Subaru UK Has Axed The WRX STI And We're Devastated

Although the model will continue to be sold in other markets around thew world, continued slow sales have put a stop to the WRX STI's second lifetime in the UK

Matt Kimberley

01 Nov 2017

Subaru UK Has Axed The WRX STI And We're Devastated

Subaru UK is halting sales of the WRX STI… because, sadly, it isn’t really making any. It puts an end (again) to a long tradition of Impreza and WRX STI sales that goes back to the mid-1990s.

We write this with heavy hearts. We’re big fans of the WRX STI not just for the incredible, physics-bending way in which it can tackle B-roads and small race tracks, but because it was, and is, something a bit different.

Unlike the homogenised European fast hatchbacks, many of which have more power, more digital technology and more comfort, the WRX STI is a car with genuine character. Its flaws make the driving experience richer; and what a driving experience it offers.

Anyway, the decision has been made, owing to recurring poor sales. Heavy depreciation and more fuel-efficient rivals have made the WRX STI vastly more expensive to buy on finance and keep on the road, and people just aren’t taking the plunge.

The model’s time in the UK will be ended with a 150-unit run of WRX STI Final Editions. The engine stays the same; a 2.5-litre boxer four-pot sending 296bhp and 300lb ft to all four wheels, all the time.

It gets bigger, more powerful Brembo brakes, though, inside wheels that have been enlarged to house them. Yellow calipers will look amazing against the traditional Subaru blue paint.

Inside, red seat belts and red contrast seat stitching are standard. Heating has been added to the front seats as well, while the dashboard of this limited-edition car is crowned by a 5.9-inch multimedia display. It brings with it DAB radio and a reversing camera.

Bi-function LED headlights light the way, able to use the same diodes for both dipped and main beams. They have a cornering function, too, which gives crucial extra visibility when you’re hooning around bends at night.

The price is £33,995, and we’d bet more than a couple of these will find their way into collections, never to turn a wheel in anger. If only we had the money, we’d buy one ourselves… but we’d drive it just the way it was built for.

Honestly, we feel like we’ve had a bereavement in the family. The WRX STI is one of those cars that gets under your skin. You come to love it, at any cost. We’ll miss it.

Comments

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

ONLY JAPAN got the S208 which definitely more power.

I guess it’s too bad, I mean, Prodrive, a British company, brought the WRX STi to life with the rally cars and special edition 22b and Peter Stevens the designer for the McLaren F1, helped design the first gen WRX STi.

2 months later: “We at Subaru are pleased to announce the new WRX Crossover…”

Called the already exisiting crosstrek

Please dont let this be the beginning of the end…

This doesn’t surprise me at all and I wouldn’t be shocked for the US to follow. STIs aren’t selling because they’ve been the same since the late 90s. Sure 300 hp from a 4 banger was great in 2002 but it’s 2017 now. 300 hp is a minimum. The focus rs and Mercedes amg hatchback are selling because they’ve pushed the boundaries of what 4 cylinders and hot hatches can do. Subaru has been relying on their legacy for far too long and it’s time for an upgrade

So it’s just the UK?

Let’s face it, it was a no mach for the Golf R, Focus RS, A45 and the Type R

The Type R’s over a full second slower to 60 and is front wheel drive 😂

wrong. It handled better, and was cheaper than many rivals.

Let’s not forget the Audi RS3 ;)

Can we just take a moment to appreciate one of the best STI’s to ever come out of the UK? 2001 Prodrive STI. It’s been my absolute dream car for years now. If they made the new ones closer in size to the GD chassis, they would definitely sell more.