Subaru WRX STI

Subaru WRX STI 2014 powered by 296bhp version of the 2.5-litre boxer engine. This is a reduction of about 20bhp on the standard version of the previous STI, but is still enough to get the car to 62mph in 5.2sec. There is a major change in the suspension and handling, which it claims will offer a more composed ride and deliver more feel through the steering. Most interesting thing is the first examples will be delivered in May, although there's a two-month waiting list, so unless you've already got your name down you'll have to wait until the summer to get your hands on one.

With previous versions, the WRX STI has four-wheel drive. However, this time round it gets a torque-vectoring set-up that can shuffle power between wheels on the same axle for improving stability. With the C.Diff set to distribute more power to the rear axle, you can drift round corners with relative ease. The STI is a very forgiving piece of machinery. Including the standard 18-inch alloy wheels as you expect for a sports saloon but the suspension isn't entirely adept at dealing with broken surfaces.  

Always remember when you are driving with your 2014 Subaru WRX STI, you need to keep the engine spinning at more than 3000rpm to get meaningful performance from the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine under on its hood, which invariably means having to make full use of the six-speed gearbox on a regular basis. The gearshift itself feels slightly better than in the previous WRX. The power of Subaru WRX STI is delivered in a strong and linear fashion. This will get you to 62mph in 5.2 seconds, although it doesn't feel that fast. The standard SI-Drive dial allows you to choose one of three ECU settings; Sports Sharp improves engine response at lower revs and is the one you'll need if you want to get the best from the STI when tackling a series of bends.

Previous appearance of the WRX has always fallen flat on interior quality and design, and the new STI is no exception. Reasonable soft-touch plastics top the dashboard but there are still plenty of brittle plastics further down. The seats are covered with leather and Alcantara, there's air-con, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, Bluetooth, a USB socket and 60/40 split/folding rear seats. It’s a great car. It turns everyone's head and stands out among any and all cars on the road. The interior is awesome. Exterior style is hot and is a show stopper.

Specification
Engine size: 2.5-litre turbo petrol
Price from: £28,995
Power: 296bhp
Torque: 300lb ft
0-62mph: 5.2 second
Top speed: 159mph
Fuel economy: 27.2mpg
CO2 output: 242g/km