2014 Subaru WRX STI 2.5L DOHC 6MT AWD (309 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Subaru made a bold decision when it launched the 2014 WRX STI on the market as a four-door sedan since it dropped the Impreza nameplate from the car’s moniker.

Thanks to its six titles in the World Rally Championship and 122 podiums in 193 races, the Impreza was a respectable nameplate in the world of motor racing. Its street version was equally fast and could shame many other sports cars that cost more than it. Furthermore, Subaru created specific products labeled as WRX and its more powerful brother, the WRX STI. But as time went by, the automaker decided to split the regular Impreza from its much more performant siblings. These two had a different market segment, and the car manufacturer considered it a wise decision. As a result, in 2014, it launched them as independent products. While the WRX was a mix between a family vehicle and a sports car, the one with the STI (Subaru Tecnica International) was all business despite its four-door sedan bodywork. The automaker unveiled it at the 2014 North American International Motor Show as a 2015 model year for U.S. customers.

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but the WRX STI didn’t try to hide its capabilities. At the front, the cars featured an upper hexagonal grille between the headlights adorned with red STI lettering. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker added a broad, trapezoidal-shaped air intake that brought fresh air to the intercooler, and it was flanked by large side scoops, which sported the fog lamps. The raptor-like headlights with LED low-beam lamps enhanced the aggressive car’s look. On top of these, the automaker installed an aluminum hood featuring a functional scoop.

From its profile, the enlarged wheel arches covered the fat 245/40 tires wrapped around 18-inch light-alloy wheels. In addition, the aerodynamically profiled side sills confirmed the sports-oriented character of the WRX STI. However, Subaru didn’t stop there with the aggressive car styling and continued with enlarged rear quarter panels. At the back, on the deck, the automaker placed a large wing that could add downforce to the vehicle. Finally, the rear fascia featured LED taillights that flanked the trunk’s lid, while underneath the bumper, the car manufacturer included a diffuser flanked by four exhausts.

Inside, the rally-inspired cabin confirmed to its customers that this was not an ordinary vehicle. Subaru installed two large dials with red numbers inside the instrument cluster for the speedometer and tachometer. Between them, the automaker added a TFT display that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. A leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel featuring buttons for the media and a lower spoke adorned by the STI badge told the driver they were in good hands. Atop the center stack, Subaru offered a 6.5-inch navigation/multimedia screen as an option. However, the sports seats with high bolstered areas and Alcantara wrapping were standard. Between them, the WRX STI featured a center console that housed the gear stick and the hand brake. In the U.S., Subaru also offered a 1,000-unit limited edition version that sported a unique plaque next to the driver that showed the car’s production number.

Under the hood, the Japanese engineers worked hard to create one of the most impressive engines fitted on a sports sedan. It was a 2.5-liter, turbocharged flat-four unit that could send more than 300 ponies in all corners via Subaru’s reckoned symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential on the rear axle did wonders in terms of performance. In addition, the car manufacturer also offered advanced settings for the center diff, depending on road conditions (gravel, snow, and tarmac).