FOR a while, it seemed the WRX STI, like the Rudd Labor government, had lost its way. Was the Subaru halo car a stonking sports sedan or a fastback hatch? It had begun life as a sedan but under the urging of the company’s World Rally Championship team took on a hatchback form, because, said the racers, the hatch presented a more balanced and aerodynamic body to work with.
With the demise of the Subaru WRC squad, the STI has pulled itself together and for 2011 has gone with a boot (as in sedan) once more as well as a hatch. As a WRX traditionalist, I’m well chuffed. But, hang on, the STI I picked up to test had a, wait for it, five-speed automatic transmission (sacrilege?) not the snappy manual that’s part of the ‘Rex’ ethos. What’s going on? It’s all about keeping the customer (and more of them) satisfied, I suppose.
Everything else is still there – high-performance four-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive, vehicle dynamic control stability program, five-star occupant safety rating, plus Intelligent Drive, the last Subaru’s way of varying performance, at the same time saving fuel.
BODY STYLE
The 2011 STI has gone back to the WRX four-door sedan body we know and love (there is still a five-door hatchback on offer) with the familiar additions of the gaping bonnet-mounted air scoop servicing the turbo intercooler.
A sub-radiator grille air dam and side skirts make for aerodynamic efficiency as well as spruiking the STI’s sporting intent.
However, it’s the oversize bootlid spoiler that continues to be the signature feature of the model, thumbing its nose at any rival who cares to challenge it for a piece of the road.
POWERTRAIN
As always, the powertrain lives up to its STI (Subaru Technik International) moniker, the 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder horizontally opposed engine stumping up peak power of 221kW at 6200rpm and maximum torque of 350Nm between 3000 and 6000rpm, all to the unique aural accompaniment of the boxer ‘four’.
The test motor was mated with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, which with its laboured changes, might not be to the STI traditionalists’ liking for wringing the Rex’s neck with swift gearshifts under a stack of revs.
SAFETY
Like all Subarus in Australia, the WRX STI runs the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system which distributes torque to the wheels where conditions under foot dictate it is most needed.
This is backed up by other active safety features which include Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS anti-skid braking, Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Throttle Control.
Collision protection is offered by a full complement of airbags, seat belts and headrests, a reinforced passenger cabin cell with crumple zones, plus pedestrian safety features. It all adds up to a five-star ANCAP occupant safety rating.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The Subaru WRX STI is a four-door, five-seater in which occupants can feel assured no matter how the vehicle is piloted.
Black Alcantara/leather upholstery with red stitching on seats and leather bound steering wheel is smart and not over the top as in some sports models, while STI logos on the seat backs and drilled metal pedals add a raffish touch.
Steering wheel-mounted paddles encourage the driver to take control of the transmission but turn out to be something of a letdown with the system defaulting to full auto shifts seemingly at random. The steering wheel also carries audio and cruise control buttons.
Instrument dials are some of the better-lit around, making them quick and easy to read.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Accelerating from rest is accompanied by a firm push in the back as the all-wheel drive system sorts out the forces passing to each wheel. The auto will hit 100km/h from rest in six seconds; the six-speed manual more than a second quicker.
The STI has the ride and handling we have come to expect from Subaru’s rally-bred road car. It’s no softy. Even minor surface blemishes are passed on to the driver through the steering wheel, while steering is sharp and presents positive feedback to the pilot..
The Dunlop rubber hangs on well when put under pressure but transmits quite a measure of road noise to the passenger cabin at some speeds.
And so to SI-Drive. Operated by means of a knob on the centre console, it’s possible to dial up three performance levels.
Pressing the knob locks in Intelligent mode in which the car balances performance with fuel economy, especially when accelerating. It’s ideal for stop/start city driving or on slippery roads and loose surfaces.
Turn the knob to the left and Sport mode comes into action, firming up the engine performance for a more adventurous driving experience.
Twiddle the knob to the right and Sport Sharp adds even more exhilaration, with the throttle becoming more responsive – great for taking advantage of twisting roads, or during merging or overtaking.
All three modes have the STI working in quite distinct ways, adding another level of driving satisfaction to what could have been a typically bland automatic transmission tale.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
$59,990 (manufacturer’s list price), plus on-road costs
WRX STI ENGINE:
Type: 2.5 litre turbocharged
Cylinders: Four horizontally opposed
Displacement: 2457cc
Bore x stroke: 99.5mm x 79.0mm
Compression ratio: 8.2:1
Cam-train system: Double overhead cam
Fuel system: Multi-point sequential injection
PERFORMANCE
Maximum power: 221kW/6200rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm/3000-6000rpm
Acceleration, 0-100km/h: 6sec
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4580mm
Overall width: 1795mm
Overall height: 1470mm
Wheelbase: 2625mm
Minimum ground clearance: 150mm
Front track: 1530mm
Rear track: 1540mm
Tare mass: 1485kg
Fuel consumption and emissions: 10.6 litres/100km; 249g of CO2 per kilometre (Euro 4), combined cycle
Fuel tank capacity (litres): 60
Recommended fuel: 98 RON
Steering: Quick ratio variable power assisted rack and pinion
Turning circle: 11m kerb to kerb
Suspension, front: McPherson strut type, independent
Suspension, rear: Double wishbone type, independent
Brakes, front: Brembo performance, vacuum assisted ventilated four-piston discs
Brakes, rear: Brembo performance vacuum assisted ventilated dual-piston discs
ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Hill Start Assist (forward and reverse)
Wheels/rim: 18x8.5J
Tyres: Dunlop SP600 245/40 R18 93W
SAFETY
ANCAP rating: five star
Vehicle Dynamic Control System
SECURITY
DataDot System
WARRANTY:
3 year/unlimited kilometres. 3 year roadside assist
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