Vehicle: 2008 WRX Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Price as tested: CDN$44995

Handling: Driving dynamics has always been STi’s trademark, the new one is no exception. With the advanced DCCD, or Driver Control Center Differential, set in “auto” mode. This STi is just about unbeatable in every curvers and corners, any enthuisastic driver can do a beautiful 4-wheel drift by just using this setting. Along with Subaru’s nifty SI-Drive. My personal preference is to set DCCD at “auto” and SI-Drive at “sport sharp”. Steering feel is sharp and precise, with the usual full of feedback both on and off-center as one expects from a Subaru. It got tons of grips when pushed through corners. As experienced on a tight track, this STi could well be one of the quickest cars I have ever driven through the autocross track. Only take a backhand to lighter handlers like MX-5 Miata and Elise. On the open road, its as capable without losing its daily drivability through the smart setting of its capable suspension. It doesn’t ride like its on an unladen full-size truck. In fact, it rides quite comfortably for a sports car as capable as this STi. The cornering is flat and confidence-inspiring. Best of all, its multi-mode VDC, or Vehicle Dynamic Control, really customizes to every driver’s needs and wants. Whenever you want to push this STi into the limit on a racetrack or just cruising on the highway, this system truly adapts to your needs. “Traction” mode would be my favourite through the track while “normal” mode best leave for daily driving. As one expected from STi, or WRX in general, there is a slight understeer when pushed into the envalope. When it reached the outer end of the limit, it begins to oversteer. However, all of these are done in a much more civilized manners than all the STi have gone before.

Performance: As with the previous STi, this latest iteration uses the 2.5 liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo with strengthened components. It bumps out 305hp and 290 lb/ft of torque. Even though the numbers might seem lacking compares to many of those V8 supersedans, in real life experience, it doesn’t. The throttle response is brisk and response astonishing. With 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, this little hatchback could eat many of those sports cars for lunch. The whole turbo delivery is so linear, it doesn’t have any turbo lag. The turbo always in the sweet spot whenever driver needs it. Equally impressive is its close ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. The throws are short and gates precise. Clutch is light and progressive.

Brakes: As with its dynamic abilities, STi’s braking performance is equally astonishing. The standard brake calipers are all wrapped up in Brembo, with large discs around and Super Sport ABS. It has one of the best braking performance I have ever experienced. The stopping distance is short and pedal feel is just about damn perfect. Firm, solid, reassuring are just about the descriptions for the whole braking system.

Interior: The biggest highlight of STi’s interior has to be its leather/Alcantara sports seats. It provides plenty of back and thigh supports whenever an enthuisastic driver pushed this puppy hard into every corners. The automatic climate control is effective enough to provide warmth in minus degrees weather. The rest of the instrumentation gauges, use of materials and ergonomics are typical WRX fare.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the new STi, Subaru is just about to make a great car even better. Its more civilized to drive for most ppl. More comfortable without losing its composure. More power without sacificing the fuel economy. And, best of all, its more practical thanks to its hatchback configuration.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5