Subaru Impreza: Everything is very serious. Subaru WRX STI: Don't Call Me Impreza Driver's Inferiority Complex

People who never owned Subaru wrx or WRX STi, about the fans of these cars, they only know that they love speed and hate those who buy Mitsubishi lancer Evolution is as violent and inexplicable as skiers snowboarders and vice versa. We, without dwelling on why people choose Subaru, decided to find out what is the difference between the two most popular sports cars stamps.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Outwardly, the differences between the regular WRX and the STi are minimal. Fortunately, STi fans now have the opportunity to buy their favorite sedan car. The hatchback caused extremely contradictory opinions: someone went crazy over it, and someone did not recognize a Subaru sports car in it - before, the charged versions came out exclusively in the sedan body.

Let's go back to the differences in the exterior. There are not many of them. These are different nameplates on the radiator grille and trunk lid and the shape of the wing. The huge rear wing on the STi looks more aggressive and attracts a lot of attention (especially from fans of the so-called "collective farm" tuning), but the small spoiler of an ordinary WRX looks somehow more organic and stylish. The rest of the cars are just twin brothers.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru Impreza WRX STi

But in the cabin, there are practically no differences. And not only between the two "lighters", but also between them and the civilian Impreza. The STi has a smaller steering wheel that bears the emblem of the same name, and it doesn't have the heated seats found on the WRX. This, however, is easy to explain: the STi sports Recaro buckets. They almost perfectly wrap the driver's body, so you quickly forget that the fifth point is cold for the first 10-15 minutes of the trip.

Subconsciously, you expect a smarter interior from cars for 1,573,000 and 2,257,700 rubles. The idea of ​​the designers and engineers is absolutely clear: they tried to create a real cockpit, in which there is no place for anything superfluous. Everything should set the driver up for driving and not distract him from the road. However, most buyers drive these cars not only on race tracks, but also on regular roads, get stuck in traffic jams and generally spend a lot of time in the car. And at such moments, when the attention to the salon is riveted as much as possible, its appearance is very depressing. My colleague and I, for example, counted four different kinds plastic. This does not add points to the interior decoration.

And if you can put up with the lack of parking sensors and a mirror with auto-dimming, then on-board computer in the car for that kind of money would like to see. Here, as in the WRX, as in the STi, there is only the so-called monochrome "information display". He looks like an alien from the 90s. Under the direct rays of the sun, the image on it is impossible to make out, but all of it is far from being visible. modern device(boards, microcircuits). This screen displays the air temperature overboard, time and ... instant fuel consumption. In the "manual", however, it is stipulated that somehow the average flow rate can be displayed on the display. To do this, turn off the engine, place the key in the Lock off position and hold down the plus button, which is located to the right of the screen. Several times we acted according to the instructions, but no changes happened.

Another disadvantage is the audio system. It is a fact that the Impreza, to put it mildly, is not famous for its sound. We were ready for this. But to the fact that it is extremely inconvenient to manage it - no. The radio does not have a button for switching tracks on the disc. The right "twist" is used for this purpose. If the driver, for some reason, does not use the audio control keys located on the steering wheel, it will not be very easy to reach the desired round on the go.

And the last - the armrest is inconveniently located. It is categorized far away to rear seats and the feeling that it should act as a shelf for resting legs.

However, let's not forget - we are talking about sports versions legendary model... Initially, they were sold exclusively as rally "blanks" - a racer bought a car, threw out everything unnecessary, welded on a frame, and racing car was almost ready. It is unlikely that anyone participating in a classic rally listens to Chopin on the audio recorder or suffers from the cold due to the lack of heated seats.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Subaru wrx

In terms of engines, the cars are identical. Both are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol turbo engine. The only difference is in the turbine: on the WRX they put the standard one, and on the STi - high pressure... It is because of this that the latter is more powerful by 35 hp. (300 versus 265 for the WRX). That was surprising for us the collapse of confidence that of the cars that have been on the test, the one with more horses is faster and gives more pleasure.

It's all about the gearbox. If the WRX has an honest five-speed "mechanics", then the STi that we had on the test had a five-speed "automatic". Moreover, this box was not specially designed for the sportiest Impreza. This "automatic" is familiar to Subaru lovers from the Tribeca and Outback models.

In principle, the very idea that in STi (!), Which, in theory, should force the driver to improve his skills and give all the best behind the wheel, the left leg rests calmly on the footboard throughout the entire journey is an oxymoron. Moreover, it seems that Subaru understands this too - Impreza with automatic transmission is 37,000 rubles cheaper than the version with manual transmission. Yes, it seems that after Mitsubishi with their Lancer Evolution X and Subaru decided to attract the attention of the public to the Impreza, which prefers drag for a quarter mile on winding paths, and the Impreza buys solely because of its legendary name.

Our fears are confirmed by the overclocking figures. Up to 100 km / h WRX on "mechanics" and STi on "automatic" accelerate in exactly the same way. Both machines make a “hundred” in exactly 6 seconds. Even the amount of torque for a machine with "automatic" (350 Nm) is practically the same as that of a conventional WRX (343 Nm). In comparison, the STi with a six-speed manual gearbox boasts 407 Nm of torque. The top speed of the STi is, however, higher (250 km / h versus 209 for the WRX), but this is far from the most important indicator.

After all, the pleasure of driving an ordinary WRX is the sea, but the 300-horsepower car is somehow not impressive. Even the sound of the engine in the less powerful Impreza is juicier, it chills to the bone, forcing adrenaline to actively splash into the blood. There is no such thing on the STi.

Manual mode of gear shifting does not help out. "Automatic" does not hold the gear and switches it independently as soon as the tachometer needle reaches the cut-off.

The STi is not saved by the presence of three modes of engine operation. Although they can be useful to the driver. The first is Intelligent. For traffic jams. The quietest driving mode. In it it seems that you are driving an ordinary civilian sedan without any sports component. The second is Sport. Switching to it, you begin to better understand what it is worth paying money for when buying this car. Naturally, fuel consumption immediately increases quite dramatically. The third is S #, which stands for Sport Sharp. This is where the 2.5-liter boxer unit squeezes out everything it can. The declared 6 seconds to "hundreds" are achieved in it, but the consumption increases to about 18 liters per 100 kilometers.

Whatever one may say, a regular WRX on "mechanics" is much more fun and gives much more thrills and driving pleasure. Provides more room for the driver. After all, among other things, on the STi with automatic transmission, the torque is distributed differently (55.3% back instead of 61% on the STi). In general, if the WRX is a real wild beast, it is worth some effort to find a common language with which, then the STi is a tamed wolf that does not look into the forest very often.

The conclusion is simple: if you decide to buy an STi - do not even think about economy and comfort, buy the version on the "mechanics" and enjoy. Otherwise, if your heart desires a sporty Impreza, you should opt for the WRX. This car will not disappoint. Fortunately, there are no options with automatic transmission.

And the last thing: besides our country, STi with "automatic machines" were presented only by the countries of Southeast Asia and Australia. Apparently, the creators believe that the strangest people live in these countries. In Europe similar machine you won't find.

At the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, new sedan, and at the motor show in Detroit in 2014, the next generation WRX STI debuted, which also lost the mention of the Impreza in the title.

Externally, the Subaru VRX STI 2018-2019 (photo and price) almost completely repeats the WRX version, but sports a large spoiler on the trunk lid, an STi badge on the radiator grille, as well as a body painted in the WR Blue corporate color and golden wheels. The overall length of the novelty is 4,595 mm (wheelbase is 2,650), the width is 1,795, and the height is 1,475.

Models and prices Subaru WRX STI 2019.

MT6 - mechanics 6-speed, AWD - four-wheel drive

The main issue before the start of the exhibition was the engine, which will be installed under the hood of the novelty. It was assumed that it would be either a new 2.0-liter boxer from the WRX, but boosted from 268 to about 300 hp, or the model will retain the previous 2.5-liter engine.

As a result, the choice was made in favor of the latter, and it develops the same 300 forces (407 Nm) as on the car of the previous generation. As a transmission, the new Subaru WRX STI 2019 is now equipped exclusively with a 6-speed mechanics, although a five-speed automatic was available for the predecessor, and the WRX version can be supplied with a variator. The sedan spends 5.2 seconds to accelerate from zero to a hundred maximum speed reaches 255 km / h.

As before, the car has Symmetrical AWD all-wheel drive, but now it has got the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) system, which allows the driver to choose one of six options for the center differential. By default, traction is distributed between the axles at a ratio of 41:59 in favor of the rear wheels. And the stabilization system can now slow down the internal front wheel to reduce the effect of understeer.

New Subaru WRX STI retains control system power plant Si-Drive, providing three modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. Switching between them is controlled by the joystick located on the central tunnel, and parameters such as the response of the engine to pressing the accelerator pedal, the algorithm of the engine control unit, etc. are regulated.

The interior of the Subaru VRX STI 2018 in a new body repeats that of the WRX version, with the exception of the presence of the corresponding nameplates. And on the two screens that have appeared on the center console, you can now display a picture from the rear-view camera, boost pressure readings and information about the operation of the transmission and other systems.

In March of the sixteenth began accepting orders for the Subaru WRX STi of the next model year, which received two new body colors (red Pure Red and blue Lapis Blue Pearl), as well as a rearview mirror with auto-dimming, new multimedia with touch control and improved compatibility with smartphones , keyless entry function to the salon and system automatic control high beam(HBA). The technique remained unchanged.

But the price for the new Subaru WRX STi turned out to be just space - from 3,999,900 rubles, which is more expensive. For comparison, earlier they asked for a car from 2,349,900 rubles, while a better equipped version with a leather interior, a Harman Kardon audio system and navigation cost 2,534,900 rubles. Later, the company nevertheless came to their senses, and in August the price tag was lowered by 600,000 - to 3,399,000 rubles.

And in the summer of the seventeenth, sales of the 2019 model year began, for which today they are asking for 3,799,900. They modernized the brakes (the four-piston calipers in the front were replaced with six-piston ones, and the diameter of the discs was increased), plus the principle of the active center differential DCCD, which henceforth performs its functions solely on the commands of the electronics. The company claims that this solution made the lock faster and smoother than before.

The Subaru WRX STI is the ultimate driving pleasure. The car enthusiast who is in the driver's seat will feel absolutely confident in this 5-seater car. Passengers will discover a fundamentally new level of comfort. High-tech gadgets, improved symmetrical four-wheel drive, energy-intensive suspension, innovative engines are the key to reliability and flawless handling of this vehicle... Thanks to the thoughtful approach to the development of the model, its sale, including in a city like Moscow, caused a real full house.

Aggressive design

The new exterior design of this car embodies dynamism, sporty aggression and emotionality. A hint of the racing nature of Subaru VREX STAI cars is a low bumper with a fine-mesh grille, a stylish air intake on the hood, a predatory elongated shape of the head optics, a large exhaust nozzle.

Unrivaled comfort

Official Subaru dealers offer to buy a car for standard configuration which is characterized by high-quality interior trim. Particular ease of use is due to the presence of sports chairs, efficient climatic equipment, a capacious 460-liter luggage compartment, multimedia systems.

Driver ambitions

Specifications power unit the Subaru WRX STI is equipped with are simply magnificent. With its compact size and light weight, it is capable of delivering 300 hp. Thanks to the maximum torque value of 407 Nm, the vehicle accelerates rapidly (up to 100 m / h in 5.2 seconds) and a peak speed of 255 km / h. Such characteristics allow cars of this model to confidently win races against their "classmates".

Unique security solutions

The manufacturer managed to organize reliable protection people during the operation of Subaru vehicles with the help of highly effective safety means: traditional airbags, rollover protection, DCCD center differential lock change system, stability control function. The manufacturer's recommended price for this model is available to all representatives of the target audience.

And also such a rally car in civilian packaging enables the inhabitants of countries with not the best road network to become the owners of a very real, albeit very peculiar, supercar. Well, where, tell me, the Russian owner of the Bugatti Veyron can go, Lamborghini Aventador or Ferrari 488? And "Ryksa", aka "Verse", is suitable both for a feast and for the world. And what if all these monsters accelerate to a hundred per second, or even two faster?

The brainchild of Subaru Tecnica International gives the feeling of a sports car on the road with any surface, you can drive it around the city (although, frankly, this is a very dubious pleasure), and at the same time, the car is much more affordable than elite sports models, although more expensive than ordinary civilian cars of segment C. So you can amuse the driver's ego, and if you wish, the Subaru WRX STI is always ready to become a ticket to the world of big motorsport.

All of the above applies to all four generations of Subaru WRX STI, including the fourth presented in 2014. But Subaru's journey, Subaru-do, so to speak, implies constant improvement, and the 2018 WRX STI has received a number of fairly important changes.

They made it difficult to breathe

Let's start with the exterior. If you put cars 2017 and 2018 next to each other model years then the first thing you see is a new radiator grille with a cross bar, as well as powerful air intakes in place fog lights... The design of the lower air intake has also changed. Now both it and the bottom detail front bumper made of unpainted black high-impact plastic. The front lighting technology is also outlined a little differently, but this is not so important. It is important that the headlights received LED sources and an SRH (Steering Responsive Highlight) system, which allows the light beam to "peek" around the corner.

Through 18-inch spokes alloy wheels redesigned yellow calipers brake system Brembo. Previously, the calipers were black, but the point, again, is not at all that they were painted in a different color: six-piston calipers at the front and two-piston at the rear were installed on the updated "Poem". These are, perhaps, all the differences that can be seen from the outside.

The return of the Recaro

There are also enough new products in the salon. Previous WRX STIs were scolded for not being the best seats - many lacked lateral support. But now the Recaro sports seats have been registered here, in which the central part is covered with non-slip suede. In general, the overall range of the salon is decided "according to Stendhal": red and black. For example, not only the seat trims, but also the seat belts are painted red. Instrument scales are also lit in red. At the same time, a lot of black glossy elements appeared in the cabin.

Finally, as a tribute to the dual, sports-civilian purpose of the model, back in 2014, the Subaru Starlink media system with navigation and integration systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphones appeared in it. Of course, STI can hardly count on success in the "race of diagonals" that has broken out recently, but all the necessary functions are included in the device, and in the updated version the rear-view camera is supplemented by a forward-view camera that facilitates maneuvers in cramped conditions. Everything else is essentially familiar, including the crowning center console with a 5.9-inch multifunction display capable of showing boost pressure and a sport steering wheel with a cut-off segment at the bottom.

Amputation LSD

If we talk about purely technical updates, then the engine, transmission, intelligent control system four-wheel drive SI-Drive and ATV's thrust vectoring system remain unchanged. But the settings for both the front and rear suspension have undergone quite serious changes, and the cross-sectional diameter rear stabilizer decreased from 20 to 19 mm. All this should improve the smoothness of the ride, while not sacrificing an iota of controllability. Another major change is the DCCD (Driver Control Center Differential) multi-mode center differential.

Previously, the control of the differential operation consisted of a purely mechanical part, namely the LSD clutch, which blocked it depending on the incoming torque and the difference in the rotational speed of the front and rear wheels, and an electronically controlled disc-type clutch, which is managed by a special controller that collects data from a bunch of sensors steering wheel angle, throttling, braking and ABS.

And in the end, we got the following picture: on straight lines, the differential is in the locked position for the most efficient acceleration, but at the entrance to the turn it should be unlocked as much as possible. The electronics do it quickly and correctly, but the LSD clutch sometimes stuck in a locked state, impairing the car's behavior. As a result, Subaru engineers decided on a complete amputation of the LSD clutch, completely giving control to the electronics. But now I had to see how all this luxury goes ...

"Verse" on ice

Average fuel consumption per 100 km

In the recent past, Subaru did its best to prove that the WRX STI can show itself not only on rally tracks, but also on an asphalt track, and constantly emphasized that the reference point when adjusting the steering speed was not the eternal rival of the Lancer Evolution, but the Porsche 911. But now the company has decided to limit itself to the usual rally sphere, and in its most extreme version, winter and snow. This is probably why the surroundings of Rovaniemi, a town in Finnish Lapland, located almost on the Arctic Circle, were chosen to demonstrate the capabilities of the car. It was there that we were offered to try drifting on the ice rink, to drive a short but very technical rally track with complex corners, and so that we could immerse ourselves in our own racing imperfection and understand “how to do it in reality”, ride in the co-driver's place in "Racing taxi".

I must say that I sat behind the wheel of "Poems" with some apprehension. Still, ice, and even covered with a thin layer of snow that attacked in the morning (and such a cover generally works as a lubricant), in combination with three hundred horses and "mechanics" form a very fire-breathing mixture. The process of settling in the workplace did not take much time: the new Recaro seats are really very comfortable, and for a double, sports-civilian car - exactly what the doctor ordered, especially since in the older High configuration they are equipped with electric drives. I decided to get under way from the second gear - I was not used to the gas pedal yet, so at the first fountains of snow and ice crumbs from under the wheels at the start would be guaranteed. But on the second one you need to act accurately and accurately.

A short acceleration, I go to a circle, reset, turn the steering wheel, now the steering wheel is out of the turn and with gas, gas ... No, I didn't have time, everything is happening too quickly, and the car turns around. The second attempt is a little better, there is, put the car sideways, now pull, pull, pull with gas - that's it, the turn is over! Now something like a short straight, the next turn ... No, I didn't have time, and the car clings to a soft snow parapet. Another circle, one more ... The time allotted for the exercise is over, and things seem to be going smoothly, but I clearly understand: I have not come close to the real capabilities of the car.

An hour or two would be so practiced, you see, and could go through the whole circle smoothly, quickly and seamlessly. But maybe I'm the only one so inept? No, all of my colleagues' successes are at about the same level. For completeness of comparison, I change to a Subaru XV and go to the same circle. The crossover also does everything very accurately, but ... How much easier it is to put the STI into a turn, and how much stricter the Ryks treats any driver's mistakes!

Driver inferiority complex

"Rally stage" only confirms these feelings. I go through the first lap at the minimum speed in order to get acquainted with the track, then gradually I start to add, and my main goal is not to give the best time(by the way, no one fixes it), and pass the route cleanly. Here, after all, everything is simple: you made a mistake - "got out". As a rule, not only STI with its 135 mm cannot get out of the snow on its own ground clearance, but also crossovers much more adapted to this kind of events, so sit and wait for the tow truck to arrive.

Subaru WRX STI 2019 appeared in a private model back in 2014, just a few months ago, many were able to capture the appearance of a restyled version, a kind of tuning, three years later. The car has surely changed in appearance, even those who are not familiar with the image of its predecessor will be able to discern new tones. Nothing significant about the technique, a few details, which we will talk about in more depth below.

Many are attracted by the sporty insides of this car, some argue that in its current form, it looks like the famous Lancer Evolution, but believe me, we managed to look inside, touch every centimeter, and this car is an order of magnitude superior to it. The Subaru WRX STI 2019 has improved front end ergonomics, due to which, slightly, but still, driving performance has improved.

In the general structure of the Subaru WRX STI from 2019 in the front end, it foreshadowed a very global reincarnation, in part this is being observed. The body edges have truly become harmonious, with a huge allotment of sports elements. The most important thing that distinguishes the current release is the huge "mouth" of the air intake, which simply "devours" the incoming air flows.

The silhouette became a little voluminous, all this is due to the increased front end, in general, they tried to do the design with an eye on the "face" from the photo you can see it.

The same stern became puffy and angular. The bumper has acquired an interesting "skirt" in which the exhaust is placed. Not to say that this is an amazing solution, but it certainly has its share of style. Optics, yes, it remained from the previous model, this part generally does not bother true fans who love to "poke" and arrange a drift on the BPX.

Interior

In the cabin, the new Subaru WRX STI model was revised not only in appearance, ergonomics, style, but also functional, in terms of providing reliable information support to the driver. It means that for the driver they began to display all the devices on the upper screen, display the readings of the consumption graph, the "box" mode, the work of general electronics, including the "assistants".

In general, it is strictly difficult to judge, because a completely different meaning is laid for this car. Getting into the salon, there is nothing else but speed, you do not have to think about drive. This is, so to speak, a sports car for the city and country trips.

What to say about the materials, of course they are inferior in quality to premium cars in the same price category, but here the thoughts are completely different. The seats in front are practically "buckets", in the back, by the way, they are no worse than an ordinary sedan, three passengers will fit without problems. And the luggage compartment boasts an impressive 480 liters, as evidenced by the photo.

Specifications

For Subaru Model Impreza WRX STI specifications are of fundamental importance, because this is the heart of the car, its main component, and here everything should be excellent. The platform remained untouched, the "duet" drive is still there, with a unique system that allows the Impreza to "bypass" many more famous tuned brothers.

An interesting solution for the front suspension, here is a standard "MacPherson", but in an inverted state. Behind the classic, "multi-link" without any special "bells and whistles". There is a lot of electronics here, every detail is impregnated with it, they decided to prepare a more modernized assistance system for the electric power steering, with the ability to adjust.

The power section is still in only one "hands" - this is the only unit, atmospheric, with a volume of 2.5 liters. the parameters of which have been preserved within 300 "horses". But, a new "mechanics" for 6-shift is now adapting to it.

Options and prices

A broad description of the complete sets was not provided for Russian consumers, because only one modification is available, it is also the basic and the top one. On the Subaru Impreza WRX STI from 2019, the price may increase if you order tuning parts.

The possibility of tuning improvement remains, so you will not have significant problems on the way of your own modernization of the car. On the Impreza WRX STI the price will be 3 399 000 rubles. The equipment is good, LED lighting technology is already available, leather upholstery, electrification of the front seats, the possibility of heating, a two-ton climate, seven pillows, two "assistants", a cruise and a lot of equipment.