has more torque at lower rpms and a turbo that spools way faster. So yeah, the WRX is the DD, a modded STI is your track or weekend monster. There are other great cars out there, but if you want AWD in a sports car, these and the Mitsus rule. Wish these came in a hatch!
Alot of the tuning companies are starting to tap into the fa20dit's potential.... in many cases it leaves the ej25 in the dust. So perhapsthe wrx can be the weekend track monster as well
kkthxk i mean, it handles better than any wrx to date... its heavy but not that much more than all the previous ones. Its no fat boy like the gtr lol
It's nice to see Subaru finally differentiating the WRX and STI products more significantly. The STI's always had the 6sp, Brembos, and a different suspension package, but it does seem they've finally gone far enough with the car to make the difference meaningful.
I have lots of questions, but I guess I'll wait for the big video before I start asking anything. I am curious how stiff they went with the suspension as it looks moderate. I am also curious if they tried any weight savings with the car since you said it is relatively noisy, and I'm guessing it may have less sound deadening than the WRX. The press presentation likely goes into detail on such things though.
I've always been a STI fan. It's got wicked performance that cars that cost twice as much have. I honestly though liked the previous generation's looks better. It's great that it's got a six-speed manual too.
I can definitely tell Subaru stiffened up the suspension and increased steering response with the new STi. On a different note, I may just have to get those gold wheels for my 08.
The 2015 STi comes with a Harman/Kardon audio system, not Rockford Fosgate. ;)@3:25
I was watching a review of the wrx, i think it might of been the 2014 maybe, but they changed the headers to equal length and took away that signature gurgle wrx's make, but in this vid it seems to be back? if so, that's a step in the wrxight direction.
The 2015 WRX has the new FA20 engine with EL headers (and no more gurgle). The 2015 STi (in this vid) still has ye olde EJ engine with UEL headers.
The new WRX uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and the EL headers allow this to work properly. The STI uses the same EJ257 that was in the 2014 so it does not have the twin-scroll and still has the UEL Headers.
Mindless review. Do you have criteria for the show? Just some husky guy driving the car giving info for a 12 year old.
This husky guy also did the WRX videos that you "liked." It's a basic review - the detailed, in-depth video is coming soon. Thanks for watching us... again.
Thanks Nathan. It is warming to know you read the comments! Some will be positive, others negative....I'm sure (as a big boy) you can handle it. Keep reading the posts!
i bought an 04 sti right out of the showroom in july 03. back then the sti had more hp than a mustang gt and was about 32k. now the mustang gt has IRS and ~420hp on reg gas... don't think i need 2 more doors in my "fast car" enough to lose pass up that much of a power differential. you might not think they cross shop, but they do very well, because sti's aren't all that big inside, and mustangs do have huge trunks. i was cross shopping them at 20 years old and would still at 30+. can't wait to see a track comparison i guess.
i think its the best looking wrx since the second gen imprezza with ITS flared wheel guards, finally subaru has gone back to near that look,
not my first choice in style if I were Subaru and the wing will probably make a lot of drag but ive always wanted a sti and in the near future may buy one
I wish they would bring back the 06-07 body style. The look of them now resembles that of a lancer, which is its competition. Also sounds like they removed the blow off valve? Some things just need to be looked into.
fenders are not wide enough.
In terms of looks, it's probably the best STi out since the 06 model... (you know, before they started to make the car look bloated/constipated.) A nice front lip and coils and the community will really start to see how sexy this car is. One BRUTAL mistake Subaru made however, was keeping the EJ25 inside the STi while using the FA20 in the WRX. It was already proven in the BRZ that this motor out-performs the EJ series. I doubt a lot of people would spend 10k more when they look exactly alike and the tuning capabilities of the WRX exceeds that of an STi.
when you showing interior and seats - show a full shot of the seats.
Good review. Cool new sti more power would dramatically add excitement though.
I wonder if they fixed the rattles and squeaks from the interior.
I hear a lot of people say $8K to $10K more for an STi vs a base WRX. Well that's no really a fair comparison when talking about WRXs. The STi is more equipped like a Limited WRX minus the sunroof, (ie Leather trimmed-heated seats, upgraded lights, excreta). There the price difference is about $3.5K...
Nice job Nathan! I think I like the non intrusive wrx better!
I think it would also be a good idea if they added a hatchback series to this, cuz i kinda liked the impreza hatchback look, but that is just me.
the editing in this video is really weird
Love the real gauges, hate the wing.
I'm nor sure if I like the overall style of the 2015. It seems to raised a bit high... maybe if it were lowered a tad it would look better. I can't tell yet.
They do offer a WRX wagon but sadly it wont be in the US for a while or it never will but i suggest that u try a find out more about the WRX wagon. I think its only in Europe right now.
Sf
That car does not have the European influence it once had, designed more for the US market. They didn't even release the BRZ in the UK, shame really as Europe was the biggest market for this type of car not so long ago.
Is the difference really 10k between WRX and STI? Wasn't WRX expected to cost around 27k and STI around 35?
depends on the trims, a base model wrx is around 26 sticker and the sti is around 35-36 sticker. when you go to the premium and limited trims it changes. i paid 28 for my wrx premium that had a sticker of 29,5.
STI has slightly more power, controllable center differential, probably bigger brakes etc.
I always perfer the wrx because it's more comfortable, but for track days the STI is better.
With the STi you get a bigger, more powerful(albei dated) engine, the driver controlled center diff, larger brakes, bigger wheels, STi tuned suspension, upgraded transmission, not to mention that giant rear wing. IMO it is worth the extra if you care about having a well-rounded car. If all your after is speed you can get a WRX and tune to make faster for less.
yes, you can pay up to 10 grand more for the STI, but its all what your going to do with the car and your personality. are you going to race everyone you see? get the STI, do you have the extra cash? get the STI. but if you are on a budget and you need a car that is comfortable and tame enough to drive everyday buy the WRX, it is by no means a slouch, but if you wanna rip it up everywhere you go buy the STI.
digmynewsocks a loaded WRX is only 3-4k less than a base STI and you get soooo much more. Stop comparing a base WRX to a limited STI. It's stupid.
When is the follow up video coming out?! Looking forward to it!
The audio on this video is insanely crisp.
I kind of like it now... maybe cause of the almost coupe like silhouette...I don't really know how to say, but yeah.. I dig it. Previous gen. was kind of weird, and I can't really go with the hatch in this kind of car. Maybe I'm too conservative. But... Even the interior is good now, so I wouldn't mind to use it everyday. For what I hear, and I have never driven it, they solved the under steering issues of the previous models so it is more like an evo now. ;)
The sound is still just like the EJ20 Impreza
DEFF GETTING ONE!!
I don't get people saying "It's not worth 10k" over WRX. The base STI comes with all of the features of the Limited WRX, it's only 10k more if you compare a base WRX with a limited STI. Really, a limited WRX is only 4k less than a base STI and you still get all the features. That was confusing to say but point is, stop saying it's 10k more than the WRX.
Are those "hawk eyes" actual lights or just reflectors? I thought they were DRLs but it looks like the high beams are used as DRLs. The "hawk eyes" look like they are on all the time so it makes me think they are just reflectors.
A lot of hype and expectations for the new STI. Anxious to see it in person. Definitely boring looking on video. And, though I'm an Evo X owner and have always preferred the rawness of the Evo, that boxer 4 still sounds awesome. In need of an aftermarket exhaust to wake it up a bit more!
New one is now my favorite one. Besides 22b
Love the power train, wish the package was more complete. I guess that's what we have the Golf GTI for.
Disappointed that Subaru's not coming out with a hatchback version. Nice to see they improved the interior, but it's still not at the level of a Golf R. Can't wait to see what VW has in store for us with their 7th Gen!
Throwback intro love it
Excited to get one!
Nice car. When will they ever come out with a dual clutch?
What engine? All I see are hoses, piping, plastic.
I never cared for the hatch version, as for the looks, it looks mean enough for me and Im well pleased with the design. Much better than last gen.
The king of cars
Just 305 horsepower? I got a old Subaru Impreza from 1999 which had 320 horsepower. Was hoping the new one would have more.
I think the styling is a little conservative I think it should have been more distinguished from wrx
ill wait till someone does the comparison, but i have a hard time believing its 10K more car then the WRX. Only 30 more hp stock and the new rex has the new direct incjection motor series and a 6speed now. Going to be tough to justify this STI.
I was thinking about getting either the WRX or the STI, but I'm kind of on a standstill between the two. This is going to not only be my first manual car, and my first car that I'm going to be paying for myself, but also probably the first car I've ever driven with 200+ horsepower in it. I'm kind of a power-hungry person, and I would love to have a powerful car, which is why I'm looking at it.
Anyone have suggestions on just going with the STI, or going for the WRX and just upgrading it?
buy a 06-07 g35 coupe xD
I would just go with the WRX. The STi costs 8k more (in the US at least), and the gas mileage is much less than the WRX. The WRX is a very strong car, and with a few mods it is even better, so there really is no reason to drop a whole lot more on an STi.
You could look at the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution too.
Go with a WRX. The handling is phenomenal - better than past STI's IMHO, and the power is more than adequate. If you want more power than the stock, you can do mild upgrades that don't cost a lot or make noise, and still get over 305 hp. The new WRX motor is more efficient, and better for a daily driver - more torque down low in the rev range. The six speed is notchy at first, but will loosen up. The clutch is easy to work and the motor is not prone to stalling if you let the clutch out to fast. Def go with 2015 WRX for a daily...I just drove it and it will put a smile on your face. Not the best looking car and interior is still sub par, but functionally a great great giant killer of a car at the price. Seats are fabulous. Drive it.
Same here bro. Idk if i should get a 370Z or the STI. Sure the 370Z has a lot more hp than the STI, but i want an AWD car perfect for any road condition. 370Z on the other hand is perfect! 352 hp (might be wrong about the horspower lol) 2 door, very fun to drive,and has quite the looks! Im not even gonna go about the PRICES! the STI and the Z's price range is kinda close. The Z nismo is about 45k and the STI is about 40k. I dont want hate comments about the two cars btw. im just comparing the two and dont get me wrong.... I LOVE THEM BOTH!!!! :)
Does this thing gonna have the same engine as the previous model if it does we're gonna have the same ring land failure nightmare
will the wrx enough to handle deep snow, ice without dcct????
Great video and Great journalist
I must say over 20 years of development and the only thing that has really been upgraded in the STI is..... the price.
They did release the BRZ in England.
I'm so happy I've got my 2014,,,