Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Niche:
Motorsport-inspired, rally-bred performance vehicle with all-wheel drive.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Si.
Performance Dna:
Legendary turbocharged EJ257 Boxer engine, Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, driver-focused chassis.
Distinctiveness:
Unique boxer engine configuration, rally heritage, aggressive styling.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and possibly automatic), drivetrain (AWD system, differentials).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system, wheels and tires.
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, climate control system, SRS airbags.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, audio system, power accessories, body control modules, CAN bus network.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical schematic interpretation.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures for major systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Quality:
High-resolution, designed for clear printing of text and diagrams.
Binding:
Not applicable (downloadable PDF), but designed for modular printing.
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital), but intended for printing on standard paper.
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (TY856)
Type:
None (STI exclusively manual for this generation)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Differentials:
Helical Front LSD, Torsen Rear LSD
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Gear Oil GL5 75W-90 (Genuine Subaru or equivalent)
Front Differential Fluid:
Subaru Gear Oil GL5 75W-90 (Genuine Subaru or equivalent)
Rear Differential Fluid:
Subaru Gear Oil GL5 75W-90 (Genuine Subaru or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good
IIHS Overall Score:
Top Safety Pick (2013 Model Year)
Brake System:
Front: 4-Piston Brembo (12.4-inch rotors), Rear: 2-Piston Brembo (12.4-inch rotors)
ABS:
Yes, with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Traction Control:
Yes, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Airbags:
Driver, Front Passenger, Front Side-Impact, Side-Curtain
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH System
Head Unit:
Subaru STARLINK (availability may vary by trim and region)
Audio System:
Harman Kardon premium audio system (optional on some trims)
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port, Auxiliary input.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available on higher trims.
Si Drive:
Subaru Intelligent Drive system with modes like Intelligent (I), Sport (S), and Sport Sharp (S#).
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential allows manual adjustment of front-to-rear torque split.
Oil Change Interval Miles Km:
3,750 miles / 6,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe service), 7,500 miles / 12,000 km or 12 months (normal service).
Air Filter Replacement Miles Km:
15,000 miles / 24,000 km
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Miles Km:
15,000 miles / 24,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement Miles Km:
30,000 miles / 48,000 km (iridium type)
Transmission Fluid Change Miles Km:
30,000 miles / 48,000 km
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
5.5 (with filter)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine ATF-HP or Dexron III compatible
Head Gasket Failures:
While the EJ257 is robust, earlier generations were prone to head gasket failures. The 2013 model generally sees improved reliability, but meticulous maintenance is key. The manual will detail specific torque sequences and procedures to mitigate this.
Piston Ringland Failures:
Can occur with aggressive tuning or prolonged high-load operation without proper cooling. Proper manual procedures for engine assembly and tuning advice are crucial.
Clutch Wear:
High performance driving can lead to accelerated clutch wear. The manual provides replacement procedures and torque specifications.
Motorsport Roots:
Subaru's extensive rally heritage and success in WRC directly influences the WRX STI lineage.
Gv Gr Generation:
This represents the first generation of Impreza WRX STI to deviate from the hatchback-only focus of the previous GR generation, offering both sedan and hatchback body styles (though the manual specifies the sedan typically).
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Model Year Span:
2011-2014 (for the GE/GH/GR/GV generation, with 2013 being a specific iteration).