Picture Gallery: 2008 Subaru WRX STi | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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So this week, I get to zip — I’m not sure zip is the right word, but I’ll use it anyway — around the city in the 2008 Subaru STi. The newly-designed STi, as you may know, is only available in wagon / hatch form, while the previous generation was only available in sedan form. Perhaps Subaru wanted to give track enthusiasts some extra space to carry their gear around in.
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There isn’t much to choose from in terms of options with the STi, either. Do you want a fully-loaded version or a fully-loaded version? That’s all you have to choose, thankfully, even though it is fully loaded — including: a GPS DVD-based navigation system, cruise control, automatic climate control and power windows — it comes in at a reasonable $44,995.
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Just to be thorough and for all those who will mention it anyways, yes in the USA, you can get this same car for $38,795 + 6 per cent duty. That’s a savings of approximately $3,500 after all is said and done. Nobody is stopping you from doing so if you really want to, but a little birdie told me that Subaru is currently offering a $4,000 discount on cash purchases.
Despite having to sign my life away and ensuring Subaru there would be no damage done to its precious STi, I’m sure some fun will be had this week.
2008 Subaru WRX STi
MSRP as tested (including destination): $46,590
For more information on Subaru and the STi visit Subaru Canada
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The STi’s interior is a huge surprise. For one thing, it is huge, relatively speaking. There is a ton of cargo space behind the rear seats, yet leg room is still plentiful in the rear and headroom is excessive. In the front, headroom is also excessive, but mostly due to the extremely low seats.
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If I were to ignore the cheap-feeling headliner and sun visors I would say the interior of the STi is of very high quality. It feels and looks excellent; perhaps not luxury-car quality due to its hard plastics, but the fit and finish is top notch and the layout and look are very appealing.
The DVD-based navigation and audio system, though, is a little finicky; there seems to be a software bug. When you change displays on the screen it does not remove the previous screen’s display, resulting in a very difficult-to-read mess. I have had the display freeze up on me as well. The navigation system is one of the more complex ones I have used and took a bit of time to get used to it.
The climate control, steering wheel controls and other switches are all very intuitive and easy to use, and the major controls are ergonomically correct. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, which helps greatly when trying to adjust the driver’s seating position.
The sports bucket seats seem comfortable but are not extremely supportive. Good enough for your average back road, not nearly aggressive enough for the weekend track star.
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Sure, the STi isn’t completely “shoe” shaped as the M Coupe was, but the resemblance is there. The muscular lines of the rear hatch are what really attract me, and even though the front is stubby, the car is strikingly stylish. Perhaps I’m just staring at the car because I would rather be driving it than sitting here writing.
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Road noise? Sure, it has some. Mostly, it’s tire noise but that is drowned out by the soothing sounds of differential and transmission whine, the deep Subaru flat-four exhaust note and the thrill of speed. 305hp and 290lb-ft of torque get this car moving in a hurry, and the traction provided by the all-wheel drive system means even in a torrential downpour it is quite the feat to get the wheels to spin.
But what about corners? The new WRX has been called too soft by many a critic. So far, I have found the STi is a little softer in corners than I had originally expected as well. Initial body roll is obvious when simply entering an on-ramp aggressively, but after that the STi stays neutral.
Unfortunately though, entering a corner with just the slightest amount of vigor does induce understeer, although this is correctable with a little left foot braking. I am convinced this is all down to the tires.
These slight downfalls in performance, though, translates to a car that is extremely capable and more than exceeds 99 per cent of the population’s vehicles, yet the STi still remains extremely livable day in and day out.
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I didn’t expect to even mention the STi’s fuel consumption, but I averaged a very respectable 10.6L/100km over the course of the week, and to say that I was not gentle on accelerator would be an understatement. Even driven extremely hard, average fuel consumption only rose to the mid 11’s (litres / 100km).
Like some other Subarus, the STi has three settings to adjust the throttle sensitivity: intelligent mode, sport mode and sport-sharp mode. I didn’t notice much fuel savings by changing these modes but I did notice that in intelligent or sports mode, gear changes during hard acceleration are very rough, while in sports sharp, gear changes are very smooth.
Any way you slice it, though, the STi is a fun, high-performance machine that is easy to live with day in and day out, and one that can also tear up the track for some fun on the weekends.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Subaru WRX STi
MSRP as tested (including destination): $46,590
For more information on Subaru and the STi visit Subaru Canada
August 04, 2008, 11:19:44 am FYI for anyone interested in the STi. I'm currently car shopping and will most likely import.
I just got quoted 35K all in from Van Bortel Subaru in Buffalo. That's an 08 STi with the BBS package - quoted over 2k cheaper than MSRP. Considering MSRP here is 44K it looks like one can be on the road in Canada for less than MSRP here.
Now, I just need to come up with the ca$h
August 04, 2008, 08:54:18 pm Have they opened a place in Buffalo now because i know they are in Rochester
http://www.vanbortelsubaru.com/
August 05, 2008, 03:28:57 am
The WRX is going to be 265 and the STI will be about 320-330.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/2009-subaru-impreza-wrx-gets-upgraded-to-265-hp/
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/717411/2009_subaru_wrx_sti_spy_video_by_edmunds_inside_line/
I love the way the older subies looked. Something of a bulldog effect, cant help but appreciate the looks. I used to drool at the bug eyed STIs with their gold rims.
But now those numbers lose meaning to me since the current platform looks like pants. Visual appeal is a big part of a car buying decision imo.
Sorry Subaru...
August 05, 2008, 08:55:51 am
Sorry Subaru...
I'm with you Oz.
While my criteria for visual appeal range between the proportions just being "right"...to styling for the sake of functionality...I find this car to be simply ungainly.
August 06, 2008, 07:41:47 pm I'm still amazed it beat the Evo round the Top Gear track!
August 06, 2008, 08:15:57 pm I could see it, on high speed fast stuff I think the STi would be faster and of course it does have more power and it is a power track.
August 10, 2008, 11:08:09 am When comparing US and Cdn 2008 Sti bottom line purchase prices don't forget to factor in that the Canadian spec model comes standard with winter package. Heated Windshield wipers, Front Seats and exterior mirrors which are not available on any US spec model (not sure if these part can be custom ordered and installed by dealer in US though).
I for one enjoyed and appreciated the winter package on my 08 Sti since I bought mine in January in one of Montreal snowiest winters on record. Not having those options in my opinion would not be worth saving $3000-4000 grand and the hassle.
My only complaint would be the weak paint. I have chips on the hood lip and rear fenders. Now I Regret not having the dealer seal those areas with 3M before getting the keys. Definitely getting mudflaps installed next November.
August 30, 2008, 01:52:26 pm 2009 STI base in Canada is $39,995 now
August 30, 2008, 02:19:17 pm
August 30, 2008, 02:46:09 pm Saw one 2 days ago, mean mean lookin. Bulging front fenders, me like.
August 30, 2008, 07:14:47 pm
Can't post a link yet but these are the prices now.
2.5i - $20,995
2.5i Sport Package - $24,695
WRX - $30,995
WRX265 - $33,995
STI - $39,995
STI Sport Tech - $45,995
August 31, 2008, 06:21:27 am
Can't post a link yet but these are the prices now.
2.5i - $20,995
2.5i Sport Package - $24,695
WRX - $30,995
WRX265 - $33,995
STI - $39,995
STI Sport Tech - $45,995
Okay, I will assume you are correct until proven otherwise. What is the difference between the base and spor tech? Navi? At $39K this is a no brainier for me.
August 31, 2008, 09:40:21 am
Can't post a link yet but these are the prices now.
2.5i - $20,995
2.5i Sport Package - $24,695
WRX - $30,995
WRX265 - $33,995
STI - $39,995
STI Sport Tech - $45,995
2.5i is sedan or hatch?
August 31, 2008, 01:13:10 pm TORONTO, Aug. 29 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. today announced pricing for
its 2009 lineup of Impreza performance sedans and 5-door models. With a range
of new standard features across the model lineup, a new performance model -
the WRX265, and pricing that's as competitive as Impreza's rally-bred
performance, every vehicle in the 2009 Impreza lineup is a lot of car for the
money.
Impreza is also the first and only vehicle ever to be named a Top Safety
Pick in the Small Car category by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS). In order to be named a Top Pick, vehicles must be equipped with
electronic stability control, which is now standard on every Impreza.
<<
For 2009, there are enhancements to every Impreza in the lineup. All
prices are for 4-door models with manual transmissions, unless otherwise
noted.
- The affordable performance of the Impreza 2.5i re-defines the concept
of "entry level." New standard equipment includes 4-wheel disc
brakes, Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability
system, an auxiliary input jack and body-coloured door handles. The
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the well-equipped
Impreza 2.5i is $20,995.
- The 2.5i may be further equipped with a Sport Package that adds a
power tilt-and-slide moonroof; Sirius satellite radio, plus a 3-month
trial subscription; and, for the sedan, a body kit, spoiler and
exhaust tips. The MSRP of the Impreza 2.5i with the Sport Package is
$24,695.
- Subaru offers a choice of two turbocharged Impreza WRX models for
2009:
- The new entry level Impreza WRX with 224 hp is $30,995, which is
$2,000 less than last year.
- Pricing for the new Impreza WRX265, with a more powerful 265 hp
engine, new performance suspension, moonroof and much more is
priced at $33,995.
- The flagship of the Impreza lineup-the turbocharged WRX STI-is
offered solely in the 5-door bodystyle with a 6-speed manual
transmission. For 2009, the WRX STI, with unique new gunmetal-
coloured alloy wheels, is now available from $39,995. The new Impreza
WRX STI Sport Tech Package, with moonroof, BBS wheels, navigation
system and Bluetooth has an MSRP of $45,995.
>>
August 31, 2008, 02:42:41 pm Wow, that is a $10k drop in two years for the STi. Making the BBS wheels, and navi and option sure put this AWD performance machine in the range of many people. Does this mean three WRX’s in a row for Snowman? No HP boost for the STi with the WRX265 now an option?
August 31, 2008, 03:13:20 pm Way to go Subaru. Are we going to quit bitching now?
Base pricing offers great value. The WRX265 is particularly appealing (why bother with the WRX?), but figure looks rather ordinary whereas the STI has more sport style.
August 31, 2008, 03:29:27 pm $31G for a base WRX is a bargain. Will have to see what the leasing numbers are for the STi.
August 31, 2008, 04:12:35 pm Base WRX is a 4sp auto only. 224 hp. I am guessing they won't sell many of them.
As far as leasing goes. Don't count on it since SOC uses GMAC for financing/leasing and they are not willing to do the lease anymore. So unless SOC finds another way to lease the cars it will be financing only.
August 31, 2008, 08:52:36 pm
its 2009 lineup of Impreza performance sedans and 5-door models. With a range
of new standard features across the model lineup, a new performance model -
the WRX265, and pricing that's as competitive as Impreza's rally-bred
performance, every vehicle in the 2009 Impreza lineup is a lot of car for the
money.
Impreza is also the first and only vehicle ever to be named a Top Safety
Pick in the Small Car category by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS). In order to be named a Top Pick, vehicles must be equipped with
electronic stability control, which is now standard on every Impreza.
<<
For 2009, there are enhancements to every Impreza in the lineup. All
prices are for 4-door models with manual transmissions, unless otherwise
noted.
- The affordable performance of the Impreza 2.5i re-defines the concept
of "entry level." New standard equipment includes 4-wheel disc
brakes, Subaru's Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability
system, an auxiliary input jack and body-coloured door handles. The
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the well-equipped
Impreza 2.5i is $20,995.
- The 2.5i may be further equipped with a Sport Package that adds a
power tilt-and-slide moonroof; Sirius satellite radio, plus a 3-month
trial subscription; and, for the sedan, a body kit, spoiler and
exhaust tips. The MSRP of the Impreza 2.5i with the Sport Package is
$24,695.
- Subaru offers a choice of two turbocharged Impreza WRX models for
2009:
- The new entry level Impreza WRX with 224 hp is $30,995, which is
$2,000 less than last year.
- Pricing for the new Impreza WRX265, with a more powerful 265 hp
engine, new performance suspension, moonroof and much more is
priced at $33,995.
- The flagship of the Impreza lineup-the turbocharged WRX STI-is
offered solely in the 5-door bodystyle with a 6-speed manual
transmission. For 2009, the WRX STI, with unique new gunmetal-
coloured alloy wheels, is now available from $39,995. The new Impreza
WRX STI Sport Tech Package, with moonroof, BBS wheels, navigation
system and Bluetooth has an MSRP of $45,995.
>>
Plus a beating with a pretty stick perchance?
September 01, 2008, 12:14:20 am
As far as leasing goes. Don't count on it since SOC uses GMAC for financing/leasing and they are not willing to do the lease anymore. So unless SOC finds another way to lease the cars it will be financing only.
Perhaps now that GM has sold it's shares, Subaru will switch to Toyota financing?
September 01, 2008, 02:45:59 am WRX pricing still sucks in Canada IMO....
September 01, 2008, 09:18:09 am
It seems the US$ is heading back up, currently at around 1.06 CAD$, if it settles at 1.10 then the Canadian manufacturers might use a 1.20 exchange rate for CAD vehicles.
September 01, 2008, 11:49:18 am As much as I've been dreaming about the STI for my next car, the WRX265 is a very nice package.
I love how they say "new gunmetal alloy wheels" for the STI when they're the base wheels that have been sold in the US for over a year. The BBS package is so nice, but 45K makes it too much money for that small a car.
September 11, 2008, 11:38:41 am
I love how they say "new gunmetal alloy wheels" for the STI when they're the base wheels that have been sold in the US for over a year. The BBS package is so nice, but 45K makes it too much money for that small a car.
I wasn't aware cars were valued based on size. Elise/Exige owner are really getting ripped off.
SOC has returned leasing to the program. Like someone else in the thread guessed, they're doing it through Toyota. From what I can tell, the rates all seem to be the same as when they were with GMAC.
September 11, 2008, 10:21:38 pm
I wasn't aware cars were valued based on size. Elise/Exige owner are really getting ripped off.
I KNOW, they only sold me half a car!