A45 owners: show us your rides!!
29 April 2015, 02:11 PM
#61
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If sophistication / lower running costs , to dupe her/him indoors is what you are after then this is probably fits the bill
Character though ??
how many proper 4 wheel drive turbo powered saloons exit today - Subaru has gone back to what did before , they didn't "lose it"
Character though ??
how many proper 4 wheel drive turbo powered saloons exit today - Subaru has gone back to what did before , they didn't "lose it"
29 April 2015, 02:20 PM
#62
29 April 2015, 02:37 PM
#66
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This is my own personal view, based upon my experiences:
The last version (in comparison to what they sell now) of STI that Subaru produced, that was a "drivers" car imo, was using the Hawkeye chassis and set-up (and in all honesty, the 2ltr JDM motor). This car was much more direct and focussed on the road. Subsequent models have become softer and less dynamic imo.
I haven't driven the very latest saloon, but have spent a fair amount of time in the previous hatch and saloon revisions. I'd be very surprised if the latest saloon is very much different to the previous saloon, in the road dynamics department.
I wouldn't go as far to say that the A45 is twice the car that the current STI is. Although I could see why some would think that, based on technology utilised and the complete package as a performance road car.
You guys that know me, know I love the STI. As a proposition for a car to have some fun with, it's imo, overpriced. Based on the quality of the product, performance, reliability and emissions, it's behind something like the Golf R.... yet it's similarly priced. We all know the reliability problems around the 2.5, so let's not pretend it's not a concern and/or added risk. By comparison to other cars now occupying the same sector, it is agricultural.
Price the car @ £25k otr and it would be a better proposition to compete imo.
I'm not sure that Subaru have lost their way as a car company, but I feel they no longer offer a competitive package for a performance road car within the STI type sector. It was competitive 10yrs ago..... unfortunately only the body has really changed since then.
In respect to AMG, what they have achieved with their first hatch (small car) performance car, is nothing short of outstanding and I think too many people lose the context of that in today's market. AMG is a solid brand, and if anything should gives is confidence that future versions will improve. AMG want to be at the top of this sector imo. Whether they are or not at present is not important.... what is, is that they clearly want to be and will do what they can to be.
They're looking forward, and not resting on their laurels. That's where we benefit imo!
I'll keep saying this till I'm blue in the face. The current 2ltr configuration that the A45 uses, blows the STI engine out of the water in respect of what a 2ltr set-up can be. Subaru had an awesome newage 2ltr twinscroll platform (for the time), yet someone like AMG has just taken that to the next level - in it's first attempt.
IMO AMG have given the fingers to VAG (and BMW to a degree) big time.
Had the STI been a better all round package, I would have bought one...... it's that simple.
The last version (in comparison to what they sell now) of STI that Subaru produced, that was a "drivers" car imo, was using the Hawkeye chassis and set-up (and in all honesty, the 2ltr JDM motor). This car was much more direct and focussed on the road. Subsequent models have become softer and less dynamic imo.
I haven't driven the very latest saloon, but have spent a fair amount of time in the previous hatch and saloon revisions. I'd be very surprised if the latest saloon is very much different to the previous saloon, in the road dynamics department.
I wouldn't go as far to say that the A45 is twice the car that the current STI is. Although I could see why some would think that, based on technology utilised and the complete package as a performance road car.
You guys that know me, know I love the STI. As a proposition for a car to have some fun with, it's imo, overpriced. Based on the quality of the product, performance, reliability and emissions, it's behind something like the Golf R.... yet it's similarly priced. We all know the reliability problems around the 2.5, so let's not pretend it's not a concern and/or added risk. By comparison to other cars now occupying the same sector, it is agricultural.
Price the car @ £25k otr and it would be a better proposition to compete imo.
I'm not sure that Subaru have lost their way as a car company, but I feel they no longer offer a competitive package for a performance road car within the STI type sector. It was competitive 10yrs ago..... unfortunately only the body has really changed since then.
In respect to AMG, what they have achieved with their first hatch (small car) performance car, is nothing short of outstanding and I think too many people lose the context of that in today's market. AMG is a solid brand, and if anything should gives is confidence that future versions will improve. AMG want to be at the top of this sector imo. Whether they are or not at present is not important.... what is, is that they clearly want to be and will do what they can to be.
They're looking forward, and not resting on their laurels. That's where we benefit imo!
I'll keep saying this till I'm blue in the face. The current 2ltr configuration that the A45 uses, blows the STI engine out of the water in respect of what a 2ltr set-up can be. Subaru had an awesome newage 2ltr twinscroll platform (for the time), yet someone like AMG has just taken that to the next level - in it's first attempt.
IMO AMG have given the fingers to VAG (and BMW to a degree) big time.
Had the STI been a better all round package, I would have bought one...... it's that simple.
29 April 2015, 02:54 PM
#69
29 April 2015, 03:19 PM
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This is my own personal view, based upon my experiences:
The last version (in comparison to what they sell now) of STI that Subaru produced, that was a "drivers" car imo, was using the Hawkeye chassis and set-up (and in all honesty, the 2ltr JDM motor). This car was much more direct and focussed on the road. Subsequent models have become softer and less dynamic imo.
I haven't driven the very latest saloon, but have spent a fair amount of time in the previous hatch and saloon revisions. I'd be very surprised if the latest saloon is very much different to the previous saloon, in the road dynamics department.
I wouldn't go as far to say that the A45 is twice the car that the current STI is. Although I could see why some would think that, based on technology utilised and the complete package as a performance road car.
You guys that know me, know I love the STI. As a proposition for a car to have some fun with, it's imo, overpriced. Based on the quality of the product, performance, reliability and emissions, it's behind something like the Golf R.... yet it's similarly priced. We all know the reliability problems around the 2.5, so let's not pretend it's not a concern and/or added risk. By comparison to other cars now occupying the same sector, it is agricultural.
Price the car @ £25k otr and it would be a better proposition to compete imo.
I'm not sure that Subaru have lost their way as a car company, but I feel they no longer offer a competitive package for a performance road car within the STI type sector. It was competitive 10yrs ago..... unfortunately only the body has really changed since then.
In respect to AMG, what they have achieved with their first hatch (small car) performance car, is nothing short of outstanding and I think too many people lose the context of that in today's market. AMG is a solid brand, and if anything should gives is confidence that future versions will improve. AMG want to be at the top of this sector imo. Whether they are or not at present is not important.... what is, is that they clearly want to be and will do what they can to be.
They're looking forward, and not resting on their laurels. That's where we benefit imo!
I'll keep saying this till I'm blue in the face. The current 2ltr configuration that the A45 uses, blows the STI engine out of the water in respect of what a 2ltr set-up can be. Subaru had an awesome newage 2ltr twinscroll platform (for the time), yet someone like AMG has just taken that to the next level - in it's first attempt.
IMO AMG have given the fingers to VAG (and BMW to a degree) big time.
Had the STI been a better all round package, I would have bought one...... it's that simple.
The last version (in comparison to what they sell now) of STI that Subaru produced, that was a "drivers" car imo, was using the Hawkeye chassis and set-up (and in all honesty, the 2ltr JDM motor). This car was much more direct and focussed on the road. Subsequent models have become softer and less dynamic imo.
I haven't driven the very latest saloon, but have spent a fair amount of time in the previous hatch and saloon revisions. I'd be very surprised if the latest saloon is very much different to the previous saloon, in the road dynamics department.
I wouldn't go as far to say that the A45 is twice the car that the current STI is. Although I could see why some would think that, based on technology utilised and the complete package as a performance road car.
You guys that know me, know I love the STI. As a proposition for a car to have some fun with, it's imo, overpriced. Based on the quality of the product, performance, reliability and emissions, it's behind something like the Golf R.... yet it's similarly priced. We all know the reliability problems around the 2.5, so let's not pretend it's not a concern and/or added risk. By comparison to other cars now occupying the same sector, it is agricultural.
Price the car @ £25k otr and it would be a better proposition to compete imo.
I'm not sure that Subaru have lost their way as a car company, but I feel they no longer offer a competitive package for a performance road car within the STI type sector. It was competitive 10yrs ago..... unfortunately only the body has really changed since then.
In respect to AMG, what they have achieved with their first hatch (small car) performance car, is nothing short of outstanding and I think too many people lose the context of that in today's market. AMG is a solid brand, and if anything should gives is confidence that future versions will improve. AMG want to be at the top of this sector imo. Whether they are or not at present is not important.... what is, is that they clearly want to be and will do what they can to be.
They're looking forward, and not resting on their laurels. That's where we benefit imo!
I'll keep saying this till I'm blue in the face. The current 2ltr configuration that the A45 uses, blows the STI engine out of the water in respect of what a 2ltr set-up can be. Subaru had an awesome newage 2ltr twinscroll platform (for the time), yet someone like AMG has just taken that to the next level - in it's first attempt.
IMO AMG have given the fingers to VAG (and BMW to a degree) big time.
Had the STI been a better all round package, I would have bought one...... it's that simple.
I loved the Impreza, it was bang for buck a brilliant brilliant iconic car. I owned 5 in 17 years. The last Impreza I drove that was still a 'Scooby' was the 2006 Hawkeye.
Those cars were drivers' cars... they didn't have the refinement of their more expensive cousins but they looked aggressive and delivered an A to B capability few cars could match.
Then in 2008 some bright spark decided to try and make them more refined, more of an all rounder and somewhere they lost the plot. Yes the 2.5 is a disaster, but that us a separate issue. Outside of that overall the car lost a lot of its rawness and driver's car appeal. It was not the car it once was and while it was more refined it was not especially great compared to its rivals. It had rounded off performance due to weight and a lack of engine development and didn't compare too greatly there either to the new wave of performance models from other manufacturers.
AMG/Mercedes managed the opposite. They had always been famed for luxury mega powerful cruisers. They decided with the A45 to try and keep that luxury, but build a proper drivers car at the same time. My SL will kill most things in a straight line, but a sports car it is not. The A45 however is still a luxurious car like the SL, S class , E class AMGs etc. but with a smaller powerful engine, 4WD and a compact chassis they have built a proper 4WD sports hatch that still doubles as a high end luxury cruiser when you don't want to get all 'Lewis' behind the wheel.
One is a triumph, the other is sad derivative of a once great car!
29 April 2015, 07:02 PM
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29 April 2015, 07:29 PM
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Luxurious is subjective.
It can be spec'ed with plenty of toys if that is your bag.
Personally I find the build quality to be good in the 45. Others have said it's a bit low rent for a £38k motor.
29 April 2015, 07:37 PM
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This is my own personal view, based upon my experiences:
The last version (in comparison to what they sell now) of STI that Subaru produced, that was a "drivers" car imo, was using the Hawkeye chassis and set-up (and in all honesty, the 2ltr JDM motor). This car was much more direct and focussed on the road. Subsequent models have become softer and less dynamic imo.
I haven't driven the very latest saloon, but have spent a fair amount of time in the previous hatch and saloon revisions. I'd be very surprised if the latest saloon is very much different to the previous saloon, in the road dynamics department.
I wouldn't go as far to say that the A45 is twice the car that the current STI is. Although I could see why some would think that, based on technology utilised and the complete package as a performance road car.
You guys that know me, know I love the STI. As a proposition for a car to have some fun with, it's imo, overpriced. Based on the quality of the product, performance, reliability and emissions, it's behind something like the Golf R.... yet it's similarly priced. We all know the reliability problems around the 2.5, so let's not pretend it's not a concern and/or added risk. By comparison to other cars now occupying the same sector, it is agricultural.
Price the car @ £25k otr and it would be a better proposition to compete imo.
I'm not sure that Subaru have lost their way as a car company, but I feel they no longer offer a competitive package for a performance road car within the STI type sector. It was competitive 10yrs ago..... unfortunately only the body has really changed since then.
In respect to AMG, what they have achieved with their first hatch (small car) performance car, is nothing short of outstanding and I think too many people lose the context of that in today's market. AMG is a solid brand, and if anything should gives is confidence that future versions will improve. AMG want to be at the top of this sector imo. Whether they are or not at present is not important.... what is, is that they clearly want to be and will do what they can to be.
They're looking forward, and not resting on their laurels. That's where we benefit imo!
I'll keep saying this till I'm blue in the face. The current 2ltr configuration that the A45 uses, blows the STI engine out of the water in respect of what a 2ltr set-up can be. Subaru had an awesome newage 2ltr twinscroll platform (for the time), yet someone like AMG has just taken that to the next level - in it's first attempt.
IMO AMG have given the fingers to VAG (and BMW to a degree) big time.
Had the STI been a better all round package, I would have bought one...... it's that simple.
The last version (in comparison to what they sell now) of STI that Subaru produced, that was a "drivers" car imo, was using the Hawkeye chassis and set-up (and in all honesty, the 2ltr JDM motor). This car was much more direct and focussed on the road. Subsequent models have become softer and less dynamic imo.
I haven't driven the very latest saloon, but have spent a fair amount of time in the previous hatch and saloon revisions. I'd be very surprised if the latest saloon is very much different to the previous saloon, in the road dynamics department.
I wouldn't go as far to say that the A45 is twice the car that the current STI is. Although I could see why some would think that, based on technology utilised and the complete package as a performance road car.
You guys that know me, know I love the STI. As a proposition for a car to have some fun with, it's imo, overpriced. Based on the quality of the product, performance, reliability and emissions, it's behind something like the Golf R.... yet it's similarly priced. We all know the reliability problems around the 2.5, so let's not pretend it's not a concern and/or added risk. By comparison to other cars now occupying the same sector, it is agricultural.
Price the car @ £25k otr and it would be a better proposition to compete imo.
I'm not sure that Subaru have lost their way as a car company, but I feel they no longer offer a competitive package for a performance road car within the STI type sector. It was competitive 10yrs ago..... unfortunately only the body has really changed since then.
In respect to AMG, what they have achieved with their first hatch (small car) performance car, is nothing short of outstanding and I think too many people lose the context of that in today's market. AMG is a solid brand, and if anything should gives is confidence that future versions will improve. AMG want to be at the top of this sector imo. Whether they are or not at present is not important.... what is, is that they clearly want to be and will do what they can to be.
They're looking forward, and not resting on their laurels. That's where we benefit imo!
I'll keep saying this till I'm blue in the face. The current 2ltr configuration that the A45 uses, blows the STI engine out of the water in respect of what a 2ltr set-up can be. Subaru had an awesome newage 2ltr twinscroll platform (for the time), yet someone like AMG has just taken that to the next level - in it's first attempt.
IMO AMG have given the fingers to VAG (and BMW to a degree) big time.
Had the STI been a better all round package, I would have bought one...... it's that simple.
I think the RS3 will be another step above the A45 AMG.
But your comments above are all correct. When I bought my 2005 STI PPP, there was nothing else out there that matched it's pace for the value. Think Subaru rested too much on it's past, and didn't move forward.
Then the Hot Hatch market took off, with cars like the MKII Focus RS. A FWD Hatchback made the now STI Hatch, looked overpriced and slow for the performance it gave.
Now we have the Super Hatches. Golf R, Focus RS, S3, RS3, A45 AMG. All Hatchbacks, all AWD, and all will leave a STI for dead. Then there's the build quality, feel good factor, residuals, and running costs. The new STI doesn't stand a chance. Just look at the reviews it's been getting? Not very good at all.
The new STI will only appeal to those who are the Hardest of die hard fans. That number is dwindling fast.
Take a test drive of the new STI, then jump in the S3 Saloon. Tell me which one you'd prefer to live with? I bet it wouldn't be the STI.
Last edited by stilover; 29 April 2015 at 07:40 PM.
29 April 2015, 07:50 PM
#77
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The RS3 will be interesting, but based upon their last version....... we'll have to wait and see. In all honesty I feel the RS3 is for a different demographic than the A45. I wouldn't buy one, as they look boring and too old manish for me. Which I think is the RS brand..... but that's my perception. MB AMG had that image in my eyes, until the C63 and the A45 came out.
The facelift A45 is rumoured to have more BHP to take the RS3 on, due at the end of this year/start of 2016. There are also rumours that AMG will respond again if the Golf 400R comes to fruition. It's obviously all vapour at the moment though.
In reality I think the power plant in the 45 is pretty future proofed being forged. That's forward thinking to me, and not something you normally find in this day and age of not over engineering things....... especially on a paltry 2ltr. It also indicates to me they mean business.
Assuming MB don't continue to fit duff turbos like they did to the initial batches of cars, they'll be good to go!
The facelift A45 is rumoured to have more BHP to take the RS3 on, due at the end of this year/start of 2016. There are also rumours that AMG will respond again if the Golf 400R comes to fruition. It's obviously all vapour at the moment though.
In reality I think the power plant in the 45 is pretty future proofed being forged. That's forward thinking to me, and not something you normally find in this day and age of not over engineering things....... especially on a paltry 2ltr. It also indicates to me they mean business.
Assuming MB don't continue to fit duff turbos like they did to the initial batches of cars, they'll be good to go!
29 April 2015, 08:33 PM
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The point is that it is a much nicer place to be than a modern STI!
29 April 2015, 08:47 PM
#79
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Some of the UK new car registration figures make for interesting reading for 2014:
Golf R - 3328
S3 - 3183
M135i - 1960
STI - 393 (obviously this is only for around 6 months though)
A45 - 782
RS3 (for 2012 as that was it's strongest year) - 579
Regardless of what we think of the Golf R and/or S3, VAG have just monstered the £30k hot hatch bracket.
Golf R - 3328
S3 - 3183
M135i - 1960
STI - 393 (obviously this is only for around 6 months though)
A45 - 782
RS3 (for 2012 as that was it's strongest year) - 579
Regardless of what we think of the Golf R and/or S3, VAG have just monstered the £30k hot hatch bracket.
30 April 2015, 12:47 PM
#80
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coming from an E class I,ll be honest apart from the Spongy old man esk ride in the Eclass, the internals are not that much of a downgrade.
Now if you look at the CLS or S then its a differing world of niceness..
Now if you look at the CLS or S then its a differing world of niceness..
30 April 2015, 12:48 PM
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30 April 2015, 12:52 PM
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I looked at the RS3 although obviously they didnt have one for me to drive. Ive not driven the new STi but i did drive the S3. Great car for day to day stuff but its not even in the same league as the A45 or i dare say the new RS3.
30 April 2015, 07:09 PM
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That's because it's not meant to be. It's an S, not an RS. The A45 AMG is the RS equivalent.
Bit like saying the Focus ST, is no Focus RS.