Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Niche:
Motorsport-derived homologation special, rally-bred performance
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS
Powertrain Philosophy:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and turbocharged Boxer engine
Performance Focus:
Driver engagement, handling dynamics, acceleration
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (Manual & Automatic Transmissions), Transfer Case, Differentials (Front, Center, Rear)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Infotainment System, Lighting System, HVAC Control, SRS (Airbag) System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Instrumentation and Gauges, Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Hood, Trunk/Tailgate
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Service, Brake Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Change
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Wiring Diagrams for Electrical Fault Finding
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Scan Tool Procedures, Live Data Interpretation, Actuator Testing, Sensor Data Analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic fluid checks and filter changes to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and bodywork repair.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) III compatible
Emissions Standard:
Meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and CARB LEV-II ULEV standards
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (TY89 Series)
Type:
N/A for WRX STI (Manual only)
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Distribution
Front Differential:
Helical limited-slip differential
Rear Differential:
Driver-controlled differential lock (for specific models/tuning)
Length:
4635 mm (182.5 in) for Sedan / 4415 mm (173.8 in) for Hatchback
Height:
1470 mm (57.9 in) for Sedan / 1475 mm (58.1 in) for Hatchback
Wheelbase:
2650 mm (104.3 in)
Curb Weight:
1500 - 1550 kg (3307 - 3417 lbs) depending on body style
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1980 kg (4365 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
Sedan: 12.3 cu ft / Hatchback: 14.3 cu ft (expandable)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models equipped with specific safety packages)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models with specific front crash prevention features)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Track Mode
AWD Control:
Symmetrical AWD, DCCD, Vehicle Dynamics Control
Airbags:
Front, Side-Curtain, Driver's Knee Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Force Limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Head Unit:
Subaru Starlink 6.2-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
Audio System:
9-speaker Harman Kardon® premium audio system (optional)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Rearview Camera:
Standard rearview camera
Eyesight System:
Subaru's EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology (optional, includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, etc.)
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity and audio streaming
Usb Ports:
USB port for media playback and device charging
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (Iridium type)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil. Subaru Genuine SAE 0W-20 engine oil is also approved.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent; 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra S Gear Oil (GL-5, 75W-90) for manual transmission
Differential Fluid:
Subaru Extra S Gear Oil (GL-5, 75W-90) for front and rear differentials
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Engine Reliability:
Ringland failure on EJ257 engines, particularly with aggressive tuning or high mileage; oil consumption can be higher than average.
Clutch Wear:
Heavy clutch usage or aggressive driving can lead to premature wear.
Suspension Components:
Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, especially with spirited driving.
Turbocharger:
Regular maintenance and proper cool-down procedures are crucial for turbocharger longevity.
Motorsport Legacy:
Direct lineage from Subaru's World Rally Championship (WRC) successes
Generations:
This represents the 5th Generation (GV/GVB/GRF/VAB) of the Impreza WRX STI, a significant redesign from previous generations.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
Production Years:
2015 model year
Automotive Journalism:
Consistently praised by automotive publications for its handling, all-wheel-drive capability, and raw performance.
Performance Metrics:
Often featured in 'best performance car' or 'most capable AWD' lists.
Manufacturer Certification:
Developed and certified by Subaru Technica International (STI)
