Subaru WRX STI (2014 – 2018) Review

Subaru WRX STI (2014 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5

+Powerful and vocal boxer engine. Responsive handling with mountains of grip. Large and practical interior.

-Running costs are huge. The attention-seeking exterior won't be for everyone. Cabin feels cheap and dated.

Insurance Group 40
On average it achieves 100% of the official MPG figure

The Subaru WRX is a high performance family car that's built in the same image as the Imprezas that dominated rallying in the late 1990s. As a result the WRX has a boisterous road presence that's backed up by a 2.5-litre boxer engine pumping 305PS through a race-tuned four-wheel drive system. However, while enthusiasts will enjoy the fun and theatrics, the WRX doesn't actually improve the old and tired Impreza formula.  

The WRX is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol boxer engine, producing 305PS and 392Nm of torque. The 2.5-litre engine is high revving and full of vocal character, with the 0-62mph dash taking just 5.2 seconds. Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission that has been reinforced to provide a shorter throw.

The WRX is extremely capable with its stiff chassis providing good balance and lots of feel in the corners. The four-wheel drive system is also excellent, with seemingly endless grip that will make the Subaru apt for high octane driving in all but the harshest of conditions.

Yet, for all of its grip and power, the WRX has some notable drawbacks: the steering is heavy and needs considerable work to get the best from it, while the cumbersome gearbox makes rapid gear changes difficult. The engine is loud at motorway speeds too and the brutal ride makes the WRX a gruelling experience for passengers over long trips. 

The WRX does have a large cabin though, with ample head and leg room for up to four adults. The boot is a decent size too, with 460 litres; however, the interior lacks quality, while the layout feels rather dated compared to the modern and airy cabins of the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R.

For enthusiasts the WRX will undouble represent the embodiment of a high performance Subaru; the styling is typical of the old Impreza WRX, with a large bonnet scoop and oversized rear spoiler, while diehards will find the booming 2.5-litre engine to be the perfect accompaniment to the WRX's all-round retro appeal. However, for almost everyone else, the WRX will feel like something from a time warp. 

Indeed, compared to the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R, the WRX is too uncompromising, too noisy and too arduous to be considered as a daily driver. The running costs are also painfully high, with a claimed 27.2mpg and 242g/km of CO2. Subaru’s standard warranty is also reduced from five year/100,000 to just three years/60,000. 

Real MPG average for a Subaru WRX STI (2014 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

100%

Real MPG

24–29 mpg

MPGs submitted

13

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

My car has developed a fault, what are my rights?

"I recently bought a 2014 Subaru WRX STI from a secondhand dealer, which came with a three-month engine and gearbox warranty. A week later, there was a knocking noise from the engine. I phoned the dealer and he asked me to return the car to the dealer 70 miles away, which I agreed to at my own cost and I arranged for a car transporter to deliver the car. Do I have rights and what do they cover?"
Under the 2015 Consumer Rights Act you have the right to reject a car from a dealer within 30 days of purchase if your rights have been breached. This is called the short term 'right to reject'. It covers faults that were present - or developing - when you bought it, or it was received in a condition that does not match what you were told. But it'll be up to you to prove that's the case. After 30 days you lose the short-term right to reject. For more advice on rejecting a car see our guide here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-consumer-rights/
Answered by Sarah Tooze

When will the Subaru WRX STI reach the UK?

"Can you tell me when I will be able to buy a Subaru WRX STI?"
The official on sale date in the UK for the new model is 1 May. For more information see its car by car entry here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/subaru/wrx-sti-2014/
Answered by Honest John
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