The all-new fourth generation Subaru WRX STI has finally landed Down Under. Despite boasting improved drivability and dynamics, thanks to significant changes to body, chassis and suspension, the 2015 WRX STI costs $10,000 less than its predecessor, kicking off at a sharp pricing of $49,990 to the delight of STI fans.
Read ForceGT’s Subaru WRX STI Review
At the heart of the latest STI is a turbocharged 2.5-litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine that produces 221 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 407 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox, an improved Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) and Active Torque Vectoring, introduced for the first time on the WRX STI, send power to all four corners to register a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds.
Honed in development testing under demanding conditions in several countries, including the challenging Nürburgring circuit in Germany, the 2015 WRX STI promises a new level of drivability thanks to symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, fully re-tuned suspension, stiffened structure and quicker steering ratio.
Brembo brakes, distinguished visually by a white STI logo on the black painted calipers and new design 18-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels underline the car’s sporty credentials.
Subaru has addressed criticism of the previous model’s plasticky interior, giving the new rally-bred icon a much improved cabin, with more soft to touch materials, carbon-type trim panels, metal-type accents, and an illuminated STI logo located ahead of the gear shifter.
Audio is also taken up a few notches with the introduction of an entertainment system that powers through a 440W eight-channel harman kardon® system with 8 speakers and a subwoofer, with access via the satellite navigation screen.
Push button start with smart key technology, Multi-Function Display – includes turbo boost pressure display, and D-shaped steering wheel are also new features on the 2015 WRX STI.
“In addition to significant exterior changes, and technological refinements, a stand-out change to WRX STI is the interior,” said Nick Senior, Subaru Australia Managing Director.
“No longer do customers have to choose between power and comfort – WRX STI has both in spades. The interior has a real quality feel. Sports seats with red accents, the gear shift lever and centre instrument panel are all exclusive to WRX STI.”
For the first time on WRX STI the rear spoiler is a delete option at no extra cost.
“We realise some customers prefer a more subtle style and don’t necessarily want to make such a bold statement on the road,” said Senior.
“The new generation WRX STI is a genuine high performance sports sedan that perfectly balances exhilarating power with pure control,” he added. “It’s the pinnacle of our performance range, both powerful and refined in a complete package – and it’s going to thrill.”
The new WRX STI will be available with four new colours – WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, Galaxy Blue Silica and Lightning Red.
2015 Subaru WRX STI Specifications at a Glance
Safety
- ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Child seat anchor points
- Curtain airbags – full length
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Dual front airbags
- Dual side airbags
- Dusk sensing LED headlights with halogen high-beam
- Fog lights – front and rear
- Four wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear)
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt
- Front adjustable seatbelt anchorage
- Hill Start Assist – forward and reverse
- Rear door child lock
- Reverse camera
- Seatbelt indicator lights
- Seats – highest rating for whiplash protection
- Shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals
- Side intrusion bars
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (electronic stability control system)
- Welcome home lights – can illuminate area ahead of car when engine off
Interior
- AUX jack + USB port
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in centre console and rear doors
- Boot area light
- Central locking – remote
- Climate control air conditioning – dual zone
- Cruise control – steering wheel buttons
- Driver’s footrest
- harman kardon® sound – eight speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier
- Factory fitted satellite navigation with voice control
- Height and reach adjustable steering column
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- Immobiliser security system
- Leather trim steering wheel with red stitching and audio controls; leather gearshift and handbrake
- Map lights (2)
- Power steering, mirrors and windows
- Push button start with smart key technology
- Rear illumination electroluminescent instrument cluster display and 3.5-inch Multi-Information Display
- Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap
- Seatback pockets
- Security alarm
- Sports front seats with red stitching
- Two remote central locking smart keys
- Vanity mirrors – illuminated
- 4.3-inch colour LCD Multi-Information Display
- 60/40 split/fold rear seat
- 12V/120W power jacks
Exterior
- Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
- Daytime Running Lights
- Double locking system
- Headlights auto off
- Mesh grille
- Privacy glass
- Rain sensing windscreen wipers
- Rear diffuser
- Rear boot lip spoiler
- Rear LED brake lights
- Rear roof mounted colour-coded shark fin radio antenna
- Self-levelling LED headlights with pop-up washers
- Sports body kit
- Tail pipe covers – twin
- WRX STI badges – grille, boot, front guards
- 18-inch alloy wheels – space saver spare
Other Features
- Alarm system
- Auto boot unlock on key
- DataDot security technology
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
- One-touch indicators
- Rear Limited Slip Differential
- 12-month Roadside Assist
- Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty
- 2.5 litre turbocharged engine. 221 kW/6000 rpm, 407 Nm/4000 rpm
WRX STI Premium Adds:
- BBS 18-inch alloy wheels
- Electric sunroof
- Heated front seats
- Heated door mirrors
- Leather trim
- Power driver’s seat – eight-way adjustable
- Wiper de-icer
2015 Subaru WRX STI Manufacturer’s List Pricing (excluding on-roads)
- WRX STI sedan manual – $49,990 (saving of $10,000 versus MY14)
- WRX STI Premium sedan manual – $54,990 (saving of $11,000 versus MY14)