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

At least its still being sold in other countries (unlike the Evo), so we can import one (preferably from Japan, because they get the EJ207 engine, which is lighter, but as the same power and more torque than the EJ257 that everywhere else uses).

Subarus depreciating? Is that even possible?

My childhood cars has now just… gone, this is a sad day :(

Well, I saw this coming. I knew this day would come ever since the diesel fiasco and the latest London emissions taxes confirmed it. Environmentalism is killing the sports car. To survive, a performance car has to get more power from less fuel, and I say this as a Subaru fan, it just isn’t the STI’s way.

The fact a car with so little change lasted this long is already surprising. Hopefully it will stay in other markets for longer, and hopefully Subaru will redesign and manage to get it competitive enough to sell in the UK again.

It’ll come back. As a hybrid SUV.

Because cars need UPDATING. You can’t make a car and then expect it to sell at the same level for many years. Look at Mk7 VW Golf R: introduced in 2013, updated 3 years later. BMW has updated the M135i to make M140i just over a year ago. Focus RS is still quite new, yet still being updated continuously.

Just update the damn thing, make it more powerful, more efficient, give it a modern infotainment system and the sales will go back up.