The New, More Powerful 2019 Subaru WRX STI Is $36,595
While we may still have heavy hearts about the departure of the Subaru WRX STI from the UK, you lucky folk living in the United States of ‘Murica have a new version to enjoy.
Subaru of America this week released pricing for the 2019 model year versions of both the WRX STI and the standard WRX. Ready? You’re looking at $27,195 and up for the WRX, and at least $36,595 for an STI.
The STI has received a modest bump in power, with its 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer-four now producing 306bhp thanks to a fettled ECU and stronger pistons. The six-speed manual has a revised third gear to aid acceleration.
Both the STI and the regular WRX have also been given new infotainment systems. The base WRX gets a 6.5-inch version of the ‘Starlink’ setup, while the WRX Premium and WRX STI have a fancier 7.0-inch screen as standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is available on both screen sizes.
The Premium is yours for $29,495, and in addition to the nicer infotainment system, it’s also fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and an ‘all weather package’ which gives you heated everything. The $2050 Performance package is available that adds Recaro sports seats (the driver’s seat is electric), red painted brake calipers (worth 5bhp at least) and uprated brake pads. Or, you could have the $32,595 Series.Gray (also available in STI form for $39,695), which includes the pack along with a special ‘Cool Gray Khaki’ finish and yet more equipment.
Option D for the WRX (this is getting complicated, isn’t it?) is the $31,795 WRX Limited. These cars have a 10-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, LED steering-responsive headlights and LED fog lights, although if you want the bigger nav screen, that’s part of an option pack here.
The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology - which Subaru seems to be pushing quite hard now - is standard on CVT-equipped versions of the WRX Premium and Limited.
The updated range will make its way to Subaru dealers this summer.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Yobbos: heavy breathing
While it’s a good overall upgrade for almost all consumers, it is not one for me. The face-lifted 2018 version has been a great hit especially in northern States but it is worsened in handling because of the bigger brake discs, bigger calipers and bigger rims. BTW, USDM version only provides 19-inch rims, so we kinda have no choice in terms of stock wheels. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great car. But how much performance do we have to sacrifice in order to get a better looking in the future? Or it is just for more selling? Sad.
Car Guys in the UK:
But didn’t the wrx STI make that amount of power at the crank a few generations ago?
“It drives like a fast Corolla” - RCR
do I like it? Yes ofc I do
Would I ever buy one?
Hell no
It’s engine probably came out around the same time as the PS3
306bhp is pretty good, but in a car of that size? God no! It’s outclassed by every single rival and is a mess to live it, due to bad MPG, high insurance and is so uncomfortable to live with.
And $37k with that interior!? I’d pay make 30k for it
I bet the only type of people buy the WRX STi in the USA is idiot street racers that would love to rev battle Nissan 350Zs…….( there may be some normal people, but you guys are probably a small minority)
Subaru, what you need to do is, discontinue this STi and come back with a car that’s at least competitive in some way or the other in terms of rivals
And give it a better engine
I so want to buy one but you cant get them here espacially not for that good amount of money
Can’t believe we’re in 2018 and someone will pay 37k for a CVT sportsedan
No need to upgrade the pistons. If they just went to a better designed downpipe connection flange they could gain a decent bhp peak, and a whole bunch under the torque curve.
Time to go to America I guess…