A top star in the Subaru lineup is the all-new
2015 Subaru WRX STI.
With bold new aero body design, and stiffer, more agile chassis, Subaru’s flagship model comes powered by a 305 horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, teamed exclusively with a specially reinforced six-speed manual gearbox.
Like the Legacy and Impreza but unlike the BRZ, the WRX is a sedan with all-wheel-drive, and can be equipped with the company's STI performance ingredients. A 2015 edition of the STI model was delivered for a week of test driving.
Unique to this model is the rally-bred drivetrain and symmetrical all-wheel drive handling. New for the 2015 WRX STI is Active Torque Vectoring, Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo performance brake system with Super Sport ABS.
A bolder front design makes the 2015 WRX STI look ready to devour the road. The “nose-cone” configuration combines the grille and bumper cap into one unit ahead of the hood, which for the 2015 model is made from aluminum to reduce weight over the front of the car. Narrower headlights flank the Subaru hexagonal grille with a more powerful stare thanks to new standard LED low-beam headlights. The special hood, fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and LED taillight clusters convey the WRX STI identity. A full aerodynamic body package includes the large trunk spoiler and a rear diffuser. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air, and in the 2015 model it is set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.
The exaggerated foot-tall spoiler at the rear helps lift the 3,388-pound sedan through sharp turns at fast speeds. At each of the rear corners are twin alloy tailpipe exhausts. Front fenders are creased and squared-off. The 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels are supported by five sharp-looking V-spokes. The ride is relatively hard as Subaru wants occupants "to feel" the road.
The spoiler helps stability by creating downforce at high speeds, the hood scoop channels air into the turbo’s intercoolers and the fender bulges add airflow to cool the Brembo brakes.
The STI has Subaru’s iconic boxer engine (two banks of flat pistons horizontally opposed to each other) but the tweaking of the turbocharged, 305-horsepower, four-cylinder while matched to a six-speed manual transmission results in a road rocket. This STI has been tested at 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds. It also has been braked, in factory and auto media tests, from 60 mph to 0 in 107 feet. The six-speed transmission has hill-start assist, which is nice when idling on an incline in tight traffic and preparing to shift into first gear.
Since the tested WRX was a top-of-the-line $38,495 STI Limited model there were fog lights in front and four exhaust tips in the rear, Xenon in place of halogen headlamps, a power glass
sunroof and the aluminum alloy spokes for the 18-inch wheels, otherwise wheels are 17-inch. WRX prices begin at $26,295 and end with the STI Limited's $38,495, but options can raise that price. The navigation system and keyless entry, for example, on the tested STI Limited cost an additional $1,500. That option package replaced a six-speaker sound system with a nine-speaker, 440-watt, harmon-kardon system. The audio system, whether with six or nine speakers, includes AM-FM-satellite radio, single compact disc player, auxiliary input jack, iPod capability, USB port and Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iTunes tagging and an auxiliary input jack.
Within the driver-focused, five-passenger interior, is Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black bolsters and red stitching. The driver sits behind the flat-bottom steering wheel in whiplash-reducing performance-design seat, and for the first time in a WRX STI, availability of a harman/kardon premium audio system.
Big tickets on the STI besides the engine, are the foot-tall spoiler, the 22-inch wide by three-inch tall hood scoop, 245 (10-inch wide) tires in place of 225s and 235s, wider fenders, stiffer subframe bushings, firmer suspension, heated front seats and a high-cross flow design intercooler instead of an ordinary one. Seats are leather instead of fake suede.
Within the driver-focused, five-passenger interior, is Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black bolsters and red stitching. The driver sits behind the flat-bottom steering wheel in whiplash-reducing performance-design seat.
If you need to haul some cargo, the new WRX STI provides an EPA trunk volume rating of 12.0 cubic feet and it is lighted and carpeted. When the split rear seats are folded flat allowing access to the trunk, additional storage space is gained.
Amenities include power and heated exterior mirrors, power windows with express up and down for the driver, a power driver's seat, cruise control, air conditioning, power door locks, intermittent wipers, cup holders, four grab handles, storage bins and map lights.
Although an all-wheel-drive car, Subaru lets owners tinker with the STI torque split between front and rear axles. The STI has three settings for drivers and, of course, one of them is Sport and another Sport Sharp. The third setting is Intelligent and this simply means economy or less gas and torque. The STI requires premium fuel.
Two negatives were noted from the outset and they were noise and a stiff transmission.
Those familiar with the classic stick transmissions from German luxury car manufacturers will not be impressed with the six-speed manual in the WRX.
Shift gates are difficult to find and the foot clutch is long. If the clutch is not depressed to touch the firewall, shifting will not occur. For six-footers and taller with a longer leg, this may not be a problem, but it is not easy.
With practice, the shifting process becomes smoother but it is nothing to exalt over.
For drivers and passengers familiar with a tightly wrapped vehicle, the WRX will be a disappointment. Noise from outside invades the cabin. During the test week, it was difficult for the driver to carry on a conversation with the person seated alongside in the passenger's front seat. Virtually impossible unless the
two people involved were yelling at each other instead of talking. It was even more difficult to hear what was being said by occupants in the rear bench seat.
Although the rumble from the exhaust system was pleasant to the ear, noise from tires, engine and wind was discomfiting.
Components of an independent, four-wheel suspension system include double wishbones, struts, steel lower L-arms, coil springs, and stabilizer bars front and rear.
Warranty coverage is three years or 36,000 miles with 24-hour roadside assistance and five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain.
FAST FACTS
Vehicle: STI Limited model of 2015 WRX
Type: all-wheel-drive, compact four-door, five-passenger sport sedan
Price: $38,495
Delivery: $795
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged 305-horsepower flat four-cylinder
Transmission: six-speed manual
Weight: 3,388 pounds
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length: 180.9 inches
Leg room: 43.43 inches front, 35.4 inches rear
Fuel tank: 15.9 gallons
Fuel: premium recommended
Trunk: 12 cubic feet
Turn circle: 35.4 feet
Tires (245), wheels: 18-inch
Suspension: struts front, double wishbone rear, stabilizer bars
Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles with roadside assistance, five years or 60,000 miles on powertrain
Information: www.subaru.com