What's Subaru Impreza WRX STI?

WRX STI, from Rally Finland, Nürburgring 24 Hours SP3T class six times champions and made for the streets.

Let's say seeing the yellow Subaru print and gold rims. The car looked like an off-road race car. Some look smaller and the paint dull and rims as though they need scrapping. I'm referring to the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX, a 4-door, 5-seat sedan with a 2,5 liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, premium ULP petrol engine and all-wheel drive, available in both automatic and manual transmission options.

Variants:

• 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX GDA AWD: 2.0T, petrol - premium ULP, 4 speed, automatic

• 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX S AWD: 2.5T, petrol - premium ULP, 5 speed, manual

• 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX GDA Auto AWD

The history of WRX:

In writing about the Subaru WRX an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru (Japan: Ōta, Gunma), originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". The first three generations of the WRX (Subaru Impreza WRX from 1992–2014 with the Impreza-based models), sold until the 2015 model year, were based on standard Impreza platforms, and replaced the Subaru RX hatchback and saloon. Since 2015, the different body styles that have been offered as an optional hatch/wagon have been introduced; the WRX assembly has been separate from the Impreza as standalone models. There are limited edition first-generation coupés which were offered in the late 1990s and early 2000s which were never sold in the US and are highly sought after by Subaru enthusiasts. The second-generation WRX (GD/GG chassis codes for the saloon/wagon, respectively), the initial "bugeye" front end styling (2000) was superseded by the "blobeye" in 2004 and the "hawkeye" in 2006.

For the VA series WRX released in 2014 for the 2015 model year, Subaru decided to move away from marketing the WRX and WRX STI under the Impreza name. The WRX and WRX STI are the performance models based on the GJ Impreza with higher output engines, firmer suspension, larger brakes, slightly resculpted body panels, lowered ride height and larger intakes. The body design also took a stronger departure from the Impreza donor model than in the past. The VA-body WRX is based on a modified Impreza body and chassis, with the Impreza name dropped from the WRX in all markets. For this generation, Subaru decided to not produce a WRX or WRX STI hatchback as had been previously offered. On all previous WRXs, the turbocharger was located near the right-hand side of the firewall, close to the third cylinder. With the new FA20F engine, Subaru fitted the turbocharger at the front of the car, close to the serpentine accessory belts. There is a robust aluminum skid plate that protects the underside of the turbocharger.

In 2015, Subaru released the WRX STI Launch Edition, with 1000 units being offered in North America. All 1,000 of these Launch Edition models were painted in World Rally Blue Pearl along with gold-painted 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. On to the interior, black stitching and blue leather accents were seen on the door cards as well as on the floor mats and Alcantara-covered seats. All of the Launch Edition cars received a short throw shifter and keyless access with push button start.

In 1993, an Impreza Group A rally car was taken to Rally Finland after the Subaru Legacy rally car had its last outing at Rally New Zealand. The car crashed in the race and was never used again for rally, but its good performance was noted, as it made 2nd place and was even leading the rally at one point. Subaru Tecnica International have campaigned the WRX STI in the Nürburgring 24 Hours since 2008, winning the SP3T class six times (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019). STI did not enter the 2020 or 2021 contests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several touring cars based on the WRX STI have entered TCR International Series since 2016, and subsequently World Touring Car Cup.

Let's end the history of the generation of WRX here and get back to finding a specific model, the 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Subaru seems to be manufacturing its cars on limitations. With a different variant

Owner review on carexpert.com.au

Pros

• The sounds, the emotions, the driving experience

• The rally-inspired styling

• The investment prospect

Cons

• Taller drivers will struggle to find a good driving position

• Fuel economy, and expensive STi parts

• Neglect maintenance and it will cost you later down the line

Maintenance/Servicing: Parts are easy to get and are generally universal with other Impreza models older and newer. Despite that, turbo Subaru parts can be very expensive.

Cachet/Community: The car definitely gets looks and thumbs up on the street. Many people know what they are looking at as older STis are quite rare to see on the street these days. Great community of WRX enthusiasts. I always get a wave or get asked questions about my car, which I enjoy. Extensive aftermarket support, if that is what you are into. Car is on coil overs, tuned to 210 all-wheel kW, turbo-back exhaust.

No major reliability issues in 15,000km. There’s high oil consumption, which might suggest engine/turbo wear. However, the car is still running perfectly. Headlights have had issues with condensation. HID ballasts are expensive to replace if the issue is neglected

Purchased for $20,000 in 2020. I still think they are worth the price, despite costing over $30,000 now. It is not a modern car by any means in terms of comfort and technology, but I am very satisfied with the performance and driver-focused features of the car. (AWD system, Brembo brakes, engine)

AI review

The 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX, with its 2.5-liter turbo engine, offers a fun and engaging driving experience, particularly on twisty roads, with improved low-end power and a more progressive turbo response compared to previous models.

Performance and Handling:

Engine:

The 2.5-liter turbo engine provides more bottom-end pull and a deeper midrange, making the WRX easier to drive fast and less reliant on revving high.

Handling:

The WRX boasts superb handling thanks to a well-tuned suspension and standard all-wheel drive.

Brakes:

Larger brake rotors with red calipers improve stopping power and eliminate brake-pedal mushiness.

Transmission:

The five-speed manual transmission has a slicker operation and shorter throws.

All-Wheel Drive:

The standard all-wheel-drive system provides confidence-inspiring traction and handling, especially in challenging conditions.

Interior and Practicality:

Interior: The Impreza's interior is modern enough in appearance, and the materials used are of good quality.

Cargo Space:

The wagons offer ample cargo space, with 27.9 cubic feet of space and 61.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

Comfort:

The comfortable sports buckets and meaty leather-wrapped wheel are a highlight.

Rear Seats:

While the rear seats are adequate, some reviewers note that the Impreza is falling behind in terms of rear-seat space and comfort compared to other small cars.

Other Notable Features:

Xenon Headlights: The new xenon low-beam lamps are a welcome addition.

Limited-Slip Differential:

The WRX now has a limited-slip differential in the rear axle, further enhancing handling and traction.

Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD):

The WRX STI's DCCD is carried over to the spec. D, allowing keen drivers to adjust the power split between the front and rear axles.

Fuel Economy:

While the WRX offers strong performance, it's important to note that it can be a bit thirsty, especially when pushed.