Of course, Subaru's renowned symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive brings everything together like few other systems can. It's definitely one of the most effective AWD technologies in the world.
Godzilla is a Boxer
Sinking its teeth and claws in the road, the new STI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds thanks to a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged high-performance engine which cranks out 305 horsepower and 290 pounds-feet of torque. Advanced electronics and clever fine-tuning allow this supremely-potent Boxer to deliver power in smooth, linear and predictable fashion. Turbo lag is inexistent and you will feel zero torque steer courtesy of a wonderfully-calibrated power steering. The latter proves quite direct and easy to control, offering clear feedback from the road.
The short-throw, close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission that comes standard on the WRX STI is a real treat to play with. Flexible and competent at all times, it makes you want to stay behind the wheel forever.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system monitors and analyzes whether the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of sensors. It isn't too invasive, meaning you have plenty of time to make corrections before Super Nanny steps in. As for the brakes, they are equally effective on road and the track. The large-diameter discs showed tremendous endurance.
Don't forget the interior!
Subaru took advantage of the aforementioned upgrades to design an interior that would feel just as dynamic. Material selection now seems up to standards; plastics have been revised to better resist scratches. While not as intense as those of the rally model, the seats are easy to access without any contortions, not to mention comfortable and ideally supportive given the nature of this car. A new Pioneer infotainment system has also been fitted; interestingly, it comes with a detachable touchscreen for outside use.
A bargain?
Subaru is really aggressive in terms of pricing. The 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan starts at $37,995, while the Sport-tech Package retails for $41,595. Considering the level of performance and overall quality of the vehicle, I'd say this is a bargain. And remember: the STI may be the perfect car for our winter-ravaged Canadian roads, making you feel like an actual rally driver around bumps and potholes, and allowing you to get the most out of it.
And here's a short video starring the WRX! Remember, this car serves as the basis for the outstanding STI
Godzilla is a Boxer
Sinking its teeth and claws in the road, the new STI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds thanks to a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged high-performance engine which cranks out 305 horsepower and 290 pounds-feet of torque. Advanced electronics and clever fine-tuning allow this supremely-potent Boxer to deliver power in smooth, linear and predictable fashion. Turbo lag is inexistent and you will feel zero torque steer courtesy of a wonderfully-calibrated power steering. The latter proves quite direct and easy to control, offering clear feedback from the road.
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| The STI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds thanks to this high-performance engine which cranks out 305 horsepower and 290 pounds-feet of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The short-throw, close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission that comes standard on the WRX STI is a real treat to play with. Flexible and competent at all times, it makes you want to stay behind the wheel forever.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system monitors and analyzes whether the vehicle is following the driver's intended course via an array of sensors. It isn't too invasive, meaning you have plenty of time to make corrections before Super Nanny steps in. As for the brakes, they are equally effective on road and the track. The large-diameter discs showed tremendous endurance.
Don't forget the interior!
Subaru took advantage of the aforementioned upgrades to design an interior that would feel just as dynamic. Material selection now seems up to standards; plastics have been revised to better resist scratches. While not as intense as those of the rally model, the seats are easy to access without any contortions, not to mention comfortable and ideally supportive given the nature of this car. A new Pioneer infotainment system has also been fitted; interestingly, it comes with a detachable touchscreen for outside use.
A bargain?
Subaru is really aggressive in terms of pricing. The 2011 Impreza WRX STI sedan starts at $37,995, while the Sport-tech Package retails for $41,595. Considering the level of performance and overall quality of the vehicle, I'd say this is a bargain. And remember: the STI may be the perfect car for our winter-ravaged Canadian roads, making you feel like an actual rally driver around bumps and potholes, and allowing you to get the most out of it.
 |
| Considering the level of performance and overall quality of the vehicle, I'd say this is a bargain. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
And here's a short video starring the WRX! Remember, this car serves as the basis for the outstanding STI
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