Subaru WRX & STI – What you need to know

When it comes to performance sedans Subaru offers plenty of choice with their all-wheel drive WRX and STI models.

While both received a freshen up mid-2017, they remain on the previous-generation platform and not the new underpinnings of the current Impreza range.

Offered in two trim levels with one engine and two transmission choices the WRX is more conservative in its looks and performance than the three-variant STI range with its single engine and gearbox offering. So let's take a closer look and see which one offers the equipment you want.

Subaru performance motoring kicks off at $39,240 for the manual WRX and $50,890 for the STI (excluding on-road costs). Standard kit includes 18-inch alloy wheels for the WRX or 19-inch alloys for the STI. The WRX is upholstered in black cloth trim, whereas the STI is trimmed in black suede and leather.

Both cars feature as standard:
Bluetooth hands-free mobile and audio streaming
Cruise control
Seven airbags
Reversing camera
Heated/power folding exterior mirrors

Subaru doesn't offer options, just accessories, so the good news is you don't pay any extra for metallic, mica, pearl or solid finish across the seven-colour palette.

For the three-model high-performance lineup (STI, STI Premium and STI spec R), with prices ranging from $50,890 to $57,690, there's just one option: the huge rear wing. It's mandatory on the spec R, but a delete option on the STI and Premium.

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All models in the WRX range come with seven airbags plus the mandatories like anti-lock brakes, traction and stability controls and a reversing camera to make life easier when backing. You must select the CVT transmission option in either the WRX or Premium variant to get the EyeSight assist system incorporating adaptive cruise control, brake light recognition, lane departure and sway warning, lane keep assist, lead vehicle start alert, pre-collision brake and steering assist as well as pre-collision throttle management. However, only the Premium gets Vision Assist, featuring lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, a front view camera, auto high-beam headlights, rear cross traffic alert and side view monitors.

Like the WRX all STI's come with seven airbags plus the anti-lock brakes, traction and stability controls and all models have a rear-view camera.

As there is no CVT option in the STI range there is no Eyesight Assist monitoring system. However, the Vision Assist System is offered, providing you bypass the STI and at a minimum, select the STI Premium. Then you get blind spot monitoring, a front view camera, lane change assist, auto high-beam headlights, rear cross traffic alert and side view monitors.

Given the extra grunt of the STI, the beefed-up brake package includes ventilated discs, for better cooling and yellow Brembo brake calipers featuring the STI logo. The front calipers are six-pot with the rear, two-pot. Also exclusive to all STI models are 19-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tyres and quick ratio steering.

All STI variants receive SI-Drive with its three drive modes – intelligent, sport and sport sharp – and exclusively a multi-mode, driver controlled centre differential.

Both models are fitted with self-levelling, auto LED headlights, dual-zone air-conditioning, a multi-function display in the instrument cluster, rain-sensing wipers and paddle shifts for the CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The WRX makes do with a 6.2-inch infotainment screen, incorporating controls for the Bluetooth phone pairing and audio steaming. These can also be accessed by voice command.

Move up to the WRX Premium for a larger seven-inch screen that includes satellite navigation, Siri compatibility, two USB ports instead of one and an eight-speaker harmon kardon audio system.

The WRX Premium also provides de-icing wipers, a seat-back pocket on both driver and front passenger seat and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

If you want the upmarket feel of leather trim then select the WRX Premium. The driver's seat has two memory settings, eight-way power adjustment and powered lumbar support adjustment. And both front seats offer a heating function. And if a sunroof should take your fancy, stay with the WRX Premium, as it's only available on this model.

Only CVT buyers of both grades get the SI-Drive's multiple drive modes, which change the characteristics of the car's performance.

The STI models look different to the WRX, with the gigantic rear wing being just one element that sets them apart. All variants wear an STI mesh grille, LED lights front and back plus side skirts.

All have as standard dual-zone air-conditioning, a multi-function and multi-information display, front and rear cup-holders, seat back pockets on both front chairs and rain-sensing wipers.

A bigger, seven-inch infotainment screen provides access to satellite navigation, Siri integration and the eight harmon kardon speaker system that's standard in all variants, as is voice command.

Echoing the WRX, if you want de-icing wipers, shimmy over to the Premium STI and that also applies if an auto-dimming rear view mirror is a must, or the seat-back pockets.

Want a sunroof? You don't get it on the STI so it's the Premium, at least.

Lending the interior a classy look is the black leather draped over the seats, in all models. Both the STI and spec R get suede inserts and all red contrasts. The STI has manually adjustable seats. The spec.R has an eight-way power-adjustable seat for the driver, likewise the Premium. But only the Premium offers a memory seat function. However, both the Premium and spec.R offer heated seats in the front. Finally, the spec.R stands for Recaro, and it is the only model to have the famed racing-style seats in the line-up.

The WRX all-wheel drive choice is simple enough, with one engine: a direct injection, two-litre turbocharged boxer, producing 197kW/350Nm and either a six-speed manual or CVT.

For the STI it couldn't be any easier either. One engine powers all STI models. A 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine produces 221kW and 407Nm. It constantly drives all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

STI six-speed manual – $50,890
STI Premium Six-speed manual – $55,640
STI spec.R six-speed manual – $57,690