Subaru

WRX STI

Delivering blistering pace and top class performance credentials the Subaru has hit back at any critics that might have suggested the brand had gone a bit “soft” and they have hit back in a big way. Boasting outstanding handling and an edge-of-the-seat ride, the WRX STI is no car for the faint-hearted.

Test Drive

Subaru WRX STI

It’s fast, it’s furious, it’s loud and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, but for blistering pace and exhilarating performance the Subaru WRX STI definitely ticks all the boxes.

It’s the fastest ever incarnation of the model and despite its pricey asking price of £32k-plus, this is the perfect car for anyone who loves living life in the fast lane – and that’s because very few vehicles will go past you.

First impressions count for everything when looking at a new car and the WRX STI doesn’t disappoint. With its muscular presence, striking alloys, privacy glass, heated door mirrors, double twin exhaust and beautifully-styled wide and low lines, this four-door model is guaranteed to turn heads.

And that build quality continues throughout the spacious cabin with black leather sports seats with striking red stitching, aluminium pedals and push button start.

In addition, there is climate control air con, all-round electric windows, a 10-speaker audio system which is compatible with all of today’s modern devices, cruise control, satellite tracker and plenty more besides.

The multi-function steering wheel houses the audio and cruise controls as well as the Bluetooth® system. And it has great rake and reach adjustments to help find that perfect driving position.

Elsewhere, all controls, dials and read-outs are perfectly positioned for ease of use which means the driver can concentrate on the job in hand – driving.

The vehicle is fitted with Subaru Intelligent Drive which means the driver can choose from three driving modes depending on mood or driving conditions. There is Intelligent mode for city centre driving – the accelerator is much smoother for delicate stop start control in heavy traffic. Then, there’s the Sport mode which can cope with any driving conditions.

And finally, Sport Sharp to release the maximum potential of the engine. It delivers quicker reactions to more demanding driving conditions.

The model supplied for my test drive was bursting with energy and the 2.5-litre engine delivered incredible power and acceleration as it raced through the six-speed manual transmission. Road-holding is outstanding thanks to the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive and the power at your disposal is endless.

As one would expect, the WRX STI has a very comprehensive list of safety features including super sports anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, reinforcement beams, numerous airbags and lots more.

All in all, the WRX STI is not the sort of car you’ll spot on the school run and it has priced itself out of the boy racer’s market, but it is a vehicle that will be driven by anyone who thrives on the finer capabilities of power and performance.