Let’s not beat around the bush: everyone secretly wants a 2016 Subaru WRX STI. Unfortunately for most of us, the $40,000-plus sticker price for a kitted WRX STI makes it a pipe dream for the majority of prospective buyers. It goes without saying that us mortals are left with the run-of-the-mill WRX that starts from $26,595. Still, the rally-bred car can be thoroughly enhanced with the STI Sport Package.
Animated by a 2-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder, it goes without saying that the 268 horsepower and a meaty 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of all-wheel drive twist is enough to keep a spirited driver on his toes. Despite the twin-scroll turbo’s maximum boost pressure of 15.9 psi, the 2-liter boxer is a frugal engine as well. The EPA ratings promise 27 mpg (8.7 l/100 km)highway and 20 mpg (11.7 l/100 km) city.
In comparison to the full-on 2016 Subaru WRX STI, the WRX is more down to Earth. But its sensibility doesn’t mean that the 2016 Subaru WRX is as fun as a postal office on a Tuesday afternoon. Want some more fun? $3,403 will buy you the WRX Sport Package, comprising of black-painted 15-spoke aluminum wheels, STI leather and aluminum short-throb shift knob and a Performance Exhaust from the Subaru Tecnica International division.
Easily installable at your nearest Subaru dealership, the performance components that make up the WRX Sport Package are all covered by factory warranties. Benefits don’t end here. The 18x8.5-inch STI 15-spoke wheels enhance appearance and reduce unsprung weight too. That ultimately translates to better steering precision and handling prowess.
The six-speed manual transmission with the short-throw shifter enables quicker cog swapping. Other than the go-faster side of the deal, the aluminum/leather finish isn’t too shabby either. Last but not least, the STI Performance Exhaust should let the engine breathe better. Nevermind the added volume - the STI logo stamped on the tips are to die for. Although unconfirmed by Subaru, we have this gut feeling the performance exhaust hikes the output too.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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