Subaru IMPREZA WRX STi TYPE UK
The Impreza WRX STi Is Still The Default Rally Replica Of Choice For Many, But In Order To Convince The Waverers,
Subaru Have Made The Choice Even More Tempting With The Type UK Variant. Andy Enright Reports
The desirability of Subarus iconic Impreza seems to go through cycles. Some iterations are markedly better than others and it takes a keen eye to separate the great from the merely good. The kind people at Subaru have now done us all a huge favour by making the latest Impreza WRX STi range probably the best to date. Heres a guide to STi spotting made easy.
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But first, a background primer.
Subaru Tecnica International are to Subaru what AMG is to Mercedes and M GmbH is to
BMW a fiercely dedicated go-faster department focused on making their products go ever more focused and which in turn sprinkle a liberal helping of trickle-down desirability across the rest of the range. Any Impreza with an STi badge on the back isnt going to be your common or garden variety turbocharged Suby. Instead youll get more sophisticated suspension, brakes, engine management and so on, making an STi model something that connoisseurs of the marque keep an eye open for.
The latest line up has undergone a few changes; some subtle others more dramatic. The first thing youll spot is the name. The Type UK appellation has appeared on Imprezas in the past to denote a UK-specific car and help to differentiate these high specification models from erstwhile similar looking import cars. In this instance the Type UK features a range of equipment you wont find on Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) stock.
This includes an essential Thatcham Category One alarm and immobiliser, a satellite tracking system to further combat theft, enhanced rustproofing to cope with our damp climate, plus additional security features like locking wheel nuts and etched windows. The car differs visually from a regular WRX by dint of its gold ten-spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring alcantara seats with STi logos. The gear lever has been redesigned for better feel as has the better looking three-spoke steering wheel. Another interior fitment is the water spray that cools the intercooler under hard driving.
The driver can even set a warning light and buzzer to guard against over revving the engine from cold. So much for the trimmings. The big difference between a normal WRX and this STi Type UK is the power on offer.
"Make no mistake, this is a thoroughly re-engineered vehicle"
The STi is powered by a 265bhp 2.0-litre flat four engine that now features better cooling and a higher 151mph top speed. The STi can also be fitted with a 305 PS performance pack giving a 155 mph top speed and 0-60 mph time of only 4.6 seconds.
Developed by Banbury-based Prodrive, the power boost costs £1,995 including 2.5 hours for dealer fitment. Not only does power leap from 265 PS (261.5 bhp) to 305 PS (300 bhp) at the same 6,000 rpm but torque rises from the standard STis 253 lb ft to 299 lb ft, also at the same 4,000 rpm.
The result is not only startling high-rev performance but also more low and mid-speed flexibility. In other words, the car becomes swifter at any speed and in any gear. Either way, this is a good deal more engine than that of the 225bhp standard WRX model - but dont be fooled into thinking that the power increase has been achieved by merely plugging in a more aggressive engine management chip or a bucket-sized turbocharger. Nearly 80% of the STis all-alloy powerplant is unique.
The piston head has been reshaped to form tougher semi-closed-deck cylinder blocks. Screw-in conrods and forged pistons combine with shimless valve lifters, sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow valve intakes. Every moving part is either stronger, lighter or both. This reduces inertia and gives the engine a manic free-revving feel thats missing from the standard WRX.
A larger intercooler and air intake help keep things from meltdown. A drivers control centre differential (DCCD) is fitted as standard to the Type UK and its an interesting gadget. Operated via a switch mounted adjacent to the handbrake, the DCCD allows the driver to manually adjust the front/rear torque split, changing the handling balance of the car to suit a particular condition. When the ignition is switched off, the system reverts to an automatic setting.
The addition of a yaw-rate sensor and a front helical limited slip-differential reduces the amount of torque steer under hard acceleration and improves driver confidence when cornering. The suspension has been heavily revised with virtually every component changed, from mounts to front and rear links, springs, dampers and anti roll bars. The caster angle has been raised and the rear track and wheelbase altered as well to offer more stable straightline running yet retaining sharp turn-in. Even the front axle hub units and housings have been refettled while the steering gearbox has been remounted to offer more precision and better feedback.
Make no mistake, this is a thoroughly re-engineered vehicle. Even the most committed Subaru fans will have felt a little concerned that the Impreza was in danger of being eclipsed by Mitsubishis Lancer Evo series. The latest WRX STi Type UK is a firm and emphatic response by Subaru and its not a car to be trifled with. In truth, it would be hard to separate the cars when driven back to back and at £26,400 the Impreza looks reasonable value.
This sector of the market is notoriously partisan, however, and many Impreza owners wouldnt look at an Evo. Its just as well that with the Type UK available, those less loyal may well feel the same.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type UK
PRICE: £26,400 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 20
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 151mph/ 0-60mph 5.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (extra-urban) 29.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 173/68/57"
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