2014 Subaru WRX STI Reviews | Toronto Sun
By Glen Woodcock, Toronto Sun
When most automotive buyers think of Subaru, it’s likely that the Japanese carmaker’s solid line of crossovers and SUVs is what comes to mind.
You know, symmetrical all-wheel drive, reliable boxer engines and all that.
It’s doubtful many shoppers think of Subaru as a performance brand which uses the words “ferocious” and fierce” to describe some of its vehicles.
Yet that’s exactly what the hot new 2014 WRX and WRX STI models are all about. If you’re not alert when the lights go green, these are cars that, quite simply, will blow your doors off.
Based on Subaru Impreza, WRX and STI come as both 4-door sedans and 5-door hatchbacks. There are four WRX models available, starting at $32,495, and four WRX STI models, starting at $38,195.
Among the major differences: STI gets beefier Brembo disc brakes; a rally tuned suspension; bigger 18-inch cast aluminum wheels; high capacity intercooler and a high profile rear spoiler (on sedans).
But the real difference is in the power generated by their turbocharged DOHC 2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engines. WRX produces 265 hp at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm while the even more potent STI can make 302 hp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque at the same rpm levels.
How seriously Subaru takes these cars is evident in the fact no automatic transmission is offered. A 5-speed stick is standard on WRX while STI gets a 6-speed close ratio manual. Both have standard hill holder.
Subaru claims a 0-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 228 km/h for WRX, while the numbers for STI are 0-100 in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 255 km/h.
The symmetrical all wheel drive system uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to distribute torque 50/50, regardless of conditions. Vehicle dynamics control and traction control are standard for sure-footed handling.
Top of the line is the STI 5-door with High-Tech Package at $42,595 and such extras as power sunroof, Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps and a Pioneer navigation/audio system with smartphone integration.
Source: http://torontosun.autonet.ca/2013/09/11/subes-that-will-blow-your-doors-off