The end of an era

The end of an era

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Discussion

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Wednesday 6th September 2017
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I've been wanting for ages to order a new Forester XT to replace my venerable but still excellent 2003 XT but I've waited to see if the 2018 model will have the Eyesight system. Finally it's on the Subaru website, Forester now with Eyesight (hooray!). But only on non-turbo petrol models with Lineratronic gearboxes (boo!). So I've bitten the bullet and ordered one anyway and got some interesting but depressing information from the dealer.

The XT and the WRX Sti are both being discontinued in 2018 due to the new emissions regs arriving in September 2018. There are a certain number of XTs available and when they're gone, they're gone. Even worse with the Sti, the UK won't be getting the 2018 model with the improved 6 pot callipers and optional rear wing delete, just a few 2017 spec cars. Presumably the main petrol engine for the UK will be the 1.6 turbo currently used in the Levorg and we won't have a relatively quick version of the Forester or an Sti at all. Unless the rumoured hybrid drivetrain works wonders.

It's a shame, I fancied the 2018 Sti without the wing.

PomBstard

6,775 posts

242 months

Thursday 7th September 2017
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Sad news. It seems to match Subaru's movement away from the swift medium-sized car too. A 3.6-litre Outback with an auto box is not a Liberty/Legacy GT/STi replacement. Levorg or WRX is it now, and only the WRX can be had with a manual.

Quick, driver-focussed versions of the Impreza, Forester, and initially, Liberty/Legacy built the current reputation. Seems a shame to not continue it, but presume that's progress.

paul555sti

219 posts

189 months

Thursday 7th September 2017
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Strange my local dealer has already sold one of the last WRX STI ( with six pot breaks and different seats ) and offered me one. I believe they are limited to a run of 150.

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Friday 8th September 2017
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paul555sti said:
Strange my local dealer has already sold one of the last WRX STI ( with six pot breaks and different seats ) and offered me one. I believe they are limited to a run of 150.
Really? My dealer must be out of the loop then. Any details please? PM me if preferred.

I've just asked Subaru sales on live chat on their website and they have no knowledge.

Edited by rovermorris999 on Friday 8th September 09:29

Allan L

783 posts

105 months

Friday 8th September 2017
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PomBstard said:
Quick, driver-focussed versions of the Impreza, Forester, and initially, Liberty/Legacy built the current reputation. Seems a shame to not continue it, but presume that's progress.
More or less what I was on about last year in this thread which met a lot of the usual sniping we get here.

paul555sti

219 posts

189 months

Friday 8th September 2017
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Taken from the garages Facebook page.

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Friday 8th September 2017
quotequote all
Thanks Paul.

paul555sti

219 posts

189 months

Friday 8th September 2017
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No problem.

I passed on the offer. Decided to stick with my classic and current 2016 sti

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Friday 8th September 2017
quotequote all
I'm seeing my local dealer tomorrow about my Forester order so I'll show him the page and see if he can do the same thing. Going to Falkirk would be a bind but I would if necessary.

paul555sti

219 posts

189 months

Friday 8th September 2017
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I can highly recommend Gavin the salesman. I have known him for years and what he doesn't know about imprezas isn't worth knowing.

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Monday 11th September 2017
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Decision made and deposit paid. Delivery possibly late December or January. Thanks for the heads up with Gavin.

AWG

855 posts

156 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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Assuming people will be able to import '18s from the Japan?

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
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I presume it is possible. The rules are here
https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk

Apart from the duty and VAT the biggest sticking point would be vehicle approval but not an insurmountable hurdle.

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Tuesday 26th September 2017
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I'm hoping to get one of the 'Final Edition' which I expect to be a keeper. I'm an old git so that'll do me.
I agree there's not much else out there new that appeals. Nothing BMW/Audi/Merc really does it for me for some reason, great cars that some of them are for sure. Too many about maybe plus they all look much the same. Porsche are too golf club. And I couldn't see me in any of the hot Fords. Subarus perhaps aren't the most beautiful of cars but to me the hot Fords have fallen out of the ugly tree.
It's odd how we feel about certain cars, very irrational really. Subarus hit the sweet spot for me although I would consider a rear wing delete if it was available, just to be different.
In a few years we'll all be pushed into an electric, autonomous Google pod which will buzz around while simultaneously feeding us adverts while billing us per mile. So enjoy it while you can!

Edited by rovermorris999 on Tuesday 26th September 06:19

PomBstard

6,775 posts

242 months

Tuesday 26th September 2017
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DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.
Can't see another Subaru on the cards. Probably a Gen F HSV Clubsport wagon - up to 2014 it's 340kW/455bhp engine was available with a 6-sp manual box. Otherwise, if I think I can cope with a saloon, then an HSV GTS would be nice...

vxr2010

2,565 posts

159 months

Tuesday 26th September 2017
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Monaro's are not too expensive to buy , but by one with the mods done , brakes are a must , lots of tuning options , i prefer my monaro to my maloo it's easier and nicer to drive as it's more old school muscle car and a bit raw , it's no slouch and 80 mph plus it leaves most subaru's behind , it's difficult not to want to have fun with it , on a long run it returns 35 mph , having a bit of fun around 17 mpg , pretty reliable no engine issues parts not that expensive , my monaro's on about 430 brake or so , maloo around 500 , but it is so loud lol , but i still will always like my scoobys , people go with scoobyies for the engine noise which is in common to people buying a v8 for its noise

PomBstard

6,775 posts

242 months

Tuesday 26th September 2017
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Perhaps slight crossed wire, but this is the sort of GTS I have in mind, albeit when prices come down a smidge...


https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Holden...

Falsey

449 posts

139 months

Thursday 28th September 2017
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Ill probably go for something totally different afterwards, maybe a V8 or something sharper. Either keep hold of the current car as a toy or get an old bug STI, if they arent all rotten.

vxr2010

2,565 posts

159 months

Thursday 28th September 2017
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i'm sure there will still be lots of decent sti to be had , the parts market won't go away and there will be jdm imports , i heard jdm will still make sti ? there are a few decent cars out there but often a bit more money the amg 45 or golf r , i heard they are a bit soleless and not as involving but that's the way modern cars seem to go

rovermorris999

Original Poster:

5,202 posts

189 months

Thursday 28th September 2017
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I think everywhere else but Europe is getting an STi for the foreseeable future, sacrificed here on the alter of emissions like the lovely 3.6 flat 6 in the Outback. Longer term though I expect hybrids and EVs so no more manual box if that's the case.
Golf R's and the like all look very blobby and fat to me perhaps because they are hatches, I like the relatively old-school look of the STi and prefer a saloon. Perhaps when we end up in EVs an option will to pipe in the sound of the engine of your choice to hide the whine.