2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi review
June 14, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
Alborz - Pictures of the new STi caught me completely off-guard, think of it this way, it felt like a gorgeous blonde walked out of a beauty salon and came out as a brunette, began dressing like a professional and grew up… a lot.
Some people will always love the blonde look (I do!), but I can somewhat see where Subaru is coming from with the new STi. It no longer has the ‘look-at-me-now’ factor to it, which although was one of the previous generation’s draw cards, seems to have become a liability. Let me explain.
I drive a different press car every week and in my time doing so, have never been pulled over by our men in blue. However, when I feel like a more wholehearted drive, I get in my own car, a modified previous generation and I can assure you, the term cop-magnet is not unjust.
The question of whether or not I will buy the new STi has nothing to do with the performance or handling, the car is better than it has ever been, it’s quicker, has more power and the engine and entire performance package is still the best bang-for-your-buck this side of 70g (although the Audi S3 is a great competitor).
Even Subaru’s once lacklustre Impreza interior is looking better than ever, but, and it’s a big but, the car just doesn’t push the right buttons for me. Maybe it’s because I am still young at heart or maybe because it’s a hatchback.
As Anthony says, Subaru enthusiasts like myself, don’t welcome significant styling changes to a cult car, so when Fuji Heavy Industries decided that it no longer wanted to cater for the “boy-racer” market, did the company forget its past and armies of die-hard fans?
Perhaps, we can still refer to the blonde-now-brunette girl, the ones that loved her when she was a blonde, will secretly still love her but continue to complain about her hair, meanwhile her new looks attract an entirely new set of eyes – the ones she is apparently after.
My question, however, is whether or not the new-lookers will fall in love or simply glance over her new looks and remember the blonde?
Video review coming soon.
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CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 2457cc (2.5) 4-cylinder turbo
- Power: 221kW @ 6,000rpm
- Torque: 407Nm @ 4,000rpm
- Transmission: Six Speed manual
- Brakes: Brembo
- Top Speed: ~240km/h
- 0-100km/h: 5.2 seconds
- Fuel Consumption: 10.3 litres / 100km (Combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
- Fuel Type: 98 RON only
- ANCAP Rating: Five Star
- Safety: ESC (VSD), side and front airbags+
- Warranty: 3 year / 100,000km
- Weight: 1,465kg (Tare)
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.