2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi review
June 14, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec. R review & road test
“I’m not that interested in what the WRX/STi purists think about the new WRX STI. They as a group do not like change. The 2008 weapons grade STi Spec.R is probably the most complete performance package for under $65,000 bar none”
Model Tested:
- 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi spec. R – $64,990 (RRP)
Performance, handling, brakes, Recaro seats, new looks (Anthony)
New looks (Alborz), lack of exhaust note, no option for DSG style gearbox
CarAdvice Rating: 
by - Anthony Crawford & Alborz Fallah – Photography by Anthony Crawford
Anthony - When I planted my right foot into the throttle of the first Subaru WRX I ever drove, back in 1994, I would have done back flips, had I had the talent to perform such physical manoeuvres. I didn’t, so I just smiled – a lot.
But then I got busy with work and ended up with an SV5000, the first Australian sedan to have 200kW under the bonnet. It was a great car, but it didn’t go around corners like a WRX.
Some years later Subaru started preparing ‘super’ versions of the WRX in the guise of the WRX STi. Now, this was a car I aspired to, but the price increase of around $20,000 over a standard REX, meant that I had to either get a new job, or sell our home (unit actually).
Again, fate stepped in, and I was offered a mint 1981 Porsche 3.0 911SC, for less than a song. Still no STi but then, that was probably a good thing, given the car’s impending dark times.
Subaru’s finest tarmac weapon, had risen to newfound notoriety, as the best getaway vehicle ever made. The “Ram Raiders” as they were known, endorsed the WRX STi, with more successful escapes than the police had cars.
It’s also the reason I had lost interest in acquiring what I considered the Holy Grail of affordable super cars. Chances are, you would be pulled over by the boys in blue, every time you took the car out for a drive. That’s something I didn’t need.
Crash cut to 2008. Some would argue that Subaru have gone way too pedestrian with the design of the new WRX. Not me. It’s a hatch, so it’s got practicality on its side and performance wise, its still a very quick car, into and out of corners.
Ps. it’s funny how some people have to get their opinions across to other by abusing them (hinting at John).
Also, anyone who actually knows a bit about cars will know the sti would be able to handle quite a bit more than 2 or 3 clutch dumps. I’m not saying it won’t do damage but definitely not in an instant.
In regards to the Sti vs FG Turbo, easing the clutch off an sti will not leave it in the dust considering the revs in a turbo will pick up fast. Don’t forget the FG is quick too, so the winner of a traffic light drag (which would end in about 200m) would most likely be whoever got moving first.
Same R32… one day in my old WRX MY03 got blown off at the lights…bugga.. me decides that’s it… i upgrade to the new STI… same R32 on a different day of the regular commute… no contest the STI blows the R32 away… and as for Beemers… they’re such small, really… small cars!! I almost feel embarrassed for the punters that are parting with the 80k…
Blitza, you got beaten by a r32 in an MY03 wrx? I hope you mean GTR and not a VW hahah. Cause you would be a crap driver if you lost to a VW in an MY03 (and disrespecting the other WRX owners)
PS i just bought my MY08.. and its not as quick but I love it even more.
Boost-Juice…he he like your work… shame you only got the MY08 WRX… get the STI next time it’s worth the extra dough. Can’t understand the EVO X crowd .. Sube STI’s got loads more class… and aggression… i’d rather the EVO IX if that was the only choice … less girly lookin’
Boost-Juice…he he like your work… shame you only got the MY08 WRX… get the STI next time it’s worth the extra dough. Can’t understand the EVO X crowd .. Sube STI’s got loads more class… and aggression… i’d rather the EVO IX if that was the only choice … less girly lookin’
@Victory
You say the winner of the traffic light drag race is whoever is in front at 200m. Thats way too far! There might be another set of red lights @200m.. the winner is hardest to launch and sustain it for 5sec MAX were talking on public roads here!
I an a big fan of the subaru Impreza WRX STI. And even if I am just 14 yrs old I liked the 2009 hatchback version than the past versions. I liked it because it looks cool hot and new and I would like to buy one when I am in college. And for a price that is 2,400,000.00 It is better to chose the STI than the new Evolution X because it is not that common and it looks more cool.