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
I have a question though for the UK subaru fans & all other UK car throttle citizens. Is it plausible to import one from outside though? There has to be a way to keep the dream alive somehow.
who wrote the subaru imprezza wrx sti in the deathnote? who? :(
It’s a shame to see a legend degrade
This is so sad! I feel like Subaru could have done a lot more to improve sales. Someone need to import these cars now, and sell them.
Posts like this really make me appreciate living in a country like the US that has relatively low taxes and restriction on cars (not counting the r34). With a decent salary here, I own a 2017 WRX with some light mods on it as a daily and I’m about to pick up a 2018 Corvette Grand Sport next weekend. I feel like only the mega rich could do that in most European countries.