2015 WRX STI Test Drive

[Frisky Dingo]

We'll make this 2 for 2 here, and just cut to the chase. The car was rather underwhelming.

 

I might expand more on this one later, as I don't have a bunch of time right now. I've been wanting to drive a new gen WRX or STI pretty badly, as I was actually slightly considering one. No longer. I just don't see where Subaru gets off charging 35K base on these things. I'll summarize this one with a 'Highs' and 'Lows' break down.

 

Highs-

 

*Steering- Very nicely weighted, precise, lots of feel. It was VERY reminiscent of my E90's steering.

 

*Sound- That trademark guttural Subaru growl and burble is present and accounted for. Love it.

 

*Shifter- Very short, positive throws. Reminds you why manuals are so enjoyable.

 

*Handling- Didn't get to push it too hard, but the car feels very neutral and with high levels of agility.

 

 

 

 

Lows-

 

*Ride- Pretty choppy, with notable levels of road noise.

 

*Throttle- Too touchy, not enough travel. Makes smooth take-offs tricky.

 

*Interior- Overall feel is of cheapness and coldness. It just looks dated, and is the most obvious source of cost cutting.

 

*Power- It just doesn't have enough. There's little lag, and decent mid range, but just a coarse and uninspiring experience overall. No top end zing, no thrill to be had from really wringing it out.

 

*Value- Your 35K doesn't go far here. While the absolute basics are present, you get the feeling Subaru is pricing this car the way they do just out of lack of competition.

 

 

 

Would I buy one? A solid and easy 'no'. Overall, the car was letdown, and didn't deliver in the 'fun-to-drive' department. The car feels outdated, a little cheap, and unrefined. Like an early 2000's STI that has just had the absolute bare minimum done to meet today's regulations and pass as acceptable in today's car market. I know there are several reviews on this car that are really glowing, but I found nothing really compelling here. It really offered no more excitement imo than a much cheaper Golf GTI, Fo/Fi ST, Cooper S, etc; and falls well short of what can be had from other cars with similar pricing- Camaro SS, Golf R, etc, etc.

 

Subaru needs to either drop the price by about 5 grand or update this car sufficiently with a modern powerplant and greater comfort/refinement to justify the price. I can't imagine the new Focus RS failing to utterly dismantle this car. Sorry Subaru, but them's the facts.