The new STi went in for its 1000 mile service and PPP this weekend - and since I have now had a chance to play thought I would share my impressions - as a former 3 year owner of a WRX bugeye with PPP. My driving skills are modest but some real world observations may be of interst to you guys.

1) Like the PPP on the WRX the PPP for STi is a vital upgrade, in my opinion. It makes the car so much easier and safer to drive. I like to plan my overtakes so that I do not have to change gear, and that you spend the absolute minimum of time in the danger zone. PPP makes this much more possible, pulling from lower down and for longer. Strange as it may seem PPP in my view makes for safer driving!

2) The STi compared to the WRX is much more sorted on the suspension/road holding. On the WRX I always felt there was a softness in the suspension that could really upset the car. For example on my regular run there is a large compression in the road, on the WRX taken at more than 80mph this causes a huge rapid compression of the suspension - where you think something must break. Taken in the other direction, at more than 80mph the wheels would lift. The STi deals with this so you hardly notice. If I wanted to I could traverse this section of road easily 20mph quicker in the Sti. The same applies on the sharp bends - body roll is so much less on the STi that corners feel so much easier, especialy where there is a double curve and the car does not get unbalanced.

3) Generally the STi hustles along much quicker than the WRX. This is of course due to power and road holding, but the brakes make just as big a contribution. They are stronger and much sharper than the WRX - they give huge confidence and nipping in and out of lines of traffic feels safer as you can scrub of speed quicker after the overtake. I was never totally confident in the WRX brakes, and even got the garage to check the set-up and pad wear - all reported as normal.

4) Sound wise the PPP on the WRX and STi are very similar. Both make the Scooby sound like it should (in my humble opinion). The STi seems to have a louder turbo rush (not PPP related.)

5) Comfort wise the STi is a surprise as I expected it to be harsher. But both my wife and my mum thought it was smooth and comfortable. On regular roads and motorways it is well sorted and even on the N Yorks B roads the rattle and roll is mimimal. The seats give good support and a 3.5 hr drive to Bristol was straightforward. On balance I would say that the STi is at least as good as the WRX on ride comfort (magazine reviews do not see it this way).

6) Finally do I have any better points for the WRX? Yes just a couple. I do not really like the overly aggressive style of the STi and liked the bugeye style of the MY01 WRX. All down to personal taste of course. I went for black mica (the one with the copper fleck) to tone it down - a real wrench as I love the WR blue - but a good move as it does tone down the styling. Also I would prefer that the STi had side impact air bags like the WRX.

So I think I have rambled on long enough. Hope the observations are of interest to some of you.

 

hi red man

nice to hear your liking your sti, where abouts are you im near thirsk and like you enjoy the north yorkshire b roads, excellant car for overtaking

give me a shout and we could compare "scooby notes"

MY02sti blue/black mica

 

Hi Hawkeye,


location is north of York. My motoring for fun is usually towards Helmsley and the wonderful N Yorks Moors. I will drop you an email.

 

k no probs look forward to it

 

Well written Red Man , thanks

Dave

 

Hawkeye and Red Man, I am staying near Thirsk next week, where are the BP Ultimate and Shell Optimax garages in that area. Might see you guys flying around

p.s.

Totally echo your comments on the WRX PPP vs STI. Whilst I haven't had PPP fitted yet, the whole car is much better sorted as you point out. I must admit the ride feels a bit "nobblier" and tougher than the WRX but is better for it.

 

pm sent yorkie