2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

Less performance-focused than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is fun to drive, and yet provides better comfort and refinement than its key rival. And that is before considering the STI's lower price.

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI quick specs

Body Style	Hatchback
Class	Sports/GT
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

Sharing the same hatchback body as the Impreza, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI can be differentiated by the huge bonnet scoop, blistered wheel-arches with air intakes behind the front wheels, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a quartet of tailpipes. Even so, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI still appears mild compared to the suitably over-the-top designs of previous STIs.

Handling

With wide tyres and the symmetrical all-wheel drive, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI drives with plenty of traction, gripping strongly through corners. The chassis has a balance the previous STI chassis lacked. While the previous STI felt sharper during initial turn-in, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI now fights off understeer better, sending the required power to the rear axle to minimise any understeer. The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI also feels more nimble than before, but leans more than it should for such a car. The superbly-weighted steering inspires confidence, but can offer more feedback.

Comfort

The ride is firm but not uncomfortable over bumps and ruts. Cabin refinement has vastly improved with reductions in wind, road and engine noise at cruising speeds. With supportive, grippy seats and plenty of steering and seating adjustments, the cabin will cater to drivers of all sizes. All controls are neatly placed and clearly marked for total ease of use.

Quality + Reliability

Unlike the cheap-feeling cabins in previous STIs, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI's cabin incorporates more soft-touch plastics and better finishing. But too many cabin parts still use inferior plastics that look unappealing and feel hard-to-the-touch. We certainly expect more of a car at this price level. The build quality is solid and can not be faulted though. Subaru models have an excellent reputation for staying reliable, and the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI should be no different.

Performance

Capable of 296 bhp at 6000 rpm and 407 Nm at 4000 rpm, the 2.5-litre turbocharged powerplant is mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox. No doubt, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is supercar-like fast on the roads, but the engine now has a lower rev-limit which is easily reached. Technologies such as SI-Drive and Multi-mode DCCD allow altering of the throttle map, boost pressure and centre differential to suit various driving conditions. The most aggressive Sport Sharp SI-Drive setting works the best for us. The brakes remain strong and fade-free even under hard use.

Roominess

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI hatchback is spacious for four, providing more rear legroom than the previous STI sedan can. However the front headroom could be tight for taller occupants, and the middle rear seat is too narrow for a third passenger to get comfortable in. The boot is shallow and suffers from wheel-arch intrusion, but at least the rear seats 60:40 split-fold for additional loading capacity.

Running Costs

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is as expensive to run as other performance cars. Servicing and repairs should be decent by performance car standards. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is no more thirsty than key rival Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, but we expect the latter to hold its value better.

Value for Money

So which car is better? The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or the Subaru Impreza WRX STI? Both are less hardcore than before, toning down their rawness in order to appeal to a wider audience. Less performance-focused than the Evolution, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is more comfortable and refined, and importantly, cheaper than its key rival. The price factor alone could sway many undecided buyers towards Subaru's icon.

Equipment

The generous standard equipment list includes automatic air-conditioning system, remote keyless entry, steering mounted audio and cruise control switches, electric foldable door mirrors, HID headlamps, roof spoiler, SI-Drive, Multi-mode DCCD, and 6-CD audio system with SRS Circle Surround Automotive technology. Safety equipments include Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS with EBD and dual front, side and curtain SRS airbags.

Environment

Performance cars such as the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI are targets of Greenpeace activists, after supercars and SUVs. The rated carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption figures are already far from ideal, and the situation is not helped by Subaru Impreza WRX STI owners who will likely rev the engine hard most of the time.

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2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Review

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI at a glance