This is the new Subaru WRX STi, and if you like the look of the scooped, be-spoilered saloon, then listen up. Subaru has confirmed that thanks to a favourable swing in Yen/Sterling exchange rates, the new WRX STi will be sold in the UK later in 2014. The price? A not-too-shocking £28,995.
How much Subaru WRX STi do I bag for less than £30k?
Your £28,995 (just £2k more than a 197bhp BRZ coupe, don’t forget) buys an awful lot of performance. The new 2.5-litre boxer turbo develops 301bhp at 6000rpm, and 290lb ft at 4000rpm. And surely, you don’t need telling it’s all-wheel drive, and uses a six-speed manual rather than any new-fangled twin-clutch nonsense…
Sounds great! What else?
The new WRX STi is roomier than the old car – thanks to the wheelbase growing by 25mm, and the A-pillar base living 200mm further forward than on the previous generation. Subaru claims more legroom and shoulder room as a result, complimenting a cabin which the Japanese maker claims has seen a marked step up in quality.
Given this car will compete with premium performance machinery like the Audi S3 Sportback and BMW M135i, that’s a key area where the STI needs to up its game. Phrases like ‘carbon effect trim’ in the press material don’t fill us with confidence, mind…
Of course, those damned German rivals are fine steers too, but Subaru reckons the new WRX STI (oh how we long for that Impreza badge again) can hold its own. Modifications like a reinforced steering gearbox mount and comprehensively retuned spring and damper rates are supposed to kill the two birds of refinement and fun handling with one stone. We’ll be the judge of that when we get behind the wheel this summer.
No complaints here about the exterior makeover though, which is classic hot Subaru. There’s a brash bodykit, a bookcase of a rear spoiler, 18in alloys (lighter and more rigid those fitted to the £4k pricier old car) as well as LED lights front and rear.
>> Subaru enthusiasts: will you be buying the new £29k WRX STI? Tell us why (or why not) in the comments below