Fridae

Do we resist changes? The answer almost always be in the affirmative especially when the product in questions is niche and with a cult following for more than 14 years. Japanese carmaker Subaru has been serving up their Impreza WRX STI performance machines that ape their world rally championships winning machines since 1994 at spectacularly good value prices. Only supercars can go faster.

The third incarnation landed on our shores recently, appearing very different from its predecessors. Gone is the iconic saloon with ironing board spoiler silhouette. In its place, Subaru tried to shape their Impreza to appeal to Euro-mainstream with a hatchback.

The amazingly talented folks at the STi division at Subaru defied the odds and laws of physics to turn the Impreza WRX STI into a rather fine and imposing piece of kit from the cooking Imprezas. Most of the body panels are different, the pumped out wheel arches, a new grille, four smoking exhaust pipes and very crucially, another spoiler on top of the tailgate to complete the hot hatch looks! The protruding air scoop exclusive to the turbo-charged models bulges up on the bonnet as if it was an erection in a tight pair of briefs; give it to me!

The WRX STi used to come only with a stick shift; I can only imagine the queens out there screaming away in agony of the work that needs to be done. Not so here in the hottest Impreza. The 6-speed manual gear box is as sweet as it comes. In a car like this, it simply makes the driver feels connected to the amazing drive train, making me feel every bit as talented as the late Richard Burns, wishful thinking here. Fondling the well-endowed gear shifter could pass for an erotic exercise, mind you!

The 2.5 litre turbocharged Boxer engine here is tuned to 300 almighty horsepowers, and it thrives on revving. The charismatic engine comes with variable valve timing Dual AVCS (Active Valve Control System) on both the inlet and exhaust, resulting in a more linear torque response and also improving fuel efficiency.

The first three gears are closely stacked, shoving the car ahead of all but the most expensive and meanest machines. The Subaru's famed Boxer hume is less obvious than previous incarnations, however traces of the deep-throat boxer engine still comes on enough to tease you, without running you funny all over. I feel that the third incarnation of the WRX STi can even be taken for long journeys now since the engine is now rather refined when cruising along highway speeds in sixth gear.

As you sit in the cockpit of the STi, you would spot a BMW inspired i-drive knob. Nope, Subaru has not gone lost the plot and expect you to fiddle loops and layers of functions and sub-menus. That little knob called the SI_Drive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) can help you decide what level of throttle respond you would like from the AWD monster.

Intelligent	More comfort and better fuel economy
Sports	Better response and a more linear delivery of power
Sports Sharp	Sharpest throttle response

In addition, there is also the DCCD (Driver's Control Centre Differential) for you to decide between more stability or more turning capability. Just a word of caution, you would need to be really driving like your pants are on fire to feel the difference as the chassis of the car is already very unflappable!

The new WRX STi which is available only in hatchback form is definitely suited for everyday abuse now. Tales of how raw and hardcore the previous two incarnations of the Impreza's top dog should be kept aside. The feisty red example which I had certainly delivered a ride quality that is absolutely comfortable for such a high performance machine. This suppleness in the ride seems to have taken nothing away from the handling finesse that you would expect from a rally inspired machine. Strangely, the WRX STI reminds me my teenage dream hot hatch; the Peugeot 307 GTi, a rare combination of handling and ride quality.

Reality bites, you can't have it all. The interior of Subaru's driving god still expects you to live with some inferior bits from hell. The cheesy metallic decorations are distinctly plastic and are cheap feeling. But Subaru still does the practical bits with sparkle. Just make sure you can live with that mediocre boot space, which needs to be shallow in order to house the symmetrical AWD hardware.

There would be hot hatches out there that would obstruct your march down to the Subaru dealership. The VW Golf GTi, Renault Megane R26 and the Ford Focus STi, but none of them comes with the security of 4WD or with an engine as charming as the Subaru's turbocharged Boxer flat four. For those who still insist on getting an EVO X, when was the last time someone found you cool?

	Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Engine/	Horizontally-Opposed, 4 Cylinder, 4-stroke, High boost Turbocharged with large-capacity intercooler Gasoline engine
Transmission	6-speed Manual
Max. output	300hp@ 6,000rpm
Max. torque	415nm@4,000rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	4.8 secs
Top speed	250 km/h
Fuel consumption (combined)	18.5 L/100km
CO2 emissions	189 g/km
Dimensions (L x W x H) /Weight	4,415x1,795x1,475/1,505 kg
Price with COE*	$111,000*

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.