Autocar - First for car news and reviews

The Impreza family tree sprouted in 1992, and a complicated thing it is too, with endless iterations whose codenames (P1, 22B, RB5, RB320, WRX, STi, V-Limited) are the stuff of enthusiasts’ nods, winks and knowing grins.

The second-generation version arrived in 2000, distinguished by an unfortunate bug-eyed look exorcised by a Peter Stevens facelift in 2003, then another in 2005 that also brought the 2.5-litre engine.

The arrival of this latest-generation Impreza has been an e...Read the full article

Three and a half out of five?  How very odd.

I rarely comment on road tests, but in this instance I'm afraid I can't help myself. 

The reviewer seems to think that the bi-polar character is a negative. Having driven the car, I would say it's a positive.   It's fantastic to have a car which has such varied character and offers such adjustable ability.  A character that you can mold depending on your mood.

I would agree that the interior is not up to VW, Audi or BMW's standard, but it is a vast improvement over the old car. The fact that the 135i is £29,745 in basic spec. says it all.  Please don't compare a 135i with the new Impreza.  It's a daft comparison.

The review seems to miss the fact that for under £25k you get a seriously quick, 4WD, practical, driver focused hatchback with excellent brakes.  Tell me, what other car on sale today offers that?

Surely Subaru should be applauded for offering all this for the sum of £24,995? 


 

 I agree, for the money it's astounding value.  EVO used one to compare relative pace on a tricky road with a Gallardo Superleggera, and it did rather well!  There's no mention in the report about playing with the diff controls, as this seemed to make a difference in other road tests.   If I was going to spend 25k on my next car, it would be the STI

I bought one on Wednesday along with a copy of Autocar. Only done 100 miles so far but will report back with an opinion when I have had chance to test it properly. So far it feels good although the steering is light. My first manual for a while so boning up on the heel and toe tecnique. Seems to have loads of grip. I had a series McRae back in the day - N Reg. Got my last 6 points in it. More later.

soggydog:

There's no mention in the report about playing with the diff controls, as this seemed to make a difference in other road tests.

 I have now I read the magazine article, I initially read on line .... ;-)

I've looked at the new STi, here's the problems.

 1. Doesn't have 18" wheels so the standard car looked under sized with it's 17" wheels, which are rather basic looking.   Optional ones look superb, but at £ 1000 AND an additional £ 800 for tyres they should!   It's a must have.

2.  No fog lights, but the WRX has them.   £ 200 to fit.

3.  No Bluetooth, £250 option.   Every car should have this and any truck driver caught using a mobile phone without one should be taken out and shot - they are "professional drivers" after all!

4. Paint finish.   Adds about £ 300/400.

Why is this all of this important?   Becase the STi suddenly becomes a £ 27.5k car, and the new Evo X has all these fitted already for £ 27.5k.   For 25k you'd have to have a look at the Golf R32.   27k the S3 (although that needs a serious refresh from the ground up).   Being a bit more imaginative and accepting something used you'd then have to look at other German brands.

As for the standard WRX, it looks almost identical to the Mazda 3 series but the new Focus ST is simply better looking.   Sure they're different cars, but it's the ST you'll look back at after parking up.

Sorry if you guys don't agree, but I'm a Peter Steven's WRX owner looking at the new STi and wondering if it's really a good idea or not.   As much as I like my current car, even though I've got the cash for a new car, I just can't bring myself to spend the money on the new STi.

Quick update on price.   Subaru have INCREASED the price of the STi to £26,600 for the base model.   Please remember you'll still have to pay extra for the 18" wheels, fog lights, Bluetooth and paint.   Why the increase in price?   Could it be so that they can offer better discounts??

 Also, if you check on Autotrader for used models there's a good number going.   In short, I belive that the STi isn't selling.   Wonder why....