Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, DIY mechanics, professional workshops
Key Rivals:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mazdaspeed3
Vehicle Highlights:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged Boxer engine, rally-bred performance heritage
Value:
Enables owners and technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, reducing labor costs and maximizing performance
Regions Covered:
Global (primarily North America, Europe, Japan)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Content Focus:
Diagnostic, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, wiring diagrams, specifications
Digital Format:
Downloadable PDF
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control, fuel system, ignition system, emissions, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual & automatic), transfer case, differentials, drive shafts, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic & parking)
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, wiring diagrams, ECU locations
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, HVAC system, collision repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, sensor testing, circuit analysis
Special Procedures:
Turbocharger servicing, AWD system calibration, ECU remapping considerations (diagnostic perspective)
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic checks to full component rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements
Engine Type:
2.5L DOHC turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Coil-on-plug, Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.4 quarts (7.0 liters)
Oil Type And Capacity:
5W-30 Synthetic, 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (TY856)
Type:
None (STi was manual-only in this generation)
Drive System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 recommended)
Front Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Limited Slip Differential fluid requirements may apply)
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good
Traction Control:
Yes (Multi-mode Traction Control System)
Electronic Stability Control:
Yes (Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)
ABS:
Yes (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution - EBD and Brake Assist)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis for improved crashworthiness
Head Unit:
Standard CD player with auxiliary input, optional navigation system with touch screen.
Audio System:
Premium audio options, often from manufacturer or aftermarket brands like Bose.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available keyless entry and push-button start on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential for on-the-fly adjustment of front/rear torque split.
Si Drive:
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) system allowing driver selection of 'Intelligent', 'Sport', and 'Sport Sharp' modes, influencing throttle response, engine mapping, and VDC.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) / 6 months (normal conditions).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed. Typically recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (iridium type).
Timing Belt:
N/A (Engine uses a timing chain)
Coolant Flush:
First replacement at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent power steering fluid)
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Engine:
Ringland failure (especially with aggressive tuning), oil consumption, turbocharger wear, valve spring issues.
Suspension:
Premature wear of bushings and ball joints, particularly the front control arm bushings.
Transmission:
Clutch wear, synchro wear in the 6-speed transmission (especially with aggressive driving).
Electrical:
Occasional issues with window regulators, infotainment system glitches.
Recommendation 1:
Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil and proper filter.
Recommendation 2:
Monitor oil level frequently due to potential consumption.
Recommendation 3:
Keep up with scheduled maintenance for transmission and differential fluids.
Rally Roots:
Subaru's long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC)
Third Gen Launch:
Introduced for the 2008 model year, marking a significant styling and platform change with the introduction of the hatchback variant.
Key Updates 2008-2011:
Minor styling tweaks, suspension revisions, and engine tuning adjustments across the model run.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
The WRX/WRX STI often featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations, and this generation continued to be highly regarded.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, AWD capabilities, and accessible performance.
Epa Fuel Economy:
EPA estimates: Approximately 17 MPG city / 23 MPG highway (varies slightly by year and body style).
