Wednesday 11th September 2013

Next Subaru WRX STI could make the UK

We could yet receive another WRX STI. The constant pestering begins here Subaru...

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Remember the Subaru WRX Concept from this year's New York show? A bold and exciting take on the four-door Impreza template, it had us thrilled at the prospect of the WRX's return. Following that, a development mule was seen at the 'ring in April. And then nothing.

She wouldn't move, honest...

But with a steadfast refusal from Subaru to reintroduce a European WRX, the excitement appeared misplaced. However, with the WRX concept now making its European debut at Frankfurt has come a news development; apparently 'changing conditions' have led Subaru to 're-examine' its original decision to not market another fast Impreza in the UK.

For now, there's nothing more official to report. However, with a saloon rival now in the shape of the Mercedes CLA45 AMGand a whole plethora of hatches now touting 300hp or more (M135i, Golf R etc), perhaps Subaru could now justify UK sales.

If the WRX Concept provides a true hint to a production car's appearance, that's already a stunning start. Some drastic improvements in both interior quality and efficiency from the last WRX STI would be needed to take on the Germans, and there's of course no guarantee it will happen yet. Fingers firmly crossed...

Source: Autocar

[AV12]

OK, it's over styled, but lose a pair of exhausts and that looks good.

[Ali_T]

I think they may have burned a few too many bridges with the bobble hatted faithful. Though there is a rumour over on Lancer Register that Mitsubishi UK will be bringing in a last hurrah of Evo Xs for their 40th anniversary as well. If those are the usual FQ madness, I could be more persuaded to buy one of those. I think Subaru will need to convince everyone that this STI engine isn't going to blow up every 20k like the last one!

[Amirhussain]

I'm liking that.

[RSgeoff]

Looks superb (agree with the need to lose 2 tailpipes) but they need to sort their CO2 / improve fuel consumption to be a viable option in the UK nowadays.

[LordPetroleum]

Liking the general styling of that, body shape is a little more 'grown up' no need for 4 exhausts though.

[tejr]

Nice, but I think they will have lost a lot of momentum with their original fan base with the whole 'hatchback' saga...

Going 'upmarket' didn't work so well for the Exo X imo either, so hopefully this new (over) styling isn't a step in that direction.

Fwiw though, I like the look.. almost like a baby monaro from the rear.

[T1berious]

Liking that loads! But the quad pipes are a bit OTT?

Shuffles off a touch embarrased at slating quad pipes....

[k-ink]

I am not sure one exhaust pipe per cylinder is quite enough. Who will be the first manufacturer to bolt eight on the back?

[Art0ir]

Ali_T said:

I think Subaru will need to convince everyone that this STI engine isn't going to blow up every 20k like the last one!

That's just plain false. There's no doubt the 2.5 is weaker than the last of the 2.0L but I've only ever heard of major issues when modding begins.

[300bhp/ton]

Wonder what sort of money it'd be. I can't see it being cheaper than a BRZ, but why would you go for this if it cost more than an M135i?

[framerateuk]

RSgeoff said:

Looks superb (agree with the need to lose 2 tailpipes) but they need to sort their CO2 / improve fuel consumption to be a viable option in the UK nowadays.

Agreed. I still quite like the last gen STI (saloon, not hatch) but the £425 tax bracket is enough to put me off, especially when rivals with similar performance are almost half the price (the Mazda 3 MPS has the same issue).

Move back to the 2.0 litre and away from the 2.5 and it could be a winner. (My dad's last 2.5L Impreza used more oil than petrol by the time he swapped it for a new one).

[edwardn]

LordPetroleum said:

Liking the general styling of that, body shape is a little more 'grown up' no need for 4 exhausts though.

I wonder who will be the first car to have more exhausts than cylinders?

[OlberJ]

Is it not 4WD?

[edwardn]

k-ink said:

I am not sure one exhaust pipe per cylinder is quite enough. Who will be the first manufacturer to bolt eight on the back?

In before me, I should have read the comments first!

[Nors]

Have to agree about the exhausts, a bit overkill. Even if they stuck with 4, a bit smaller please.

Like the overall styling though, classy even! Nice Scooby!

[Sgt^Roc]

LordPetroleum said:

Liking the general styling of that, body shape is a little more 'grown up' no need for 4 exhausts though.

I will have one...

[simo1863]

300bhp/ton said:

Wonder what sort of money it'd be. I can't see it being cheaper than a BRZ, but why would you go for this if it cost more than an M135i?

Because I have eyes?

[BBS-LM]

Love the look of the STI, but I do not think the car will ever make it into production, the original Turbo engine is ridiculously expensive to run for what it is, to little, to late if you ask me.

[jc123]

If it looks anything like that could be on to a winner

[ModernAndy]

I think the styling is OTT but I also think it looks absolutely fantastic. If that was out in say 2 years, I would be very tempted to part with my £25-30 grand for one. I wouldn't even mind looking like a complete cock!