Passenger compartment
The driver is treated like a star inside the STI, but the front passenger also enjoys a comfortable seat (though with less adjustments). The navigation system is easy to configure and the stereo delivers good sound quality... once you manage to insert a CD.
Soundproofing is certainly worth mentioning as it allows passengers to listen to their favorite tunes in normal driving conditions. With the 5-door configuration, access to the rear seats is easy: occupants will find decent room on top of that. On the other hand, ride comfort is affected by the suspension, which uses firmer settings than that of the WRX or the base Impreza.
Flexible power
The Intelligent mode of Subaru's SI-Drive system encourages moderate driving while making the car smoother and more fuel-efficient -- perfect for rush hours. Should you demand more dynamism, you can shift in Sport mode. I used it on byroads and it allowed me to focus more on handling performance. Yet, I preferred the Super Sport mode, which delivers instant throttle response. The great thing about SI-Drive is that the control knob only requires a simple flick of the wrist.
The forward thrusts literally pin you to your seat, the 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine letting all its 305 horsepower loose. I loved the flexible power of the STI, which brilliantly meets all of the driver's needs. Without breaking a sweat, I sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3/6.45/6.4 seconds (Intelligent, Sport and Super Sport modes, respectively) and from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.18/4.7/4.5 seconds.
On the road
The damping system of the WRX STI has been revised to smoothen the ride compared to last year's car. While the latter was more geared for the track, the new model is suited for both the track and the road, with reasonable comfort in daily use. Obviously, the STI still has no problem sticking to the pavement.
The driver is treated like a star inside the STI, but the front passenger also enjoys a comfortable seat (though with less adjustments). The navigation system is easy to configure and the stereo delivers good sound quality... once you manage to insert a CD.
Soundproofing is certainly worth mentioning as it allows passengers to listen to their favorite tunes in normal driving conditions. With the 5-door configuration, access to the rear seats is easy: occupants will find decent room on top of that. On the other hand, ride comfort is affected by the suspension, which uses firmer settings than that of the WRX or the base Impreza.
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| The forward thrusts literally pin you to your seat, the 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine letting all its 305 horsepower loose. |
Flexible power
The Intelligent mode of Subaru's SI-Drive system encourages moderate driving while making the car smoother and more fuel-efficient -- perfect for rush hours. Should you demand more dynamism, you can shift in Sport mode. I used it on byroads and it allowed me to focus more on handling performance. Yet, I preferred the Super Sport mode, which delivers instant throttle response. The great thing about SI-Drive is that the control knob only requires a simple flick of the wrist.
The forward thrusts literally pin you to your seat, the 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine letting all its 305 horsepower loose. I loved the flexible power of the STI, which brilliantly meets all of the driver's needs. Without breaking a sweat, I sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3/6.45/6.4 seconds (Intelligent, Sport and Super Sport modes, respectively) and from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.18/4.7/4.5 seconds.
On the road
The damping system of the WRX STI has been revised to smoothen the ride compared to last year's car. While the latter was more geared for the track, the new model is suited for both the track and the road, with reasonable comfort in daily use. Obviously, the STI still has no problem sticking to the pavement.
 |
| The damping system of the WRX STI has been revised to smoothen the ride compared to last year's car. |