2009 Subaru WRX: So Good it Makes the STI Irrelevant?
Subaru has really cranked up the fun meter on its 2009 WRX
. They added 41 horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque, bumping those totals to 265 and 244, respectively.
They also upgraded the suspension with various tweaks, improved the tires, and made the formerly optional Aero package standard. Hmm, I wonder if the new Lancer Ralliart had anything to do with these upgrades (duh).
But here's the problem: As with the Evo's price creeep, the STI starts at $35,000, which is well beyond "pocket rocket" pricing (and even more than the $33,000 EVO GSR). Yet this freshly upgraded WRX starts at a still-bargain $25,000. And you can get the WRX in sedan form (not an option with the STI).
Now that I've driven the 2009 WRX, I'm seriously concerned about STI viability.
I still consider Subaru's WRX the car that heralded the current generation of giant-slayer econo-boxes. I was lucky enough to drive a 22B back in 2000, before most U.S. buyers had ever heard the the terms "WRX" or "EVO," let along "GT-R" (unless they were Gran Turismo players). That 22B made it obvious to me -- Japan could build a helluva budget performance car, if only they'd offer it to Americans.
Because Subaru was first on these shores with the WRX in 2002 I've always given them props for leading the "cool cars for Americans" charge. And driving the latest WRX was a pleasant trip down memory lane, where prodigous torque, crisp shifts and confident grip (both from the all-wheel drive system and the bolstered front seats) reminded of why I first fell in love with this car six years ago.
Minor nits include the still-too-plasticky door panels and center console, noticeable driveline lash if you aren't focused on your shifting duties and a front grille that just doesn't ring my bell. A sixth gear would also help highway mileage, but rpms levels (and associated cabin noise/vibration) wasn't an issue at cruising speeds up to 80 mph.
And when I consider the performance offered by this latest WRX, and the still-pocket-rocket starting price I'm left with the original impression these models were supposed to deliver when they firsted arrived on our shores: one helluva budget performance car.
Just can't say the same for the top-of-line versions of these cars.
- Posted by
- Karl Brauer October 30, 2008, 11:30 AM
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- Subaru WRX STI
C&D tested this car and found it faster than the Sti. So yes, the Sti is pointless and overpriced. One thing hasnt improved: the styling. The WRX sedan is not attractive.
I agree.
...but (you knew that was coming) in a world populated by 270hp Camrys and 350hp+ Hyundais a 265hp Subaru is no big deal. They NEED the top of the line models to maintain their image.
For the same 35k that you would spend on an STI, you could also buy a BMW 135i with BMWs excellent twin-turbo six. Yes, the BMW is not as hardcore as an STI, but it is IMHO a better quality car, and one that is miles ahead in terms of refinement and class. just my 2cents.
I agree Karl. The invigorated WRX seems to be enough for anybody. With they money you save over the STi, you could add bigger wheels or brakes or whatever you little heart desires and still save money over the STi.
Hey Karl, thanks for the full report!
That is a hideous vehicle. I don't know if I could will myself to buy it based on its looks.
That being said, its a shame the Ralliart seems to have fallen flat where the WRX is succeeding - that is, being a cheaper bargain deal.
"C&D tested this car and found it faster than the Sti."
The Sti from what model year? Which issue was this? Or do you have a link to it online?
I agree, Karl! This WRX makes the STI and the Evo irrelevant......for me, at least.
The sedan WRX is fugly, but luckily the hatchback looks a lot better.
I disagree with redliner that the STI/Evo is more or less a competitor to the 135i......the 135i is not a useful car in terms of practicality/space and doesn't have AWD or the rally-car image. (IMO refinement and class would diminish the rally-car image.) I don't think 135i and STI/Evo buyers would cross-shop.
All the same, I think the STI/Evo need a $5k reduction in price to be takes seriously by all but the most dedicated fans.
I own a 2009 Subaru WRX the sedan and love it, i post reviews and comments on it on a blog for it www.wrx265.com
I was impressed with the base Impreza I test drove last year, very roomy and comfortable for a taller guy. I think of it often when my right knee is leaning up against the center console in my Mazda3. Unfortunately it just wasn't a good value, fewer features for the money, and the mpg wasn't good enough (this Texan doesn't need AWD). Some of the interior bits in that Impreza also seemed rather cheap, especially the upholstery, but I assume that is upgraded in the WRX.
In the $25K class, I like this WRX a lot. Could get a V8 Mustang, but that's not very practical for families. I like the Ralliart as well, and think it's far better looking, but it doesn't come with a manual. The WRX doesn't look "ugly" to me any more, just rather bland. That might actually be an advantage if you want to be inconspicuous. That dark gray color works well. I still prefer the looks of the sedan over the hatch, but I would probably let my practical side take over if the price is close.
Getting wordy now, but the GTI might be a good option too, especially now that it's available in a 5-door body style. From what I've read, it has a nicer interior, I've never sat in one myself yet. I still trust Subaru reliability more than VW. But the GTI gets significantly better mpg, and only "recommends" premium whereas the WRX requires it. GTI also stickers a bit lower, but I don't know if the standard equipment is comparable. WRX has better legroom, and every inch helps. And WRX has more power and AWD of course. Quite the hypothetical conundrum.
bechtel,
Go to C&D.com and look for the short test. It was up last week. The WRX was on par or better than the Sti in every category if I remember correctly. Obviously they compared the 2009 WRX to the 2008 Sti with 305hp.
blackadder5639
I never said it was a direct competitor, only that is was available for roughly the same amount of money.
The choice becomes:
- Fast, sporty, refined
or
- VERY Fast, VERY sporty, but not refined
I'd take the GTI over the WRX or the Ralliart.
I'd take the MCS over the GTI.
Agreed Karl! But that hood scoop is horrendous!
The new 09 WRX looks better than the 08 WRX. The sedan has dual exhaust and the hatchback a single. IMO Subaru needs to bump the HP in order to keep the STI viable.
Agreed on the hp. 300hp is yawn material these days. Give me a 400hp STi and I'll be happy(er).
$35k is luxury territory, especially now with the ability to bargain hard on prices from dealers. You have to really want a subaru when you can get an infiniti or BMW with a whole other level of interior quality for that price.
Picked up a new dark gray '09 WRX 5-door Premium Package (sans/NAVI) yesterday. It replaces my '06 WRX which was totaled a month ago, thanks to a 25-year-old driving his mom's Volvo.
The first 40 or so miles suggest a big improvement in refinement over my '06 model. I'm not wild about the hard plastic dash (no longer padded) and hard windshield visors. That screams CHEAP to me—and all the more reason to use the seatbelts. Other than that the car seems great. Can't wait till the break-in period is over so I can sail past 4000 rpm. :)
Will post something over in Straightline in a little while (need to take some pixs first).
Congrats on your new car, Bob! I'll look forward to seeing pics/reading a report.
Sounds like Subaru has nailed the '09 WRX with the track-tuned suspension and power bump. But yes, the Subie interiors are very plasticky.
Meanwhile, Everything I've read about the most recent STI suggests three weaknesses:
suspension's too soft (leans too much in turns),
steering's too numb (lacks feel)
engine's too peaky (4000 rpm is threshold)
Has there been any real news about the '09 STI? Perhaps Subaru will surprise us with a number of tweaks to make it worthy of its current price, and regain its status?
The only change that I'm aware of on the '09 STI is they changed the shade of white color choice.