Subaru WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The Revamped Subaru has a 2.5-litre engine that is able to reach an impressive 155mph thanks to its 296bhp. As you might expect, all this power also produces impressive acceleration and the WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr reaches 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, making overtaking easy. The SI Drive system gives you the option to tweak the throttle response.

This newer model has been lowered so that its centre of gravity is lower than before. This has enhanced the handling of the WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr. Added to this is the four wheel drive, four cylinder engine which helps deliver an engaging drive.

The Fans of the old Impreza loved the excessive noise made by its powerful engine. This new four cylinder retains the impressive sound, and is very loud at higher revs. During regular driving it is still rather loud, although that may be desirable for potential buyers.

Just like the previous Imprezas this new model retains its sporty looks. It has a raised bonnet to force air into the engine, and there have been a number of slight improvements to the styling. The wheel arches have been widened and the base is wider than previous models. It has also been lowered to improve performance and appearance. There are four exhausts at the rear of the car, retained from previous Imprezas.

Though not the biggest hatchback on the market, the WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr has enough space in its interior to comfortably hold four adults. Seating a third rear passenger would be difficult. Compared to older models the boot space has been reduced, due to the widened wheel arches. What lets the Subaru down though is its interior, the plastic feels cheap and for a car of its price its disappointing. The upholstery is also below the standard that you would expect from such a pricey car.

As you might expect for a car of its price the WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr has an impressive array of features as standard, with hill start assist, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and a satellite tracking system all being supplied at no extra charge to the customer. Comparison with other hatchbacks can be difficult however.

The Subaru scored four stars in the Euro NCAP safety rating, similar to other cars of its type. Additional safety features include anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Dynamics Control, electronic brake force distribution. As well as driver, passenger and side airbags.

Subaru has a good reputation amongst previous Impreza owners. Providing good customer service and after sales care. The standard warranty is a three year 60,000 mile plan. This is as good as any of the cars in its range, providing the same warranty as Volkswagen does on the Scirocco.
Unsurprisingly the performance of the Subaru WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr means it is not the most economical of cars to run. It has an eye watering fuel economy of just 26.9mpg. The high carbon emissions mean that you will be in one of the highest road tax brackets as well as making it very expensive to insure.

It costs £32,995 brand new, which is a lot higher than other cars of its class, although it goes some way to making up for this with the range of features available and the blistering performance. Ultimately each customer will have to decide which is more important to them.

Added to this the Subaru WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr is much more expensive to run. The insurance rates, fuel costs and road tax are much higher than on comparable models. However what is clear is that the Subaru WRX STI 2.5 Type UK 5dr is by far the best performing of all the hatchbacks on the market. If you are willing to pay the high purchase price, then the running costs would not be much of a deterrent.