greylag

Just read a comparison of a bunch of cars as a+b road point to point weapons in autocar magazine.The new sti comes out badly,bodyroll and understeer being its main problems.It is outclassed by the megane R26 which was nearly 2 seconds quicker around millbrook!What is Subaru hoping to achieve with this car,mitsubishi's evo x was less than a second slower than a Lambo LP640 on the same track!.

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

Yet performance car magazine were full of nothing but praise, and said it was in a different class in terms of point to point speed than the new R32 Golf, which was the other car in the twin test.

Ironically, Evo magazine rated it above the EVO 10 in the latest issue

It also fared quite well against the Lambo Gayardo in Welsh back roads.

Only way to find out is to take a test drive!

Blueblaster

I think you have to look at the criteria of the tests. If you want a car that will get you from A-B on B-roads as quickly as possible with the most driver envolvement then the Subaru is not the class leader. But, if you want a car that is great to live with, offers 4wd all-weather performance when you fancy it then the Subaru is the car for you. If you're honest, this is a much more sensible car for Subaru to build and if any enthusiast wants to pep it up a bit I am sure there will be plenty of options.

ps Roll on the STI Diesel

mgcvk

I've still not seen an Sti on the roads. Saw a black wrx which looked very ordinary. I've seen a new Mitsi evo and thought that looked very ordinary as well. I'm sure the Sti is in actual fact a very good car, but how many people are shelling out 25k for such a non-looker?

mgcvk

The Megane in black looks the business.

bluenosewrx

iTrader: (2)

I saw a Blue one with NL plates in Glasgow, never impressed to much either and IIRC they are now Ł1500 more expensive.

Mac

Manx_STi

Well My STi has 800 miles on her now and ive been opening it out on our back roads and i can tell you all it bloody shifts and handles like a dream. Once your used to the super light steering you realise it does give you feedback and you can tell what sort of road surface your on etc.

My old man had Subaru estate flat 4 turbo many years ago, wasnt a legacy and never did know what model it was but that had the lightest steering on any car ive ever experienced. So maybe the people at subaru all have really weedy arms! lol

abc

The conclusion I drew from the Autocar article in comparison with those you mention was that EITHER Autocar had a badly set up car, OR the new STI suits some driving styles (eg EVO journalists) but not others (eg Autocar journalists).

lucky_strike

No doubt the R26 is a great hot hatch, always come out on top or near the top in magazine shoot-outs, excellent value for money as well bearing in mind you can usually pick them up from UK main dealers at a little over Ł16K but I don't think of them in the same breath as my STI, dunno why I just wouldn't consider one as an alternative to it. I can see why it would be quick on the track though, they are very track focused and credit to Renault Sport for offering these models, also bear in mind it doesn't suffer the 4wd transmission losses, starts out with 230ps/hp has a good lsd and probably weights a good few kg's less.

The upcoming run-out special edition R26-R (if the name rumour is true) with no rear seats and an optional rear cage from the factory will be even more hardcore by the sounds of it, a real track machine with full dealer backup, fantastic. Tempted as a second car if the price and discounts are good.

Paul3446

I still haven't seen any model of the new Impreza on the road, they sure must be selling well!

AngloSaxon

Are you sure? Hard to spot among the Astra's, Focus's, Mazda's....etc. etc.

lucky_strike

i see the same one everyday, without fail... mine lol

codie247

HOWY

I still haven't seen an STi apart from the dealers and I haven't seen another WRX like mine either though my dealer said he had sold 5 so only 995 to go.

I suppose there is the possibility that if not many are sold I will have a collectors item in a few years time Personally I think they are underated but i'm sure it will change in time (but then again i'm biased I bought one)

Stainy

I saw an STI the other day - coffin dodger at the wheel - New target market?

lucky_strike

Hey I hope it wasn't me Only 36...

Blueblaster

Have a think about the number of cars whose sales have defied the magazine road tests. How many Intregrale Evos were sold despite being worshipped by the mags and look at the sales of the CTR (both models) which were hammered for poor steering and a harsh ride but have a cult following and massive sales. If Subaru build an STID that is the same as the STI apart from the engine they will fly off the shelves because the only other similar car is the massively overpriced A3. Sometimes the mags get it totally wrong and if petrol wasn't so expensive I think this would have been one of those times.

rjlinney

Here's another who sees a new shape STi everyday - mine!
Absolutely fantastic car - all you lot who are knocking it (and could realistically afford one) go and have a test drive - they are truly awesome cars in my humble opinion - don't knock it until you've tried one.

I was seriously considering buying an audi to replace my 3yr old WRX - until I test drove the new STi - and I was absolutely blown away by it!

It took me a while to get used to the looks - but it's my third Impreza, and by far and away they very best!

Just 'cus it's different from Impreza's of old doesn't mean it's bad!

Distinguished Gentleman

Watch it

DG

HOWY

Perhaps age and experience bring wisdom after all

DazW

iTrader: (1)

Id suggest that Lancia's sales figures were low because ...

a: Was the Integralé EVO ever officially imported to the UK?
b: Lancia pulled out of the UK in '93
c: Lancia only made a limited number (homogalation)
d: they were all left hookers

...& nothing to do with it being an ugly pup. Infact i'd suggest you test drive one, as Subaru's both past & present could learn a thing or too from it

Distinguished Gentleman

DG