2011 Subaru WRX & WRX STi Review

Date: 07.09.2010

Meet Subaru’s newest turbocharged twins, the WRX and WRX STI, sporting new metal jackets and engineering.

Subaru's turbotwin assault

2011 Subaru WRX & WRX STi

SUBARU'S TURBOTWIN ASSAULT

Both Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive variants are available as widebody sedans, as well as the established hatch body.

The WRX STI offers an automatic choice – the fine-tuned five-speed paddle-shift until now only available in Japanese domestic market A-line versions.

Pricing still starts from $39,990 Manufacturer’s List Price* for both sedan and hatch variants. The WRX with optional SatNav, leather trim and sunroof is $1000 less than the superseded equivalent model.

WRX STI has reduced by $2000 and now starts from $59,990 for both sedan and hatch, auto or manual.

WRX STI’s auto is mated to the A-line’s 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 221 Kilowatts of power at 6200 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque between 3000-6000 rpm.

Manual WRX STIs retain the current engine, producing 221 kW at 6000 rpm and 407 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

WRX STI is five millimetres lower.

WRX and WRX STI share the sporty blistered guards that now set all performance variants apart from the normally aspirated Impreza range.

WRX STI suspension is totally revised. Sedan versions get a spoiler.

Both cars offer Bluetoothâ wireless technology compatibility.

Among the many major changes, WRX adds:

- Widebody sedan and hatch design
- New STI exhaust system – four tailpipes
- New lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gun metal grey finish
- New bumpers
- Wider front and rear track
- Wider tyres
- Rear suspension upgraded
- Bluetoothâwireless technology compatibility

WRX STI has:

- Introduction of widebody sedan
- Automatic option – STI-tuned five-speed paddle-shift
- A-line engine for auto – ideally set-up for sport performance
- Large aerodynamic rear spoiler on sedan
- Sporty new bumpers and grille
- Suspension totally revised for better cornering performance, handling and overall stability
- 5 mm lower - adding to sporty appearance
- New stainless steel exhaust tip design unique to model
- New wheels - lighter standard ENKEI 18-inch alloy wheels
- New finish on BBS 18-inch alloys on WRX STI spec.R
- Darker instrument panel and door trim
- Bluetoothâwireless technology-enabled audio system
- USB jack in centre console – non SatNav cars
- Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "All our turbocharged variants now look considerably different from the normally aspirated cars.

"That’s a conscious decision to appeal to the performance fans and enthusiasts that represent the loyal core of WRX and WRX STI customers.

"We constantly try to offer refinements and improvements over time and the significant upgrades to both models won’t disappoint."

He added: "We’re delighted by the fact we’ve managed to maintain the same price levels for entry level WRX, while actually reducing pricing for the WRX with optional SatNav, leather trim and sunroof, and also the WRX STI.

"This makes both choices absolutely incredible value, especially when you factor in the variety of engineering and cosmetic changes to the models."

As with every new Subaru sold in Australia, both the WRX and WRX STI have an independent five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from the respected Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

They’re also protected by DataDot security.

WRX – WHAT’S NEW

EXTERIOR

Both hatch and sedan feature the widebody style of the WRX STI.

All models feature sharper bumper corners and new design foglight surrounds that highlight the wide, low, aggressive look.

The bigger, dark finish grille merges with the headlight lines, underscoring the sporty look.

Sedans feature a rear diffuser that includes a centre rear fog light.

WRX has new lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gunmetal grey finish.

All models feature four exhaust tailpipes.

COLOURS – WRX AND WRX STI

- Plasma blue (WRX STI–only)
- Satin white pearl
- Spark silver metallic
- Dark grey metallic
- Obsidian black pearl
- WR blue mica
- Lightning red

INTERIOR

Both WRX and WRX STI adopt darker tone metal-type cabin finishes in line with their sporty theme.

Instrument clusters on all variants have more detailed gauge scales, including a "sweep" function when the ignition is turned on.

ENGINEERING

Front and rear track are widened by 35 mm and 40 mm respectively. Tyres are 10 mm wider.

Wider track and tyre width.

Rear suspension sub-frame bushings are changed.

EXHAUST

WRX adopts WRX STI’s exhaust, including four tail pipes and the distinctive note.

Sedans have an exhaust system unique to the model, with 80 mm diameter pipes.

SUSPENSION

In addition to an increase in turning stability via the wider front and rear track, the rear suspension subframe bushes have been fine-tuned.

This is claimed to optimise toe and camber rigidity, improving high speed stability and road holding.

BRAKES

WRX adds 16-inch front brake calipers plus pad return springs.

WRX STI – WHAT’S NEW

EXTERIOR

A four-door sedan variant of the current generation WRX STI is available for the first time.

Bumper corners are sharpened and fog lamp surrounds feature a new look, plus black-tone grille.

The rear bumper diffuser is located between the dual exhaust pipes.

WRX STI sedans have a large aerodynamic rear spoiler.

18-inch ENKEI alloy wheels are standard on WRX STI variants. Combined, they are 7.2 kg lighter than the superseded design.

18-inch BBS alloys on the WRX STI spec.R.

INTERIOR

Instrument panels and door trims now have a darker hue.

Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility is added to the standard audio, together with steering wheel-mounted buttons.

A USB jack is now located in the centre console box (non SatNav models).

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

WRX STI automatic variants adopt the Japan domestic market A-Line engine that produces 221 Kilowatts of power at 6200 rpm and 350 Newtonmetres of torque between 3000-6000 rpm.

Optional five-speed paddle shift automatic transmission.

It includes "blipping" control, which allows drivers to change quickly, for example, from fifth to third simply by operating the paddle shift twice in quick succession.

Temporary manual mode can even be used when "D" has been selected with the shifter.

The centre differential has a 45:55 front/rear torque distribution, continuously variable to suit driving conditions and offer optimum balance.

MANUAL GEAR RATIOS:

SUBARU INTELLIGENT DRIVE (SI-DRIVE)

The SI-Drive system in WRX STI is claimed to offer optimum drivability and power delivery across the operating range.

Drivers have the option to refine performance to suit their preferences by using a dial on the centre console.

It features three modes, each of which is displayed on the instrument panel:

Sport is the default mode.

Sport # boosts engine revolutions for sporty driving.

SI-Drive regulates the engine control unit, and fine-tunes the electronic throttle control.

The modes can be changed while the car is moving.

In Intelligent mode, a blinking indicator light located in the tachometer advises the driver when is the optimum time to change gear.

SUSPENSION

Suspension is completely revised, with ride height 5 mm lower.

A new aluminium lower arm is added to the front suspension. The rear bushes of the arm are changed to a pillow-ball type, improving toe and tread rigidity.

Rear suspension sub-frame bushing is changed to improve toe and camber rigidity.

Specialised tuning of the damping force of both front and rear dampers and changes to the front and rear coil springs and stabilisers.

Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabiliser bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm versus 20 mm in front and 19 mm versus 18 mm in rear. Spring rates have increased by 15.6 per cent in front and 53 per cent in the rear.

NEW WRX MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE

SAFETY

- ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Child seat anchor points
- Curtain airbags – full length front and rear
- Dual front airbags
- Dual side airbags
- Four wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear)
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt
- Front adjustable seatbelt anchorage
- Hill Start Assist
- Rear door child lock
- Seatbelt indicator lights – front seats
- Shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals
- Side intrusion bars
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (electronic stability control system)

INTERIOR

- Alloy pedals
- AM/FM radio, in-dash CD, MP3/WMA compatible, 10 speakers
- AUX jack
- Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled audio**
- Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in centre console
- Boot/cargo area light
- Cargo hooks (hatch)
- Cargo security blind (hatch)
- Central locking – remote. Two keys supplied.
- Climate control air conditioning
- Cruise control – steering wheel buttons
- Driver’s footrest
- Height and reach adjustable steering column
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- Immobiliser security system
- Leather trim steering wheel with red stitching and audio controls; leather gearshift
- Map lights (2)
- Power steering, mirrors and windows
- Privacy glass
- Rear illumination electroluminescent instrument display
- Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap
- Sports bucket front seats with red stitching and WRX logo - seatback pocket (passenger side)
- Vanity mirrors
- 60/40 split/fold rear seat
- 12V/120W power jacks

EXTERIOR

- Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
- Double locking system
- Front fog lights
- Headlights auto off
- Mesh grille
- Privacy glass
- Quad exhaust
- Rear diffuser
- Rear roof spoiler with LED brake light (hatch); sedan boot spoiler with LED brake light
- Rear roof mounted radio antenna
- Rear wiper (hatch)
- Remote central locking – two keys supplied
- Self-levelling Xenon headlights with pop-up washers
- Sports body kit
- WRX badges – grille and boot/hatch
- 17-inch alloy wheels – spacesaver spare

ENGINEERING

- Active Valve Control System
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
- Rear Limited Slip Differential – Open front, Torsen type rear
- 2.5 litre four cylinder DOHC horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine.
- 195 kW/6000 rpm, 343 Nm/4000 rpm.

OTHER FEATURES

- Alarm system
- Auto hatch/boot unlock on key
- DataDot security technology
- Three year Roadside Assist
- Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty

OPTIONS

- Leather trim with WRX logo, sunroof and satellite navigation

MY11 WRX PRICING

*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.

WRX sedan and hatch $39,990

WRX sedan and hatch with SatNav, leather trim and sunroof $43,990

MY11 WRX HIGHLIGHTS

- Widebody sedan and hatch design – new front bumper and grille, WRX badges
- New STI exhaust system – four tailpipes
- New lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gun metal grey finish
- New bumpers
- Wider front and rear track
- Wider tyres
- Rear suspension upgraded - sharper, more aggressive handling
- Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility
- WRX entry-level pricing maintained – simple choice between hatch or sedan
- WRX option with SatNav, leather trim and sunroof $1000 less than superseded equivalent model

NEW WRX STI MY11 MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE

SAFETY

- ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Child seat anchor points
- Curtain airbags – full length front and rear
- Dual front airbags
- Dual side airbags
- Four wheel disc brakes (ventilated)
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Double pretensioners on driver’s seatbelt
- Front adjustable seatbelt anchorage
- Hill Start Assist (manual)
- Rear door child lock
- Seatbelt indicator lights – front seats
- Shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals
- Side intrusion bars
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Three-point A/ELR rear centre seatbelt
- Vehicle Dynamics Control – multi-mode (Full, Traction and Off).

INTERIOR

- Alloy pedals
- AM/FM radio, in-dash CD, MP3/WMA compatible, 10-speakers
- Auxiliary jack
- Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled audio*
- Bottle holders in each door + two cup holders in centre console
- Cargo/boot area light
- Cargo hooks (hatch)
- Cargo security blind (hatch)
- Central locking – remote. Two keys supplied
- Climate control air conditioning
- Cruise control – steering wheel buttons
- Driver’s footrest
- Height and reach adjustable steering column
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- Immobiliser security system
- Leather sports steering wheel with audio controls; leather gearshift
- Map lights (2)
- Power steering, mirrors and windows
- Privacy glass
- Rear illumination electroluminescent instrument display
- Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap
- Sports bucket seats
- STI badging
- USB jack in centre console – non SatNav
- Vanity mirrors
- 60/40 split/fold rear seat
- 12V/120W power jacks

EXTERIOR

- 18-inch wheels with STI logo – spacesaver spare
- Colour-coded mirrors and door handles – mirrors with integrated indicators and electronic folding
- Double locking system
- Front fog lights
- Headlights auto off
- Quad exhaust – airflow resistance reduced 38 per cent
- Rear diffuser
- Rear roof spoiler on hatch with LED brake light; aerodynamic STI boot spoiler on sedan
- Rear roof mounted radio antenna
- Rear wiper - hatch
- Remote central locking – two keys supplied
- Self-levelling Xenon headlights with pop-up washers
- Sports body kit
- STI badging

ENGINEERING

- Driver Control Centre Differential (DCCD – manual)
- Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS)
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
- Front and rear Limited Slip Differentials. Manual: Helical front, Torsen type rear. Auto: Front open, viscous coupling rear.
- Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive)
- Sports ABS
- 2.5 litre four cylinder DOHC horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine. Manual: 221 kW/6000 rpm, 407 Nm/4000 rpm. Auto: Auto 221 kW/6200 rpm, 350 Nm/3000-6000rpm

OTHER FEATURES

- Alarm security system
- Auto hatch/boot unlock on key
- DataDot security technology
- Three-year unlimited kilometre warranty

WRX STI SPEC.R ADDS:

- 18-inch lightweight BBS alloy wheels
- Satellite navigation with Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility**
- Leather trim
- Sunroof

WRX STI SPEC.R WITH RECARO ADDS:

- Recaro seats

* Depending upon the software in individual mobile telephones.

WRX STI MY11 PRICING

*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.

- WRX STI manual hatch $59,990
- WRX STI auto hatch $59,990

- WRX STI manual sedan $59,990
- WRX STI auto sedan $59,990

- WRX STI spec.R manual hatch SatNav $65,990
- WRX STI spec.R manual hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990

- WRX STI spec.R auto hatch SatNav $65,990
- WRX STI spec.R auto hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990

- WRX STI spec.R manual sedan SatNav $65,990
- WRX STI spec.R manual sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990

- WRX STI spec.R auto sedan SatNav $65,990
- WRX STI spec.R sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990

MY11 WRX STI HIGHLIGHTS

EXTERIOR

- Aerodynamic flared front and rear guards – zero lift design
- Colour-coded electronically folding wing-mirrors with integrated indicators
- Dunlop SP 600 tyres
- Quad exhaust system
- Rear wing and diffuser to optimize road holding
- Front and rear bumpers and grille unique to model
- Xenon low beam headlights with pop-out power jet washers
- 18-inch alloy wheels

INTERIOR

- Large cabin, short and light body
- Optimum NVH
- STI front door sill panel
- STI instruments

ENGINEERING

- 2.5 litre DOHC turbocharged engine. A-line engine for auto – ideally set-up for sport performance
- Dual Active Valve Control System (AVCS), ensures optimum power and torque output
- Manual engine meets Euro STEP5 emission standard; auto STEP4
- Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension ensures optimum drivability
- Framed doors for enhanced safety and NVH
- Multi-mode Drive Control Centre Differential – manual only
- SI-Drive
- Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
- STI close ratio six-speed manual gearbox
- Body stiffened at strategic points to aid rigidity and performance
- Braked towing capacity of 1200 kg
- Light front suspension – improved steering response and cornering, reduced NVH
- Double wishbone rear suspension – sharper handling, less cargo area intrusion

SAFETY

- Vehicle Dynamics Control across the range
- ANCAP five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety; four-star pedestrian rating
- All-Wheel Drive
- Dual front, side and curtain airbags
- Ring-shaped reinforcements around the cabin
- Hill Start Assist

MY11 WRX AND WRX STI ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

TRANSMISSION

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS WRX AND WRX STI

FUEL

STEERING, BRAKES, TYRES & TOWING

* Not applicable for WRX and WRX STI sedan variants.

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