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Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI First Look, First Drive and Full Test

106 messages,  Last post on Apr 29, 2008 at 9:18 AM

You are in the Subaru Impreza Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Hatchback

First Look: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - A six-speed manual transmission is part of the package, and it carries triple-cone synchros on 1st gear and double-cone synchros on 2nd and 3rd. Subaru is also promising better fuel economy than the previous engine. (more)
 
First Drive: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2.0 - With new five-door hatchback packaging and nondescript styling, the Impreza targets a whole new customer base — drivers more interested in 4WD safety and interior roominess than rallying heritage. But you'd never believe the STI is essentially the same car. (more)
 
Full Test: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - Significant changes to the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI have simultaneously given it more performance and more practicality. (more)

Messages Page 7 of 11

#57 of 106 Re: Broader Audience w/o Auto Trans??? [byronwalter] by paisan

Dec 08, 2007 (8:30 pm)

Replying to: byronwalter (Dec 08, 2007 11:26 am)
I was in a new 07 STi Limited today. I have to say the car is totally amazing. Basically it gives you the performance of the STi without all the boy-racer looks and with all the creature comforts (moonroof, leather, heated seats, etc).
 
Very nice piece of machinery.
 
-mike

#58 of 106 Re: Broader Audience w/o Auto Trans??? [paisan] by tiff_c

Dec 08, 2007 (10:48 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 08, 2007 8:30 pm)
I was in a new 07 STi Limited today. I have to say the car is totally amazing. Basically it gives you the performance of the STi without all the boy-racer looks and with all the creature comforts (moonroof, leather, heated seats, etc).
 
Is this the new 2008 STI or the older model?

#59 of 106 Re: Broader Audience w/o Auto Trans??? [paisan] by dstew1

Dec 09, 2007 (10:01 am)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 08, 2007 8:30 pm)
The first time I saw one an STI Limited a year or so ago, I was shocked at how mature it looked. Take that giant spoiler off the back and give it a nicer interior, and it is a pretty good looking car. I think it helped that it was Satin White Pearl, and not the immediately recognizable WRB.

#60 of 106 Re: Broader Audience w/o Auto Trans??? [tiff_c] by paisan

Dec 09, 2007 (10:20 am)

Replying to: tiff_c (Dec 08, 2007 10:48 pm)
I was in a new 07 STi Limited today. I have to say the car is totally amazing. Basically it gives you the performance of the STi without all the boy-racer looks and with all the creature comforts (moonroof, leather, heated seats, etc).
  
Is this the new 2008 STI or the older model?
 
It was an 07 (old body style)
 
-mike

#61 of 106 Re: Broader Audience w/o Auto Trans??? [dstew1] by paisan

Dec 09, 2007 (10:21 am)

Replying to: dstew1 (Dec 09, 2007 10:01 am)
The first time I saw one an STI Limited a year or so ago, I was shocked at how mature it looked. Take that giant spoiler off the back and give it a nicer interior, and it is a pretty good looking car. I think it helped that it was Satin White Pearl, and not the immediately recognizable WRB.
 
I think it was only available in White, Grey and Black, and no gold wheels either.
 
-mike

#62 of 106 Did they get the right balance??? by ccd1

Dec 10, 2007 (11:45 am)

There was a review of this car in the Washington Post. The biggest question is whether they positioned the car in "no man's land" as opposed to appealing to a broader audience, ie not hard core enough for the car's traditional audience, but still not civilized enough for the broader public. The ride is still apparently bone jarring.

#63 of 106 Re: Did they get the right balance??? [ccd1] by byronwalter

Dec 10, 2007 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: ccd1 (Dec 10, 2007 11:45 am)
The reviews are all over the map on the '08. Some say the handling has moved a notch up from what was already a lofty level while others have claimed that the car either over or under steers like a pig. But all have said that the ride is smoother than before.
 
I really hate the front end "over bite" on the new car. It looks like the front wheels are a couple of feet back from the car's snout.
 
I've driven the previous gen STi and have been impressed. As mentioned above the Limited version spares the styling theatrics. I wonder if there are any left in the country?

#64 of 106 Re: Did they get the right balance??? [ccd1] by ateixeira

Dec 10, 2007 (3:43 pm)

Replying to: ccd1 (Dec 10, 2007 11:45 am)
Saw that, too.
 
Warren Brown makes a few mistakes, as he always does when he writes about a Subaru (last time it actually required printed corrections).
 
I wouldn't put too much weight on the article. Plus, he basically said it was too refined.

#65 of 106 Subaru betters Mistubishi by aviboy97

Dec 11, 2007 (1:25 pm)

From the looks of it, here in NA, Subaru is sending us a better representation of their STi then Mitsubishi is of their EVO.
 
I'm not too keen on the styling of the Subaru, I believe most of us feel that way. However, it seems to be a better performer, plus they keep the weight off. The EVO is just too darn heavy. Come on...3,500 lbs?? That is in the Mazdaspeed6 weight class.
 
From the looks of it, it seems like the U.S. spec EVO runs similar times to that of the Mazdaspeeds (3 and 6) according to the latest MT mag, the EVO runs 5.4 to 60mph and 14.0 in the 1/4 mile. Not the performance I was expecting.

#66 of 106 Subaru Destroys Its Chances of Success by 1999vr4

Dec 11, 2007 (2:09 pm)

Subaru "betters" Mitsu?? NOT! Subaru is a company that continues its string of massive mis-steps. First, with its horrifyingly nasty looking Tribeca...that was a disaster that kept Subaru from taking market share in the crossover segment...but what did they do? Now, the Tribeca is styled waaay to conservatively, looking like a Kia. The Impreza is the next victim with the most unremarkable and conservative styling of any car out today...even the hood scoop can't save its looks. And the STI, look anywhere...read any blog MOST, if not ALL comments say the looks are wrong wrong wrong...EVO's at least look the part...but the EVO is a disappointment because it does not offer a six speed manual. To me, that is yet another way Mitsubishi just thumbs its nose at the enthusiasts...as it did when it killed the all wheel drive turbo Eclipse...Oh, well, at least you will buy a Subaru...

Messages Page 7 of 11

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