Brash barrier
The rocketship STi version of Subaru's WRX delivers Porsche-killing performance for a fraction of the price. But is it over the top?
Pigeonhole: Getaway car.
Philosophy: Take the already-quick Subaru WRX and make it quicker.
Trivia: Blame the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks for the ostentatious bonnet "scoop", says the British designer responsible for fixing the WRX's "goggle-eyed" look with this styling makeover. He was due to fly to Japan to sign off the final design but the trip was cancelled just days after 9/11. Subaru stylists went ahead and did their own design for the cooling duct which, during our test, was likened by colleagues and friends to a block of flats and an alligator's snout.
Who's buying it: Computer gurus. Subaru says more than 40 percent of buyers of this model are well-heeled 30- to 40-somethings who've made it big in IT.
Why you'd buy it: Porsche-killing performance for a fraction of the price.
Why you wouldn't: It's desirable among thieves and has the insurance premiums, security system and driver paranoia to match.
Standard equipment: Climate-controlled air-conditioning, six-CD player, keyless entry, cruise control, race-style seats ...the list goes on.
Safety: Dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, competent handling and a strong body. Side air bags are conspicuous by their absence. Special mention must go to the new headlights. They might not look flash, but the new design means the high beam now has a more powerful globe.
Cabin: The STi is distinguished by suede blue inserts in the seats and door skins. It looks the business but is not for shy types.
Seating: Front seats grip the driver and passenger. Rear pews are OK but leg room is limited.
Engine: The raw, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces a Goliath-like 195 kilowatts. Power comes in a rush halfway through the rev range. The slightly less powerful regular WRX has smoother delivery.
Transmission: Six-speed manual still has Subaru's trademark notchiness.
Steering: Responsive and accurate but too light for my liking. I prefer the more linear feel of the regular WRX.
Ride: Seriously b-u-m-p-y. Whether on the choppy back roads of the Southern Highlands or in Newtown it gives the bones a decent rattle.
Handling: Awesome. Point and shoot driving at its best. Aim at corner, squeeze throttle and...fire.
Fuel: High-performance 98 octane such as Shell Optimax -- not just "ordinary" premium unleaded -- is compulsory.
Brakes: The race-bred Brembo discs -- with gold-coloured calipers -- are as big as pizza trays but they have a harder, less responsive feel compared with the already-good brakes on the regular WRX.
Build: Subarus are usually excellent, so it was odd to find that the boot on the test car wouldn't close properly and the boot lock did not want to work either. The cause for this minor blot remains a mystery.
Warranty: Three years/unlimited kilometres.
Security: Like Fort Knox. The immobiliser is connected to a fiddly PIN-coded alarm with an anti-carjacking feature. If the driver's seatbelt is unlocked and the driver's door opens while the engine is running, the car shuts down after 60 seconds. You'll love it or hate it.
Audio: Well below par. It's difficult to hear the sound over the road noise from the tyres on coarse-chip roads -- and on quiet surfaces the audio quality is just not there.
Cost: The normal Subaru WRX retails for $42,490 and the STi is $56,630. It is available in silver, blue, white and black. Stocks of all colours except black are readily available, so be sure to haggle.
Verdict: Either I'm getting old or the car has become too brash. I now prefer the regular WRX to the STi.
Prices correct at publication date.