Used Subaru WRX STI Review (2014-Present) MK3

Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force

4-minute read

Overview

Individualised experience
Spectacular performance
Great acceleration

High emissions
Expensive to ensure
Only one engine available

What's the Subaru WRX STI like?

The car most people would love to own from the Subaru range is the turbocharged WRX STI.

This brilliant rally car for the road isn't for the faint-hearted, but few others can cover the miles on twisting B roads with such ease.

Other versions of the car with less powerful engines were still called Impreza, but the company decided that the top barnstormer would have the name that evoked so much of the car’s history in world rallying.

A note of caution, however. If you decide on one of these, check you can insure it first - and remember that it may well have been pushed very hard by previous owners, with consequent effect on the engine and everything else.

Engines

The earlier WRX Imprezas were performance cars of the first water, with engines and chassis honed on rally special stages in the hands of famous names like Colin McCrae and Richard Burns.

So this one had a hard act to follow, but it does so in spades. Spectacular performance puts it up there with the likes of the Golf R and M135i BMW, and standard four-wheel drive helps towards almost unbelievable traction and roadholding.

Let’s get to the figures. There’s just one engine available: a 2.5-litre in Subaru’s usual ‘flat four’ configuration for low centre of gravity to give better handling, driving through a slick and quick six speed manual gearboxes but with a fairly hefty clutch.

With 296bhp on tap it reaches 62mph from rest in just five seconds, and on the Autobahn in Germany, can power on to a maximum speed of 159mph.

Obviously, economy is not the main point of such a car, but it’s rated at 27mpg at very best. If you’re worried about emissions, you’re not going to buy it.

Driving Experience

The other performance cars I mentioned above are pretty good all-rounders to live with every day.

But the WRX is less comfortable and less forgiving, and it doesn’t come with top end interior spec.

Instead, it’s a focussed and dedicated sports saloon with huge urge from any speed that has to be experienced to be believed.

The car’s handling can be altered to suit different drivers from the driver’s seat. Using the four-wheel drive system, the amount of power going to the front and rear wheels can be changed, and the steering sharpened from something that is already a live thing in your hands.

The accelerator response can also be individualised using the company’s S Mode system. In standard mode the car maximises economy and smooth response, and in Sport or S, engine response is improved.
Peter Hayward

Finally, comes S#, or Sport Sharp for the musicians out there. This gives the best and most immediate accelerator control, but it necessitates complete concentration from the driver.

Equipment and Practicality

Inside, everything's pretty up-market, with good quality fit and finish, soft touch plastics and racing seats – which are not always easy to get in and out of.

Standard kit includes all the electronics already mentioned plus alarm, cruise control, headlight washers, part leather trim, audio remote, heated mirrors and of course, big alloy wheels.

Find your Subaru WRX STI your way with CarStore

Overall, the Subaru WRX STI proves to be an excellent rally car due to its great acceleration and performance. You can personalise this vehicle with the several features that can be changed according to driver's preferences.

Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.