Subaru WRX STI one of a kind

Since rolling onto North American streets in 2002, Subaru´s Impreza WRX has earned its rep as a relatively affordable high-performance automobile. It was so well received here that the following year Subaru introduced the 2004 WRX STi (Subaru Tecnica International) model – a street-legal version of the car developed for World Rally competition. With its turbocharged four and all-wheel drive, it immediately became an aspirational vehicle for the Asian-import tuning crowd and a favorite among performance-hungry drivers on a budget.

Although the logo remains the original “STi”, Subaru now uses an uppercase “I” in all print references. Beyond the badging, though, the spirit of the STi can still be found in the redesigned WRX STI. How many other automobiles with a price tag of $35,640 or less have all-wheel drive and can boast a 0-60 time of less than five seconds? Only the Mitsubishi Evo comes readily to mind. A member of an elite performance group, the WRX STI balances blistering acceleration with confidence-building control. Where other Impreza trim levels are offered in sedan (four doors) and hatchback (five doors) configurations, the STI is only available as a hatchback.

The appearance of the STI is markedly different from other Impreza five-door iterations. Not particularly distinctive in its styling, Impreza makes little effort to attract attention to itself – not so with the STI. Although the basic size and profile are the same, the STI exterior is more chiseled and highly defined. Besides its wheels, the WRX´s exterior is primarily set apart from a plain-Jane Impreza by its functioning hood scoop and small spoiler located at the top of its hatch. The STI ups the ante by retaining the hood scoop, radically enlarging the rear spoiler and adding an aero kit that includes beefy fender blisters. The front air dam is also quite different, recessing the fog lamps inside the open maw rather than integrating them into the far corners. These modifications not only convey a more aggressive attitude but also distinguish the STI from other Imprezas, as well as other five-door competitors.

For 2008, Subaru stretched the Impreza wheelbase by nearly four inches. Overall length increased by 4.5 inches to 180.3 inches. While the width remains at 68.5 inches, the latest Impreza stands a hair over an inch taller at 58.1 inches. Only an inch or so of the increased length translates into extra legroom with that inch being almost evenly divided between the front and rear seats.

All Imprezas use a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine for their power. The WRX and the WRX STI get turbocharged versions. In the STI, however, with 305 horsepower, it has substantially more go than the 224-horsepower edition in the WRX. Unlike other Impreza versions including the WRX that can be equipped with an optional driver-shiftable four-speed automatic transmission in place of the standard six-speed manual, the STI is fitted with only with the six-speed manual. That´s OK because dropping an automatic tranny into the STI would be something akin to strapping a side saddle on Seabiscuit. Every Impreza features all-wheel drive.

This is a transparent system that continuously feeds power to all four wheels. Subaru calls it Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Fuel economy is a bit below average, even for a high performance hatchback. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the STI at 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

An engine performance management system Subaru calls SI-Drive provides the driver some input in terms of engine output. Operated via a rotary dial located on the center console, SI-Drive allows the driver to determine engine performance by dialing in one of three progressive settings: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. Less experienced drivers can use Intelligent mode until they get the hang of handling the STI and then move on to the higher-performance modes. Subaru claims it´s like having three engines in one.

As one might expect, the STI gets a high-performance tuned independent suspension that includes double wishbones on the rear. The result isn´t exactly a boulevard ride, but it´s surprisingly civilized for a suspension engineered for optimum handling.

Brembo brakes lurk behind all four 18-inch alloy wheels.

For an extra $2,000 you can replace the stock alloys with BBS versions. The antilock brake system includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Fairly roomy for a compact, the STI cockpit benefits from substantially sculpted front seats that provide outstanding lateral support. The 60/40 split rear seat isn´t quite as comfortable, but does fold flat for more cargo room. The leather-wrapped three-spoke tilt-telescoping STI steering wheel with redundant audio controls dominates the driver´s area. Aluminum alloy covers the pedals.

Power accessories and cruise control are standard, as is automatic climate control. A 10-speaker surround sound audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary input jack provides the on-the-road entertainment. If you´ve plunked down the extra dough for the BBS wheels, you might want to go for the whole enchilada and add the $1,800 navigation system.

Not designed for the feint of heart, the WRX STI makes few compromises. It is a high-performance machine for drivers more concerned with the experience than the destination.