There’s nothing wrong with the 5-door version of the Impreza. However, most of the fans, including me, preferred the 4-door body type. Now Subaru has answered to our hopes and built a four-door version of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Not just the new body variant, but Subaru promises that MY2011 Impreza has also improved its driving performance due to the finely tuned suspension.
The heart of this machine is the turbocharged 2.5-litre boxer engine. which produces 300 horsepower and 407 Newton metres of torque. The engine features Dual Active Valve Control system, optimised combustion and free-flowing four-outlet exhaust system. In summer conditions, Subaru Impreza WRX STI can sprint from zero to hundred in 5.2 seconds.If driven nicely, which requires a lot of self-control, you can achieve the avarage fuel consumption of 10.3 l/100km and CO2-emissions of 243 g/km.
With SI-DRIVE switch (Subaru Intelligent Drive) you can choose the engine’s characteristics from three choises. “I” or Intelligent mode provides smoother power delivery and optimal fuel efficiency when driving in the city or on a longer journeys. The Sport mode is a versatile choice for all kinds of driving situations providing better acceleration and faster throttle response. When you want to enjoy from all the power reserves of the turbocharged engine, you choose the Sport Sharp mode, which gives most direct and precise throttle response.
Engine’s power is delivered through six-speed manual gearbox to all four wheels. In Subaru’s symmetrical AWD all core elements; the engine’s crankshaft, transmission, driveshaft and rear differential, run in a continuous line along the centre of the vehicle. Symmetrical balance, along with a compact layout and lower centre of gravity means less roll on corners and greater stability. Subaru’s DCCD (Driver Controlled Centre Differental) lets you choose you’re favorite set up fot the centre differential. There are six manual modes and three automatic modes to choose from. Whether you prefer well balanced behaviour or tighter cornering abilities. Starting with a 41/59 percent front/rear torque split, DCCD adjusts both an electromagnetic multi-plate transfer clutch and mechanical locking of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) to split the torque to the front and rear wheels.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI comes as standard with Brembo brakes, Super Sport ABS-system and Electronic Brake Force Distribution to make sure the car stays in control also when slowing down. Impreza WRX STI is also equipped with traction control and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to keep you and the car out of the ditch in different driving conditions. On a Normal mode the the systems are fully engaged. By pressing the button, you can choose the Traction mode, which raises the threshold for intervention of the Vehicle Dynamics Control and traction control systems, allowing you to maximize the torque delivered to the wheels. By pressing the button a bit longer, you can complete deactivate the Vehicle Dynamics Control and have all the fun you want. Just make sure there is enough room to play.
To make the Impreza even better to drive, Subaru has tuned up the suspension. In the front suspension, the rear-end arm bushes were changed to a pillow-ball type which is first ever adopted in the Subaru production models. This drastically improves toe stiffness as well as lateral stiffness in order to provide its evolved handling performance that is even more faithful to the driver’s steering control. The specifications of the sub-frame bushings of the rear suspension were also changed to improve toe and camber stiffness, resulting in increased vehicle responsiveness and road hugging capability. Specialized tuning of the damping force of both front and rear dampers provides secure road-holding ability. Changes to specifications of the front and rear coil springs, and stabilizers greatly improve roll stiffness. Due to those suspension refinements, the vehicle height was decreased by 5 mm for lower center of gravity to increase maximum lateral-G.
It’s not just good to drive, but the Subaru Impreza WRX STI offers also good looks and even a bit of luxury. On the exterior the most noticeable details are the wide front and rear fenders, big scoop on the hood, twin-dual exhaust tailpipes and newly designed bumbers and front grill. There are STI logos around the car to inform those, who haven’t noticed the wide body design or heard the sounds of the four stainless steel exhaust tailpipes. 18″ wheels come as standard and they work quite nicely also with winter tyres. And for those of you who got worried, no need, the car is also available with that large rear spoiler, which is almost essential in a car like this.
Keyless Go -system unlocks the doors when you touch the door handle and the engine starts with a push of a button. Recaro sports seats with leather and alcantara trim hold you firmly and comfortably on your position. The aluminium pedals and leather-wrapped steering wheel finalize the sporty feel. Steering wheel-mounted buttons give you easy access to the controls you most often need, Bluetooth hands-free phone, audio switches and cruise control. High-quality audio system with a plug-in for iPod or MP3 player comes also as standard.
Specification
Engine
- Petrol
- 4-cylinder
- 2457cc
- Turbo
Power
- 221 kW (300 hp) / 6000rpm
Torque
- 407 Nm / 4000rpm
Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- AWD
0-100km/h / 0-62mph
- 5.2 seconds
Top speed
- km/h
Fuel consumption
- 10.3 l/100km
- 26.9 mpg
CO2 emissions
- 243 g/km
