Value
Parking a Subaru STI in the driveway will likely have your neighbours wondering what backwards-cap-wearing punk is visiting, what with that giant rear wing and all (especially if it’s finished in my tester’s World Rally Blue paint). When learning that you’ve spent upwards of 40-large (or more) on your fast and furious ride, the uninitiated will likely try to sell you some swampland in Florida too.
The reality though, is that Subaru’s sportiest machine is one of the best high performance bargains available. With capabilities as lofty as they are, it can easily hang with the big money performers on the road or the track. And given that this car is as happy in either setting, can haul the family and luggage too, it negates the need for owning both a dedicated toy and a practical daily driver.
Common sense would suggest that upgrading the 2015 STI as Subaru has done with more technology and those dramatic suspension improvements would net a costlier price of admission. Not so. It’s now possible to order a $37,995 WRX STI, whereas last year, the cheapest STI sedan you could find would ring in at $38,195.
  2015 Subaru WRX STI vs 2011 Subaru WRX STI. Click image to enlarge |
2011 Subaru WRX STI
Conclusion
When the 2015 Subaru STI was launched in Detroit this past January, the ensuing grumbling about the carryover drivetrain threatened to overshadow what continues to be one of the most sensationally fun driver’s car available. Last year’s STI was a raw, raucous and legitimate all-weather performance machine. The new STI is all of that still, but with truly world-class steering and handling, and a more contemporary interior and exterior style. Being a better value only helps make this appealing package even more so.
The only remaining question is whether or not all of these improvements are enough to keep the hatchback faithful with the STI for their next purchase. For my brother, every one of the new car’s improvements are appreciated, but he’s still not convinced he can go without the capacious hatchback when the lease is up and it may have him looking elsewhere.
Time will tell if he, and other current STI owners, will forego some practicality for a dynamically superior car, or if Subaru will relent to the pressure and offer what we, the hatchback lovers really want: this new, seriously better car, with the cargo-carrying capability to boot.
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Manufacturer’s Website: Subaru Canada Photo Gallery: Crash Test Results: |
Pricing: 2015 Subaru WRX STI Sport-Tech
Base Price (WRX STI): 37,995
Base Price (WRX STI Sport-tech): $44,995
Options: None.
Destination: $1,650
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $46,745
Competitors:
Audi S3
BMW M235i
BMW 335i
Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Volkswagen Golf R
Affordable Everyday Fun Cars
June 15, 2015
2015 Subaru WRX STI
July 2, 2014
2015 Subaru WRX STI
February 3, 2014
2015 Volkswagen Golf R
January 20, 2014
