New Subaru STI is rally car for the road

What is it?

The reinvention of Subaru's rally-bred sporting icon was always going to be tricky business when Subaru changed from its familiar saloon shape to the new Impreza's hatchback form. However, the formula for the fastest Impreza remains remarkably untouched and 296bhp from the turbocharged 2.5-litre 'boxer' four-cylinder engine makes the car just as rapid as before. The big change is to the centre differential that splits power between front and rear axles, and the driver can alter this to suit conditions. So much rally-derived sophistication is necessary for the Impreza to take on its arch rival, the Mitsubishi Evo X. Both are much improved cars and the Mitsubishi's sophisticated four-wheel drive system gives the Impreza's a run for its techno money. As before, the Mitsubishi has a turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine with similar power to the Subaru, so performance in a straight line is much the same between the two. Little else comes close to this four-wheel drive Japanese pair's performance for the money. The Audi TT is nowhere near as hardcore in its approach and none of the current hot hatch crop comes close to the STI and Evo for that Playstation-in-real-life experience.

Is it any good?

You betcha. Nigh on 300bhp driving through all four wheels and plenty of clever electronics make sure every last ounce of power and grip is fully exploited and ensure the STI has face-stretching cornering prowess. On the public road, it's hard to imagine getting close to the STI's impressive upper limit of traction, which means in almost every circumstance this new STI is one of the most safe and secure cars to pilot on sinuous tarmac. However, there is a caveat, as the car accelerates so rapidly through its six-speed manual gearbox that you have to concentrate every second of every trip to make sure you don't arrive at a corner much earlier and much, much faster than anticipated. Even so, the three-way adjustable traction control does a fine job of keeping things pointing in the intended direction. A car that costs less than £25,000 and goes from rest to 62mph in 4.8 seconds is a bargain in anyone's book. There are some trackday specials and lightweight road-racers that pull off this feat, but only the Impreza STI does it while providing seating for five, climate control and six airbags. The root of the performance is the all-alloy 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine that produces 296bhp and 300lb.ft of mid-rev surge. There's very little delay as the turbo gets into its stride and the boxer engine keeps on shoving all the way to its 7,000rpm ceiling, which it reaches very quickly when the driver uses the full travel of the throttle pedal. Driven more conservatively, it's possible to see 27.4mpg fuel consumption. The only real downside of the STI is that it's so intent on delivering the ultimate driving experience that comfort is a casualty. It may not be a deal-breaker for the hardcore of STI customers, but the ride is incredibly firm and limits the car's practical day-to-day usability. Die-hard fans will not be put off by this, but others may find the sacrifice too high a price to pay. The other limiting factor for daily use is the small fuel tank, which holds only 60-litres. Drive in any kind of enthusiastic fashion and this amount of fuel can easily be dispensed with in less than 200 miles.

Should I call the bank manager?

Anyone who has being waiting for the new STI has most likely had the finance in place for months. The asking price was pleasantly lower than originally anticipated for this fastest of fast Imprezas, so your bank manager should have no qualms about handing over the loot. While you're at the bank, it would be worth checking your account balance as insurance and fuel are going to account for a large chunk of any STI owner's budget.

Summary

If you have to ask yourself whether or not you want an STI, you're probably not the sort of person this Subaru is aimed at. It's raw, incredibly fast and demands the driver's full attention every inch of the way, so anyone looking for an easy life need not apply. If, on the other hand, you want excitement, thrills and knock-your-socks-off performance at a relatively affordable price, the STI will never fail to satisfy.

Alisdair Suttie