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By Ben Oliver
08 April 2008 06:44
New Imprezas seem to arrive with the frequency of buses. But this one really is new, and important. It’s the UK-specification STi, so for us it’s the benchmark new Impreza: it gets the 2457cc, 297bhp flat-four instead of the Japanese-spec 2.0-litre, which CAR Online was the first to test the day after its Tokyo motor show unveiling in November 2007. But it doesn’t have the Prodrive tweakery that is sure to follow and could add another 100bhp and plenty to the price tag. Will the upgrade be worthwhile? Should you buy an Evo, or a quick coupe or a hot hatch instead? This is the car that will tell us.
The hatchback bodyshell is new and controversial, and brings increases in track and wheelbase that ought to benefit ride and handling. The mechanicals haven’t made the same quantum leap as the new Evo’s though; the STi’s engine, gearbox and driver-controlled centre differential are largely the same as before, but there’s new variable throttle mapping and new double-wishbone rear suspension. The hatchback boot is more practical than the old saloon’s but space is still constrained by the four-wheel drive hardware it has to package. It's not as roomy as the Focus/Golf/Astra clan.
Good, with an undercurrent of worry. The Impreza feels a little tinny by comparison with the more upmarket brands it’s now targeting; cabin quality is much better than it was - but still short of the class leaders. The engine still sounds like a boxer, but you now have to strain to hear it. This is a far more refined, grown-up car than before, reflected in the more supple ride and calm, light steering. You get the impression that Subaru is targeting more mature buyers who want comfort as well as mad performance, and also leaving room for the harder, faster variants that will invariably follow.
Click 'Next' to read the rest of our WRX STi Type UK web drive
To see how the Impreza STi Type UK stacks up against our current hot-hatch champion the Honda Civic Type-R make sure you buy the May 2008 issue of CAR Magazine. Click here for a preview
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Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STi Type UK (2008) CAR review
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scoobyboyz says
RE: Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX STi Type UK (2008) CAR review
What a shame Subaru had to use the Daewoo Lanos as the inspiration (not) for what should be one of if not the most aggressive car on the road. I have a MK1 Scooby STI in Silver and it still turns heads. This Scooby is a sad, limp attempt to hit the mainstream market but surprise surprise its not selling and will, if not replaced, kill the Scooby brand forever. Come on Subaru sort it out.
23 January 2009 23:35
carreader says
Better than a new WRX but still boring boring boring is the only way to describe the new STi. The elctronic geegaws are useless, particularly the insipid SI-drive and the interior has all the charm and quality of a recycled plastic cup. It also looks wimpish on the UK-spec 17" wheels.
09 April 2008 13:10
AReader says
Scooby Duesy
When I saw this car, I could not help thinking Porsche 928! That longish flat bonnet and bulbous rear, made me think "landshark" only taller. Of course, I could have thought - "AMC Pacer" only shorter. Not that I'm saying that the 928 looks like a Pacer! OK sorry, I am saying that.....
09 April 2008 01:48
Batty says
Legacy
WRX Imprezzas for mature buyers are called Legacys. This is both bland and ugly, I've tried and tried to like it but I don't. I hope that the next one looks better, or ugly and interesting like the previous efforts. Its a shame that the "Subaru design mangling machine" JohnnyBimmer, left the BMW bits in and left the Suby bits out. Might have looked better then eh? ;-)
09 April 2008 01:38
JohnnyBimmer says
Cheap BMW 1-Series anyone?
Yes very dull... a BMW 1-Series hatch crib if ever I saw one sent through the usual Subaru design mangling machine. I suspect the engineering to be tight, sharp and ultra reliable for a potent performance hatch but I doubt anyone will want to be seen in it during the working week but a balaclava for weekend blasts on rural roads is an option!
08 April 2008 23:55
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