Subaru WRX STI

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan recently launched what is now known as the best performing Subaru to date. The new WRX STI four-door features sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp.

Subaru WRX STI

It also has newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing. One can also spot the new larger grille and bumper intake openings. Subaru traditional identity spoiler graces the rear of the car.

Rear of the WRX STI Hatchback

The car’s design is based on a ‘wide and low’ concept that gives the car an aggressive road presence. It has newly designed wider rear fenders. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient and give it a look of power and stability. The four-door saloon model, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door sedan, has extra space which provides for a larger and deeper boot space for storage.  

Subaru WRX STI Hatchback

The car handles even better thanks to lowered ride height, new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe. To complete the package, All Wheel Drive (AWD) distributes power to each of the four wheels ensuring maximum handing. Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) technology allows the driver to tailor the car's driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes (‘Intelligent,’ ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Sharp’) using a rotary dial on the center console.

Still as loud as ever

Under the hood is a high-boost 305-bhp turbocharged/intercooled 4 cylinders, Boxer engine teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission. To ensure that you don’t crash, the new Subaru is fitted with Brembo Performance Braking System.

Powerful tuned boxer engine

It is also fitted with ventilated four-wheel Super Sport anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes. What Super Sport ABS does is it controls the braking forces at each rear wheel independently. This optimizes braking ability during hard cornering and it help reduce under steer. What a complicated car! It’s a computer on BBS® forged aluminium-alloy wheels highlighted by silver paint.

Roomy and practical interior

The interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its sporty design. Trim panels, the steering wheel air bag cover and steering wheel switches are now dark cast metallic.

Multifunction steering wheel

The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with an embossed STI logo. It features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. The entertainment system consists of an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player. There is an iPod control capability fitted for iPod connectivity. The radio has a USB port and a 3.5mm aux. input jack to connect your mp3 player. The package includes Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling. 

Rear of the WRX STI saloon

Driver and passenger safety has also been improved. The car has Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) which provides precise control of braking between the front and rear wheels. This helps improve stability and stopping distances.

Low, wide and aggressive characteristics dominate its overall design

It also fitted with Brake Assist that analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost. This provides enhanced emergency braking and also activates the ABS system early if needed. If the unavoidable happens and a crash occurs, Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, with front and rear crumple zones, increase the chances of making out alive.

Signature huge rear spoiler on the WRX STI saloon

The car has an amazing system called Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS). It has a sensor module that detects if the seat is occupied. It also determines how the air bag will deflate depending if the occupant is a child or adult.

Unique WRX STI wheels

The price for this core STI computer is around Kshs. 4 million. Subaru STI WRX is also available as a five-door sedan. Although its now known as the WRX STI and not the Impreza STI WRX its still holds the loud, aggressive and  dramatic that have defined its previous generations.