:wonder:

you've not driven a newage sti have you;)

every year i drive 250 miles nonstop down to devon, jump out and play 36 holes of golf. fresh as a daisy:) they really are a different car to the classics, give one a go, you might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to live with.

not meaning to take the piss (and ignoring the fact you are actually about 40 years old;)) but what you are describing with the new WRX is a car designed to suit to the older gentleman. in fairness this is sort of what the current wrx is, compared to the sti, but it sounds like the brand has gone all soft:(

No, not driven a Newage STi ..... maybe it will be softer than a STi Classic, but the values of those Newage are dropping faster than a whores knickers on payday - I don't really want to witness my money disappear on an old secondhand car.

The new WRX is a joy to drive, if the 2008 STi has had the raw rough edges knocked off too then I may well be interested - very interested, make the price around £24-£25k and my wallet may well jump out onto the desk :D :thumb:

I cannot wait for the 300BHP STi to hit the showrooms, Subaru have got the styling right now with the WRX .... the STi may be even more of a looker :D The only downside is that my Insurance may well increase to about £400 a year :(

There is also the looming band G tax of £1000 a year ..... thats a real issue!!! :(

What makes you think that it'll climb from £300/400 to £1000?

TX.

For me the boot is too small. SWMBO has been going on about getting an estate for some time because the WRX boot is only just big enough. The new hatch looked promising, and would enable me to keep her happy and still keep in the brand.

Had a look over one last weekend and the boot floor is very high, and the line of the hatch when shut is low, being too raked. Looking side by side with the current saloon, I wouldn't be surprised if the new model has less capacity than the outgoing one :(

Does anyone have any comparison figures?

I will have to take a boot load of stuff to the dealers and see how much I can fit in, maybe I will be pleasantly surprised?

I have a German Shepherd dog to fit in and I must admit to wondering if that floor is too high.

Appreciate what your saying, but for a hatch it's quite good, and don't forget the seats fold down now, higher boot floor has the advantage of if your lifting something heavy your not going to struggle getting it over a big boot lip.... if you can get it in in the fist place :)

Seems like i'll be sticking with my Hawkeye STi for a while then if it's losing that much money :(

A car which is a delight to use as an everyday car :)

Test Drove New WRX
 

Forget the looks, just go drive one!

I have had a 2000 Turbo, 2 x WRX 2.0 and have a 2.5 WRX right now.

Suspension a little softer, much more comfortable! Probably a little less ultimate grio and a little more roll.

Was driving across country on a greasy road, felt just as assured as any other WRX I have driven.

Steering wheel a little smaller making input more precise. Able to adjust for reach which meant I had a perfect driving position for the first time. Have always had either stretched arms to let my legs be comfortable (long motorways) or vive versa for driving across country.

Stereo now sounds like a stereo rather than a tranistor radio hiding in a biscuit tin.:lol1:

Oh, and it still overtakes things like they are going backwards, even with 250 miles on the clock.:eek2:

Only decision is whether or STI is a sensible price and more like the outgoing WRX to live with. Outgoing STI too harsh and brash to live with anywhere other than country roads and track days.

Good review Pete... although I have to say I disagree. Going from my Classic to a new WRX on a test drive this year was a real disappointment for me and left me wondering what on earth to get next. I just found the new car too 'sensible' if that makes sense - the steering seems to have lost all that lovely direct, go-kart like quality that makes my classic a joy to drive, it was softer sprung, felt actually slower all round and a lot 'fatter'. I'm not a fan, I'm afraid - what sold me on my classic was its smiles-per-mile fun, the fact that it makes me look forward to my otherwise soul destroying work commute. The new cars just don't do it for me.

Outgoing STi too harsh,you're having a laugh.

Could just be me but i think it's a doddle and it's used everyday.:)

\most people agree that the STi is a bugger to live with ......... hopefully, the new STi will be soft and sensible :thumb:

I honestly have never had any problems with it at all with regards living with it as a daily driver but then it's the only Impreza i've ever driven so can't compare it to your 'softer' version :)

I test drove every new shape STi that came out. You would need a monthly direct debit with your dentist to reset your fillings!

Great fun if you are in the mood to blast across country.

Slighly more discrete looks and hopefully a sensible price might convert me to an STI.

Dealer I spoke to said PPP would be available in 6 months time.

If it doesn't sell the WRX will be offered with free PPP and Interest Free Credit, free 3 years servicing and 20% off the list price ............. I'll be there buying at that moment :D :thumb: It really is that good!! ;)

Come on then Pete, stick the old girl down as depo. - surely theyll let you have a grand off the asking price ..!

If it mirrors your potential purchasing of a flat screen TV then you'll never buy one as you'll always be waiting for the next Big Deal or Price Drop ;)

TX.

The wife is too clapped out to be worth £1000 ............... ;)

Well, look what happened when I rushed in on that one!!!!! I bought from ****ty CURRYS and have lived to regret every minute since :rolleyes:

CURRYS really are a bunch of sh1ts ..... did I say that somewhere?? ;)

You want to try driving the Focus RS then mate,you won't have any teeth left !!:D

I'm on to my second newage STI, so I've now been driving one for almost 3 years. I've never found it remotely difficult to live with, other than the obvious hassle of having to fill up so often due to a ridiculously small fuel tank for a 20mpg car. I'm not really sure what people mean when they say STI's (or Evo's) aren't everyday cars :confused:

Mind you, I should probably qualify the above by adding that I only do around 5000 miles per year and have a beater for crappy weather days! :lol:

The £1000 vehicle duty thing worries me too (the government have indicated this is what the top tax band will rise to within the next couple of years). Our S2000 is already in that bracket, don't fancy having two cars in the top band and paying £2000/yr tax, on top of petrol prices :eek2:

As for the new Impreza - it's just really bland/generic looking, rather than ugly I would say. Apparently the interior build quality is even worse than would normally be expected from Subaru, not that that would bother me especially...

Well stick your old banger down then :lol1: