2008 Subaru Impreza WRX Review

'STI" are among the best-known letters in the auto buff world. They stand for Subaru's high performance/racing subsidiary, which develops the automaker's Impreza WRX STI. It's as close as you'll get to a Subaru World Rally Championship race car.

The 2008 STI (Subaru Tecnica International) four-door hatchback sedan has stiffer construction for crisper handling and has been redesigned for more civility. It has a longer wheelbase, seriously upgraded interior and new double-wishbone rear suspension that provides a smoother ride and better grip in bumpy curves.

The wheelbase (distance between axles) is nearly 4 inches longer at 103.3 inches for a smoother ride and the car is 2.2 inches wider for a roomier interior, although it's a bit shorter with less front/rear overhangs. The interior has been given a seriously needed upgrade, highlighted by a new sweeping twin cockpit design that embraces occupants. There's a new dashboard, instrument panel and better materials for a more upscale feel.

Despite changes, this third-generation STI remains a narrowly focused compact-size "driver's car." Its fierce, turbocharged 305-horsepower four-cylinder engine is compact with horizontally opposed pistons (like a Porsche 911 engine). There is 12 more horsepower because of added turbo boost, new variable valve timing system and dual mufflers with lower back pressure. Torque remains the same at 290 pound-feet, but arrives 400 rpm earlier, at 4,000 rpm, for better response.

Only a six-speed manual transmission is offered. It has a short-throw shifter, but works with a long-throw, high-effort clutch. No, this isn't a car for rush-hour stop-and-go traffic.

Styling of the new STI has been toned down, but it still looks aggressive. It has a large hood scoop, vents and flared wheel arches to accommodate wide (40-series) tires on big 18-inch wheels. A large rear spoiler, aerodynamic side body ground effects, deep front valance and four exhaust pipe outlets that jut from a lower rear fascia panel also show the STI means business.

The new STI streaks to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, so it's a good thing its all-disc high-performance ventilated brake system has larger rotors, besides electronic brake force distribution. Stopping distances are short, and the brake pedal has a nice progressive action for smooth stops.

Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 23 on highways. Premium fuel is required.

Genuine world-rally-style cars aren't cheap, so the STI lists at $34,995 -- or at $36,995 with striking gold forged alloy BBS wheels and at $38,795 with those wheels and a newly available navigation system.

Standard are automatic climate control, tilt/telescope steering column with steering wheel audio and cruise controls, AM/FM stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers -- and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

New side-curtain air bags are standard, and there are front side air bags. Also new is an Incline Start Assist feature that momentarily prevents the STI from rolling backward when driven from a stop on an incline.

The STI is a blast to drive. It has quick-ratio steering with only 2.8 turns lock-to-lock and sharp handling, partly because the engine has been lowered in the chassis for a lower center of gravity.

The STI's advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system has a new Driver Control Center Differential (DCCD) that now offers three selectable automatic performance modes, besides six manual differential-locking settings. For the first time, the DCCD AWD system integrates the car's stability and traction control system for surer going.

However, the STI's ride still might be too firm for average Subaru buyers.

The interior is made quieter by new framed side windows. The rear seat area is especially roomy for the car's size, and the center of the back seat isn't too stiff for comfort for a third occupant. All doors open wider for easy entry and exit. The electroluminescent gauges can be easily read, and front bucket seats provide good support during spirited driving. Climate controls are large, but radio controls are small. All doors have beverage holders and small storage pockets.

The cargo area has a low, wide opening. The new rear suspension results in less intrusion in the cargo area, allowing a wider, deeper luggage compartment. Still, cargo space is average unless rear seatbacks are flipped forward. The stiffer new body structure lets the STI retain the fold-down rear seatbacks without requiring additional structural bracing that might have been needed with the performance suspension and tires.

The hood has dual gas-strut hood supports instead of a prop rod to make it easier to show off the STI's impressive engine, which is the stout heart of this unique car.
2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

Prices: $34,995-$38,795

Likes: Redesigned for more comfort. Exclusive engine, drivetrain, suspension, special all-wheel-drive system and interior. Very fast. Racy look. Sharp handling.

Dislikes: Not for congested traffic. Long-throw heavy clutch. No automatic transmission. Firm ride. Small radio controls.