All four modes shift torque around as needed with preferred biases. You can shift the DCCD to manual mode and make your own corrections to optimize your driving condition. A helical limited-slip front diff and a Torsen, torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential, handle side-to-side torque.
On the electronic side, Vehicle Dynamics Control is adjustable as well. The default is the "normal" setting. Up one from there is the "traction" setting. This setting is a bit more performance oriented with a less restrictive VDC setting. At the top of the performance ladder is the OFF setting. With this system turned off, you are on your own.
Subaru still puts gigantic brakes on the Impreza. Up front are large Brembo rotors and four-piston calipers. At the rear are two-piston caliper mounted to slightly smaller rotors. In addition to mechanical components, Subaru tweaks the electronics as well. Brake assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and can increase boost pressure in an emergency or even activate the ABS system early.
As interesting as all the electronics are, it doesn't amount to much if the car isn't comfortable. The STI passes with flying colors. I managed to get comfortable in about 15 seconds, but when my wife drove, it took about a minute to find the best place for her to drive from. Once in place, all the other controls fell readily to hand, including the six-speed manual shifter.
I really liked the front bucket seats. These seats use a normal seat cushion with an average amount of thigh bolster. The seat back is where the big difference is. It stays fairly broad and never pinches in on your sides. Move up to the shoulder area and the seat flares out, providing great support to a very wide range of body types.
Back seat space is a bit on the tight side. With the front seat set back, it didn't look like there was much leg or knee room. I didn't even try to sit in the back, but there is no doubt in my mind that two could sit in the rear of the STI for a limited amount of time. Baby seats would fit in easily and you could even get the kids in and out without doing your back in. When not in use for passengers, the 60/40-split rear seat does fold down to provide a huge storage area.
One day, I had an acute attack of the lazies and thought that the six-speed manual should be an automatic. Needless to say I went for a drive until that feeling went away.
photo:Charles Renny, Subaru
On the electronic side, Vehicle Dynamics Control is adjustable as well. The default is the "normal" setting. Up one from there is the "traction" setting. This setting is a bit more performance oriented with a less restrictive VDC setting. At the top of the performance ladder is the OFF setting. With this system turned off, you are on your own.
Subaru still puts gigantic brakes on the Impreza. Up front are large Brembo rotors and four-piston calipers. At the rear are two-piston caliper mounted to slightly smaller rotors. In addition to mechanical components, Subaru tweaks the electronics as well. Brake assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and can increase boost pressure in an emergency or even activate the ABS system early.
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| Once in place, all controls fell readily to hand, including the six-speed manual shifter. |
As interesting as all the electronics are, it doesn't amount to much if the car isn't comfortable. The STI passes with flying colors. I managed to get comfortable in about 15 seconds, but when my wife drove, it took about a minute to find the best place for her to drive from. Once in place, all the other controls fell readily to hand, including the six-speed manual shifter.
I really liked the front bucket seats. These seats use a normal seat cushion with an average amount of thigh bolster. The seat back is where the big difference is. It stays fairly broad and never pinches in on your sides. Move up to the shoulder area and the seat flares out, providing great support to a very wide range of body types.
Back seat space is a bit on the tight side. With the front seat set back, it didn't look like there was much leg or knee room. I didn't even try to sit in the back, but there is no doubt in my mind that two could sit in the rear of the STI for a limited amount of time. Baby seats would fit in easily and you could even get the kids in and out without doing your back in. When not in use for passengers, the 60/40-split rear seat does fold down to provide a huge storage area.
One day, I had an acute attack of the lazies and thought that the six-speed manual should be an automatic. Needless to say I went for a drive until that feeling went away.
photo:Charles Renny, Subaru
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