WRX STi: huge disappointment

[Vulture]

I went to the Brisbane motorshow on Friday and got a good look at the WRX STi. Very good of Subaru to have them on the floor and access available (unlike the EvoX). I tried very hard to like the STi (the WRX is sadly not even in the hunt with its soft looks and inboard wheels). I really wanted to like it as I thought it might be a more nimble alternative to an LS3 HSV - but I could not. I cannot fathom what Subaru are up to with this car.

The idea was to create a more 'mature' premium hatch that buyers of cars like the Audi S3, VW Gold GTi and R32 etc. would consider buying. Hence the price has gone up significantly to $65 000 for the top of the two models. The base STi gets five spoke wheels and leather insert seats and the higher model gets full leather seats with more support and the light weight but horridly ugly wheels. The STi was always a pretty hard core machine and that is why people bought it. I think they have alienated that group and aimed at the other, premium buyer - but have they missed the mark?

For a start, premium hatches usually have excellent interior ambience and quality materials for trimming. The STi, even the higher priced model, has cheap, hard plastics throughout and does not make that premium hatch statement to the driver. This is the interior that could have been served up in 2005 but not in 2008 as the game has moved forward significantly in this category. Cheap plasticy switchgear is an insult to someone spending near $70 000 by the time it is on the road.

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The exterior styling is an improvement over the WRX. The STi shares very few panels with the base WRX but I am not sure why they bothered as it is simply not different enough nor muscular enough in stance and road presence. Those rear tail lights are an abomination. The overhang on the front is too big; the premium wheels are ugly but the cheaper, five spoke wheels look a lot better- a very common comment according to the Subaru representative. The wider track on the STi is noticeable when comparing WRX and its higher spec brother together. From certain angles, the front starts to look acceptable but never really generates any lust in one's heart. If the rear styling was coherently integrated into the front then I think things would have worked out better. The rear view is dominated by the ugly clear tail lamps and the down-turned angle of them imparts a sad, soft look.

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I can appreciate what Subaru are trying to achieve with the placement of this car but they have sorely missed the mark and I will be surprised if this is not reflected in reduced sales. The price puts it in premium hatch territory but it doesn't have the quality or interior 'feel' nor styling to carry it off. At the same time those of us who wanted an aggressively styled, ball-tearer will be looking elsewhere. A lose-lose situation in my opinion. The performance, ride and safety are surely very high but I think the game has moved on and Subaru have failed to appreciate this and have delivered an underdone product, particularly considering the price. Have a look inside a R32 Golf if you need further confirmation. A missed opportunity. Despite the performance I am very sceptical that this car could steal sales from the premium Euro hatches. What do you think?

[VYSHSV8]

Have seen a shit load of the new WRX's running around and they look shit, look like a corrola front and an astra rear end....haven't seen any STI's though...


My thinking is that the EVO's are gonna double there sales from now on...

[V28VX37]

Very good writeup Vulture.

Personally I don't understand why they decided to go hatch with the new WRX/STI in the first instance. There's heaps of hot hatches from a large number of manufacturers out there but trying to score a decent looking high performance small/medium sedan is now a lot harder than before (Holden: hint hint). And yes, I am aware of the new WRX sedan but sadly it's not much of a looker either.

Just my 2c...

[Wonky]

Certainly does nothing for me, especially at that price........

[Strick]

I really dont like this new WRX/STI, ive seen a few in real life and i still havent changed my opinion since seeing some spy shots of it. I think alot more will move towards the EVO now where as before it was a much tougher choice.

[EfiJy]

go the evo. always beeen better than sti

[cashie]

Great writeup Vulture...
At times over the years I have seriously considered the WRX, but now, there is NO way I would ever own one.

[Mad4Monaros]

Good write up, But at that price there are ALOT more cars which offer far better value. Inside looks very plain and boring.

[AFAR]

Only wrx type car ive ever liked are the 2door my98-my99 versions.
SSV > wrx
GTS > STI


Twisties dont mean shit on our roads.
However oddly (even Ironically/hyprocritcally) in a few years time ill be considering an EVO.

[Mungrel]

Personally i've never liked rex's
I had a look at a couple when i worked in a dealership that sold them.
The exterior on them i don't mind, but the interior IMO has always been the let down.

[Ahyeah]

Its a mazda 3..

I dont know why subaru wanted to make the car appeal to the premium car buyers, isnt the Liberty supposed to be more 'upmarket' where the rex is ballistic?

For me a rex is all about turbo lag, zero suspension travel, and a 6000rpm launch that makes you nautious:bow::bow::bow:

Subaru wrecked it :spew::spew::spew:

[Mad4Monaros]

Personally i've never liked rex's
I had a look at a couple when i worked in a dealership that sold them.
The exterior on them i don't mind, but the interior IMO has always been the let down.


I couldn't agree with you more, Afew years ago I jumped in a 99 WRX and I couldn't believe how plain and boring it was. The interior just looked cheap and nasty. Just my opinion...

[GDB]

You're "hugely disappointed" by the LOOKS of the STi WITHOUT HAVING DRIVEN IT?

No offense but you're probably not their prime target market anyway.

[Mungrel]

You're "hugely disappointed" by the LOOKS of the STi WITHOUT HAVING DRIVEN IT?

No offense but you're probably not their prime target market anyway.

Perhaps, but he does make a very valid point with regards to trim.
How many high end cars do you see with hard plastics etc?

[nick1980]

subaru have delivered decent medium performance car for many years im a fan of the peanut shaped headlight models 03/05 but i cant see me going out and buying an 08 its not quite my style and i cant justify the price tag on it

[planetdavo]

I think Subaru head office will be happy the car wont appeal to the backward cap wearing, ram raiding, street racer type crowd any more.
Looks like Mitsubishi may have the "benefit" (cough) of owning that market now...

[Vulture]

You're "hugely disappointed" by the LOOKS of the STi WITHOUT HAVING DRIVEN IT?

No offense but you're probably not their prime target market anyway.

It almost doesn't matter how it drives it is that disagreeable for the money spent. I also disagree with your comment. I am probably the PRIME target of the STi. 35yo professional with high income. Here are some pics of the interior of the R32 Golf to give you an idea of how a premium hatch interior is done - and remember that the Golf has been out for, what, three or four years now? A discerning buyer (like me :jester:) is going to turn their nose at the STi, sorry, sad but true. At least it makes the choice easy.

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I think Subaru head office will be happy the car wont appeal to the backward cap wearing, ram raiding, street racer type crowd any more.
Looks like Mitsubishi may have the "benefit" (cough) of owning that market now...

This kind of buyer couldn't afford the STi anyway...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/2254648996_238ca6fb0b_o.jpg

The Golf R32 (soon to be superceded) is about the same price as the STi. Now which one would you choose? Now THAT is an interior...

[planetdavo]

Perhaps, but the STI flows on from the WRX, and most consider the STI to be "just" a glorified WRX, with all the negatives that go with that image.
Personally, I don't like either version myself, but I can see what they were aiming for. I agree that the Golf is a better "premium" hatch, something the Japanese makers often struggle to match.

[GDB]

The Golf R32 reference just about sums it up, perfect conclusion :)

Those wanting a REAL premium hatch with preference over interior quality, prestige, build quality = R32 market

Those putting PERFORMANCE over everything else = STi. This has been STi's prime target market (from my point of view at least).

Also worth remembering is: Australia is hardly the STi's main market; USA and domestic Japan being the key markets. In both territories the STi is priced quite competitively. Low enough to attract the baseball cap wearing crowd :)

Just my 2cents anyway....

[iamhappy46]

Having owned an R32 for 9 months, it would have to be one of my favourite interiors. The swirled alloy trim oozes class, something that STi are just not able to match. Everything about the R32 is much more refined, sophisticated and cohesive. The R36 Golf should really give the STi a wake up call performance wise ;)
The R32 golf has an interior akin to a high priced Audi(parts bin anyone?), not to mention some of the meatiest brakes this side of Italy.

That said, my Golf left for its new home recently(was having nasty thoughts of a voiding the warrnty with a turbo) and am currently considering the EVO X as a worthy succesor and the EVO DSG style gearbox would make my dodgey left ankle swoon with joy. The STi does not appeal to me one bit or I would have considered a Mazda 3 MPS or Golf GTi.

Now to convince my missus that an EVO X with 19" Volk TE37's would be a nice driveway ornament. Got a few weeks to decide and I might even wait until the Mark 6 Golf is released and decide then...

[iloveholden]

Yeah go for the golf the STI is bloody awful. The inside isnt up to sratch but the exterior alone is horrible plus they reckon the STI has lost its hard edge and awsome sound.

Cousin of mine has the 05 STI which is the model after the buglights and is a far better looking in my opinion then the last two models.

[ACUZED]

to me if the car doesnt look at all appealing inside or out ur less likely to buy it arent u? no matter how good the drives if u cant get an equal balance of looks, performance, quality and price u aint goin to look favourable towards that car... the sti did nothin for me mainly cause it a hatch i kno but the inside looked cheap low end plastic with no polished steel or any metal like the Golf and the radio sure did look cheap and nasty no lcd screen and looked back to a really really old style radio jus my opinion anyway...

[emg]

The STI interior is stuck in 90's... HORRID!

[iamhappy46]

Rxactly, the new STi looks like it needs an aftermarket stereo just to bring it into the 21st century.

[ImpulSSiVZ]

MK 6 Golf GTI will have 180kw standard.
It's getting there......

[ringram]

I think these pictures are better off on this website :)
http://www.darkcreek.com/toilets

[chilly]

i,ll stay with this V12 horizontally mounted "sleeper"

http://chilly.theddrzone.com/public/Chilly.jpg

[NickS]

You're "hugely disappointed" by the LOOKS of the STi WITHOUT HAVING DRIVEN IT?

No offense but you're probably not their prime target market anyway.

Surely they have a serious problem if no one even wants to test drive it because it looks so bloody terrible !!!

:confused:

[DTP]

I have always loved WRX STIs despite their ordinary looks, but this new one is just SO PAINFULLY UGLY. I even went to a dealer to have a test drive because STIs have always been a lot better to drive than look at, but get this.

"Im sorry sir this is a static demo, were not allowed to let people test drive it without a definite order for one"

And this is from a dealer that i have previously bought a new $60,000 Subaru from!

AND if you want the STI with sat nav plus the good seats you are looking at almost $80,000 once you get it on road!!!!!!

[Vulture]

AND if you want the STI with sat nav plus the good seats you are looking at almost $80,000 once you get it on road!!!!!!

Fug that! :confused: I think they have priced it all wrong (in Australia anyway). At $50 000 or so you could ignore the looks and cheap interior but not at $65 000+


I think these pictures are better off on this website :)
http://www.darkcreek.com/toilets

:rofl: nice one.

[LargeRice]

WRX looks horrible. STI looks horrible.:spew:
The STI is a confused car trying to be everything, performance AND luxury but instead had performance, horrific looks and still a sh%t interior. They're charging $10k over the previous model. I don't know who they are kidding. If i wanted comfort i'd go an R32 anyday over the STI.

The Mitsu EVOX and the new Ralliart Lancer are right on the money. A performance car for performance use. I've already promised myself one of these next year when the lease runs out. Can't wait :)

[NickS]

The Mitsu EVOX and the new Ralliart Lancer are right on the money. A performance car for performance use. I've already promised myself one of these next year when the lease runs out. Can't wait :)

I quite the look of the new EVO but it too seems to be trying to be more than just the track weapon it has always been. I have read that it is slower than the old one and seems to have lost a little of it's edge ... yet it's far from being a comfortable tourer.

Both the new STi and the new EVO seem to be unsuccessfully trying to lift their image to more than just a great track car. Unfotunately I don't think it's possible given the origins of each car (Impreza / Lancer) and the price involved. They should stop trying to make them semi-luxury cars and just do what they have always done so well.

[zorro]

lets not forget this is a car manufactured to get homologation for rally use, selling a few and making money on the side is a bonus.

I do agree with you Vulture, having not ever wanted to own one but have had the opportunity to drive a few wrx varients I have the same views as to bland interior dynamics. The good point on the newer model is it actually looks good, the silly design of the older models having a high roof line and having to have a wing on the back so the lines of the car didnt look out of proportion.

Fun cars to drive though.

[Vulture]

Both the new STi and the new EVO seem to be unsuccessfully trying to lift their image to more than just a great track car. Unfotunately I don't think it's possible given the origins of each car (Impreza / Lancer) and the price involved. They should stop trying to make them semi-luxury cars and just do what they have always done so well.

I agree, that sums it up well. They are trying to be all things to all people instead of focusing on what they were renowned for: stonking performance and nobody cared about the interior/looks 'cause they were just so damn fast for the price. But the competition has moved on and cars like the R32 and soon R36, Audi turbo AWD S3 etc are offering nearly as good, if not as good performance but far more refinement and polish for essentially the same price. Drop the price of the STi and it starts to seem like good value again but not at its current price point.

The Evo is better but still a bit so-so. The main problem with one of these is that they still look like every other riced-up Lancer on the road (and there are a lot of them around!). Still, I prefer it over the STi.


lets not forget this is a car manufactured to get homologation for rally use, selling a few and making money on the side is a bonus.

Exactly. It seems that Subaru think their customers are stupid. The cheapness of the thing suggests to me that they are keen to make a good margin on the car. Many manufacturers often sell their 'halo' models at break-even or sometimes a loss just for the exposure.

I really wanted to like the car. A nimble, fast hatch would have been very tempting and a lot of us switch between big V8 sedans and these things every now and then but not this time. I will test drive one and see what it's like (if anybody will let me) but it would have to be a pretty special drive to tempt me. Maybe the R36 Golf would be a goer.

[dadem0n]

Hopefully you'll be able to drive a EvoX, LS3 R8 and Orion F6 before you have to make up your mind doc :hide:

[INASNT]

Was also considering the new sti.

I looked at the 06 STI and Club Spec 9 WRX just before getting the VE SS and the interior and what features you get for the price of the wrx and sti was what put me off.

The EVO X interior is also just a trated up lancer interior.

If you go onto youtube and have a look at some of the latest best motoring videos of the 08 sti and evo x, the sti looks quicker and more fun to drive.

[C4B]

The Impreza was way ahead of its time when it came out. I admired the early ones (particularly in STI guise) purely because of their incredible performance (for the day).

Sadly for the Sube, a lot of water has gone under the bridge, and what was leading edge back then (particularly in terms of performance), isn't these days. Subaru seem to be trying to make it more attractive to those wanting a luxury stormtrooper, but you've only got to look at the photos Simon took and compare them to the Golf to see just how laughable their attempt has been.

I'm sure the STI is still a great performer, but Subaru need to market (and price) it in line with it's "go-kart on steriods" image, rather than try and convince people it's a competitor to European offerings.....

As the saying goes "You can polish a turd till you're blue in the face, but you won't make it shine"

[NickS]

Sadly for the Sube, a lot of water has gone under the bridge, and what was leading edge back then (particularly in terms of performance), isn't these days ...

So true ... I bought a WRX in 1998, from memory it had 160kW. I'm pretty sure that the HSV's of the day had 185kW. Fast forward 10 years and the WRX has increased a massive 9kW ... the HSV's on the other hand are up 122kW !!!

:shock:

[italiano23q]

certainly are ugly but they are the quickest model yet

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmzf050qa40)

[AFAR]

I guess subaru haven't been paying attention.
'99 and 2000 were their apparent 'BIG' year sales for the wrx in australia.
Those sales are decreasing every year....

Smacking up the price that far wont be doing them any good.

[vyssbeast]

Ive driven a stock standard lowest model impreza, and ill tell ya the handling is mighty impressive!! i was astonished! Now this is a base model, not the beefed up wrx or sti so i'd love to give one of those a thrash round a track

[Zombie]

Ive driven a stock standard lowest model impreza, and ill tell ya the handling is mighty impressive!! i was astonished! Now this is a base model, not the beefed up wrx or sti so i'd love to give one of those a thrash round a track

Yeah but would you pony up the $ for one? That is serious change for a car that on the inside doesn't look a lot more fancy than a budget model. The plastics are downright nasty.

The outside styling, well I think it looks like ass, but some people might like it... funnily enough, I know a few people who drive Skylines and the like, and they all think the new WRX looks like crap.

[SV805]

Vulture : Great writeup. Felt exactly the same way when I sat in it at the show, just don't have the patience to do the write up you did. I have 2 mates who have STI's and have been talking the new one up. Both just stood there at the show and shook their heads.

So I will assume that their current market don't like it, and new buyers to the brand have to get over the stigma of WRX drivers, won't be able to see the value or style against all the other competition out there.

So who is their market ??????

[INASNT]

My cousin came over with his new lancer vrx earlier in the week. The interior and finish looks alot better that the STI interior, and is going to make me have a second look at a EVO X when it comes out

[planetdavo]

I guess subaru haven't been paying attention.
'99 and 2000 were their apparent 'BIG' year sales for the wrx in australia.
Those sales are decreasing every year....

About the time the "ram raider" reputation of the WRX started to be a negative, me thinks...
The market demographic has changed since then, just as the market for large cars has changed in Australia since then. A new version of the "old" WRX would likely do worse than this WRX/STi, not better, as most new buyers prefer a luxury feel to rawness these days, clearly something Subaru aimed for.

[Ahyeah]

About the time the "ram raider" reputation of the WRX started to be a negative, me thinks...
The market demographic has changed since then, just as the market for large cars has changed in Australia since then. A new version of the "old" WRX would likely do worse than this WRX/STi, not better, as most new buyers prefer a luxury feel to rawness these days, clearly something Subaru aimed for.

you reckon????

imo a subaru buyer is much like a harley davidson buyer, no subsitute.

the subbie sound, turbo lag, awd grip, the street cred.

the harley sound, power, the street cred.

A harley buyer would rarely buy a honda road bike, a subbie buyer is unlikely to buy a softer, less raw, and more luxury orientated wrx.

I think subaru is doing a big gamble having this new 'image'... many of the old customers are not happy, hopefully the new market appreciates it:eyes:

[Vulture]

Hopefully you'll be able to drive a EvoX, LS3 R8 and Orion F6 before you have to make up your mind doc :hide:

Ah, I think we all know what I'll end up with, though eh?

A couple more pics. Sorry about the quality as they were done with my little camera.

It just looks a bit busy at the front as well. I think that if the flanks were also smoothly bulged then it would also look tougher along with a more conventional rear. It almost there but the styling just has an unfinished and un-integrated look to it.

The dash is almost all cheap feeling and looking plastic. It makes a Holden and HSV look like a Merc.

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[planetdavo]

you reckon????

imo a subaru buyer is much like a harley davidson buyer, no subsitute.

the subbie sound, turbo lag, awd grip, the street cred.

the harley sound, power, the street cred.

A harley buyer would rarely buy a honda road bike, a subbie buyer is unlikely to buy a softer, less raw, and more luxury orientated wrx.

I think subaru is doing a big gamble having this new 'image'... many of the old customers are not happy, hopefully the new market appreciates it:eyes:

PLENTY of previous Suby owners lost interest WELL BEFORE this new model came out, so yeah, I do reckon! Many of the previous owners that loved the "rawness" of them have now grown up, and want a different, more expensive feeling kind of car to go along with their more affluent lifestyle and higher spending capabilities.
Comparing it to a Harley for example doesn't cut it for me. One is a modern classic, from being in the right place at the right time, whose time had passed because of it. The other is a long term "classic", hence it's desirability, and where owners are prepared to put up with it being a heavy lumbering beast because of it.
Times have changed, and sticking with what previously worked wont work well now, hence the change!

[Ahyeah]

Many of the previous owners that loved the "rawness" of them have now grown up, and want a different, more expensive feeling kind of car to go along with their more affluent lifestyle and higher spending capabilities.


I dont feel this way, the people that buy subaru's (the turbo'ed ones) are usually well into their 20's or early 30's. Usually people sell these cars because of a family or gf/wife that doesnt like the harshness, not because they 'grow up' and become affluent. People that want to drive a small, pure weapon buy WRX's. Affluent people usually drive BMW 318i's...

the backwards/sideways hat wearing youths usually drive the rs and rx's:limpy: with a wrx bonnet.

[Insane253]

havent subies always been known for having terrible interiors??? damn its like an op shop in there... i think the whole model is ugly and has been ever since the the second model onwards... the sound though is unique i guess.
Id go an evo anyday, but i wouldnt want a turbo 4 to begin with.

[Vulture]

Many of the previous owners that loved the "rawness" of them have now grown up, and want a different, more expensive feeling kind of car to go along with their more affluent lifestyle and higher spending capabilities.

I appreciate your point but you're assuming that there are no new buys coming of age and income to take the place of the above people. It's like saying that a GSXR-1000 sportsbike should gradually turn into a cruiser as the people who first bought one are now 50yrs old. The logical conclusion of your argument would be that the WRX should eventually become a Camry for when those buyers are 75yrs old! :stick:

My point is that the STi has failed on both counts: doesn't appeal to the 'raw' buyer nor to the premium buyer; in my opinion it is in a kind of no mans' land.

[Ahyeah]

I appreciate your point but you're assuming that there are no new buys coming of age and income to take the place of the above people. It's like saying that a GSXR-1000 should gradually turn into a cruiser as the people who first bought one are now 50yrs old. The logical conclusion of your argument would be that the WRX should eventually become a Camry for when those buyers are 75yrs old! :stick:

My point is that the STi has failed on both counts: doesn't appeal to the 'raw' buyer nor to the premium buyer.

Thanks for translating my own post for me! it even makes more sense to me now :lol:

thats what the point i was trying to make... my english teacher always use to say that i was long winded in my writing!!!!

To me it just seems funny that a company spends the dollars and makes the sales from its image (good or bad).. and then changes it (big time).

Could you imagine HSV going environmentally friendly because the previous owners of HSV's realise that each time they start the engine some rare species of bird suddenly becomes extinct??? Hybrid LS3? :smilesandbanana:

[planetdavo]

My point is that the STi has failed on both counts: doesn't appeal to the 'raw' buyer nor to the premium buyer; in my opinion it is in a kind of no mans' land.
I believe the original WRX succeeded so well because it aimed for a market that was also in "no mans land", as far as competitors were positioned....

[Vulture]

I believe the original WRX succeeded so well because it aimed for a market that was also in "no mans land", as far as competitors were positioned....

Yes, you're right. There were essentially no competitors for it at the price it was. That has all changed now. The market is much more competitive and mature.

[planetdavo]

People that want to drive a small, pure weapon buy WRX's. Affluent people usually drive BMW 318i's...

the backwards/sideways hat wearing youths usually drive the rs and rx's:limpy: with a wrx bonnet.

Real estate agents usually drive 318i's, on a lease plan....

The more affluent performance drivers tend to head more toward the Euro models now, which include sportier versions of the BMW 1 series, GTi and R32 Golf, A3/A4 Audi, and in Subaru's stable, aim for turbo/6cyl Liberty models. Of the cheaper, more mainstream models, XR5 Turbo, Astra Turbo/VXR, Mazda 3MPS and cheaper A3/Golf models have heavily eroded the WRX's market all around the world, as, although many of them don't go quite as hard, they are a MUCH nicer everyday performance car to live with than WRX/STi.
The backward/sideways cap wearing gen Y spuds are the ones that have given the WRX much of it's bad reputation, making it undesirable to potential new owners, so Subaru are aiming for a higher class of owner, and if the previous lovers of the WRX/STi rawness don't like that, they don't have to buy it!

[Vulture]

The more affluent performance drivers tend to head more toward the Euro models now, which include sportier versions of the BMW 1 series, GTi and R32 Golf, A3/A4 Audi, and in Subaru's stable, aim for turbo/6cyl Liberty models. Of the cheaper, more mainstream models, XR5 Turbo, Astra Turbo/VXR, Mazda 3MPS and cheaper A3/Golf models have heavily eroded the WRX's market all around the world, as, although many of them don't go quite as hard, they are a MUCH nicer everyday performance car to live with than WRX/STi.

The backward/sideways cap wearing gen Y spuds are the ones that have given the WRX much of it's bad reputation, making it undesirable to potential new owners, so Subaru are aiming for a higher class of owner, and if the previous lovers of the WRX/STi rawness don't like that, they don't have to buy it!

You've essentially made my point for me in the first paragraph but I disagree with the second. They have aimed at a higher class of owner but I think they have missed the mark by a pretty big margin. We'll see when the market results start to come in...

I think I would be in the market demographic and I can imagine going shopping and sitting in a Golf R36 (soon to be released with the Mark VI Golf); sitting in the Audi and then hopping in the STi. The STi might win at a track day but in most other regards the other would be much higher on my list than that ugly, tacky STi. Remember also that the R32 has been around for some years already and is to be superceded. The price is a joke compared with the value for money of the old model.

[AFAR]

It really depends on which side of the fence your looking at it from.

However alot of 'older wrx' owners (models before my08) believe their cars will be holding their value better now.


Anyway Subaru still have the liberty unchanged, which is a better car imo.
Especially the My07 Liberty STi :drool:

[Vulture]

Anyway Subaru still have the liberty unchanged, which is a better car imo.
Especially the My07 Liberty STi :drool:

Saw a black one of those yesterday. Lovely car, although getting bit long in the tooth now.

[eldan89]

I can see what subaru was aiming at... but they missed the target by a long shot. By watering down the WRX they have instantly lost a portion of the old market who where into the "boyracer" and "raw" appeal of the old car. The new WRX is aimed at a much more conservative market, like someone who would buy a Golf GTI or R32. The problem is that the new model WRX doesn't have the interior quality or features to make it a realistic competitor in the new market. Its still too "raw" with its lack of features and build which puts the car in a grey area between the two market groups, which I believe would vastly impact on its sales as neither group seems particularly interested in it.

This Idea is like HSV going "market research stipulates that buyers want sleeper vehicles now" so we will discontinue all current HSV models and produce a performance model OMEGA instead.

[planetdavo]

The BEST thing that could happen to the new WRX/STi is to create a rocket for the WRC. Once the rally cars went off the boil, the road car sales went off the boil.
If the new rally car starts beating the Citroens and Fords in the WRC, people will come back.

[CS1234]

I have never like the rexes always prefered the evo.
Proberly the reason why the changed the shape of the car is that they want to compete with the focus,citron in the wrc.
Subaru have not won the wrc since Richard Burns and since then they have struggled to win the WRC.