Subaru Australia has just slapped a sticker of just $49,990 (Australian dollars) on the brand new 2015 WRX STI and sent it out to do track battle. That's cheaper by about a fifth compared to the older model, a true performance bargain for the Aussies.
This is the third most important market for hot Subarus, right after the US and Japan. Prices there have already been announced for the 2015 WRX model, which in Australia costs from $38,990, also significantly less than before.
But what do you get with the STI that the WRX can't muster? For starters, "more" engine, 2.5 liters producing 221 kW (305 hp) from a boxer mill similar to a lot of other Subarus, but fitted with a tuned ECU and dual Active Valve Control (AVCS). 0 to 100 km/h is claimed to be 4.9 seconds, though some independent tests done in America suggest it's even faster.
The STI is also much more of a driver's car, thanks to a better six-speed manual with reinforced internals and a shorter throw. There's also sophistication hidden in the typical three drive that modes include ‘Intelligent’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Sharp’.
As standard, the performance sedan will come with LED headlights, hill start assist, welcome home lights, dual-zone climate control, navigation, a 4.3-inch center display and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Check out what the new WRX STI has been up to in Australia recently:
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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