MOTORING
WRX STI boasts aggressive yet refined styling including new design 18-inch alloy wheels, with the option of lightweight BBS on the Premium variant. It features a nose cone design with a dynamic, solid shape, housing Subaru's classic hexagonal grille, with a mesh treatment unique to WRX STI, plus front, rear and side STI badging. EXTERIOR. The new LED low-beam hawk eye headlights pair with the aggressive wide and low stance for which WRX STI is renowned. For the first time, WRX STI features Daytime Running Lights (DRL) too.
The base of the A-pillar is extended 200 mm forward, while the C-pillar smoothly transitions into the boot surface, for a flowing silhouette. Wing mirrors are mounted on the front door panels and a new quarter window added, offering far greater visibility. The physical mirror shell size is reduced for a sportier look. Front wing ducts and sharp side sill spoilers show off WRX STI’s sporty nature.
The rear design includes a diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual exhausts, emphasizing the low centre of gravity and driving performance. Rear combination lights have a thin shape, highlighting vehicle width. LED rear and brake lights, plus the high-mounted brake light, improve fuel efficiency by saving power. For the first time, the large rear spoiler is a removable option. Rear spoiler weight is reduced 0.3 kg, while it is raised 8.0 mm in height, aiding driver visibility.
A new shark fin radio antenna matches the body and adds more styling refinement. WRX STI Premium variants, feature an electric sunroof with a 25 mm greater opening, yet the motor and frame provide a 0.4 kg weight saving. Underneath, the large floor undercover is lowered 15 mm, aiding aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
New colours are WRC Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl. Carry over colours from the previous model are Crystal Black Silica, Dark Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Galaxy Blue Silica and Lightning Red. New WRX STI has a completely new high-quality cabin that reflects its famed engineering credentials. The dashboard and front door window sills are also lower, for significant improvements in visibility - and sleek styling. Attention to detail includes the addition of a keyless access touch sensor. The door handle mechanism is also changed to make operation easier.
For added convenience, door hinges are tilted forward, for lighter opening and easier access. The rear door quarter window is integrated into the door, increasing access space. New WRX STI’s cockpit includes carbon-type trim panels and metal-type accents. The interior has a quality feel and red accents on seats, gear shift lever and centre instrument panel are exclusive to WRX STI.
The solid black trim comprises quality materials that are soft to touch. The lower instrument panel and shoulder line also aid visibility, together with the reversing camera, which is standard across the WRX STI range. There is a large glove box.
For the first time, WRX STI gets a sporty D-shaped steering wheel. The grip shape is easy to hold, with a small diameter for improved response and tactile feedback, making for a more appealing drive. It includes Multi-Information Display, audio and cruise control switches. The steering wheel adds dimpled leather, satin plating and a distinctive STI centre logo.
Push button start with keyless entry is also introduced as standard. A shutter-type lid is added to WRX STI’s centre console, covering the dual cup holders.
Front and rear door openings are enlarged, making entry and exit much easier. Boot space is expanded and made easier to use, thanks to fold-down rear seats with a large opening and 60:40 split. The side sills feature a stainless steel plate embossed with the STI logo.
The seats are designed for superior support and the headrests are embossed with an STI logo. The red-theme carries over to the seat sides.
WRX STI features Alcantara fabric, with leather trim sides, while Premium variants add leather trim seats, with perforated inserts. The front seats have larger bolsters with separate tilt-adjustable headrests, helping deliver the highest whiplash safety performance.
Driver’s seat lift has greater travel, up 20 mm to 60 mm to aid visibility. Slide travel on both front seats is increased 24 mm to 240 mm. The backrest is 60 mm taller, for greater support. WRX STI’s rear seats benefit from the 25 mm wheelbase increase, providing a roomier environment. The hip point of rear-seat occupants is raised 20 mm, while retractable saddle-shaped headrests minimise any rear view obstruction.
All WRX STIs feature LED headlights with halogen high-beam, with light distribution increased around 35 per cent over the superseded model.
All variants have Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED tail lights, and LED indicator lights - integrated into the side mirrors and front and rear fog lights.
Welcome home lights are also added, which operate by pulling the light stalk, once the ignition is switched off, activating headlights to illuminate the area ahead of the car for up to 30 seconds.
For more information, please go to http://www.subaru.co.nz .
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