Subaru WRX STI: PH Fleet

Back on the fleet and spoiling for a fight ... now, where's that Golf hiding?

The much anticipated WRX STI versus Golf R PH Fleet showdown has been slightly postponed by a trip to the bodyshop for the former. It's back now though and both cars are headed off to Le Mans as part of a large and varied PH convoy comprising everything from diesel VW vans to V12-powered British supercars.

Hot Civic, big-winged Subaru - it's the 90s again!

It's not like the old days though and any thoughts of the Golf and Subaru having it out en route to Bleu Nord camping will have to be set aside, lest we want to leave either/both, large quantities of euros and our licences behind in France. For now they'll just have to stare moodily at each other in the car park.

I'm looking forward to a proper back to back drive in both though. My unofficial role as designated Golf R sceptic hasn't diminished one bit with some additional wheel time so I'm glad to have the WRX STI back. Just at a sensory level it's just so much more interesting to drive. Lord, a few weeks off had made me forget quite how fiercely sprung and aggressively pointy it is though! It bobs along at low speed, evening out with a few more mph on the clock. And, if harsh, the well-matched spring-damper rates mean the ride is at least fair. And the bassy burble doesn't need any help from the speakers either.

I'm going to return to this theme in more detail shortly as it's something much discussed off our recent drive in the Civic Type R. But I like the fact the Japanese are returning to making their performance cars look properly bonkers. Much of the debate about the Civic, and formerly about the Subaru, is the 'what would the neighbours say' messages given off by their unapologetic looks. Sod what the neighbours say. Maybe I'm a little immature but it feels to me like another raised middle finger to the conservative Germans.

How much is a wrap these days?

To that end I've been looking enviously at the N24-spec WRX STI that took a dominant class win in the SP3 T (2,000cc turbocharged) class in the Nurburgring 24-hour. Now, I'm not going to go full 90s Subaru fanboy and request a team wrap and decal set, topped off with some additional aero. I wouldn't call my car underwinged or understated.

But having seen the car at Geneva and then some pics of it in action I wonder if there's room for an extra rude WRX STI, picking up from the rally inspired Spec Cs and Type RAs of old but taking an N24-inspired track focus. It looks ace for starters and there's that pending 400hp Golf R to see off. And is properly rapid, scoring 18th overall with all the cars ahead of it FIA GT3-spec SP9 (Black Falcon Porsche and Gazoo Lexus LFA excepted). All but one of the next 10 cars behind it were 911s of various flavours too. Speed limits or not that's an impressive result.

So yes. The rally glory days may have passed. But there's something to celebrate there. Never mind the Golf R, it's a proven 911 beater too!

FACT SHEET
Car: 2014 Subaru WRX STI
Run by: Dan
On fleet since: December 2014
Mileage: 8,207
List price new: £28,995 (£30,007 as tested including £1,012 for Pioneer touchscreen navigation unit; c. £75 fitting charge applicable but varies according to dealership)
Last month at a glance: Back from the bodyshop, ready to show the Golf R who's boss

Previous updates:
New arrival - the NotImpreza has landed!
Rusty nail plays Scrooge over a white Christmas
Four wheels back on his wagon, Dan's having fun
Busy month for the Subaru in first of showdowns against German rivals
Another German rival taken on