The third generation Impreza was featured in Fast and Furious.
This time he got a chance to ride the sedan version of the WRX STI. This car is already becoming a cultural heritage, so let’s enjoy it to the fullest.
Summary at the beginning
The feel of the car in visible areas and on the street feels cheap, and the price is actually cheap.
If you just take it for a test drive, you’ll probably end up with the impression that it’s just a cheap, shoddy car.
The body is not particularly rigid either.
However, the engine explodes with power that is clearly out of place for the light and compact body and blows it away.
The balance is unreasonable, but it’s fun to ride while keeping it in check, and I feel that even this poor chassis won’t pose any danger if the rider is able to fully utilize the acceleration.
It was a very interesting experience.
Test car specs
It is a 2010 model “WRX STI A-Line”. The new car price is 3.15 million yen.
- Vehicle size is 4580 x 1795 x 1470mm
- Vehicle weight is 1490kg
- The engine is a 2457cc horizontally opposed 4-cylinder turbo.
- Maximum power is 300 horsepower (6200 rpm)
- Maximum torque is 350Nm (2800~6000 rotations)
- Transmission is 5AT (6MT is also available.)
The Impreza has a wide lineup of grades and body types, but we identified it using Subaru’s body number search service and checked the specifications using the Goo-net catalog.
Interior and exterior
about exterior
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time or opportunity to take photos, so this is just a random image.
Hatchbacks are common. The sedan type is probably rare.
about interior
Considering the price of a new car, the economic circumstances of the development team make it a “cheap car.”
Unfortunately, despite its stylish appearance, plastic is noticeable everywhere. I didn’t think it was bad though.
Cruise control is installed on the right side of the steering wheel.
As you can see, the button feels squishy and very cheap when pressed.
Although it is equipped with paddle shifters, the feel when you pull the paddles also feels cheap.
I get the impression that it is limp. Fortunately, it doesn’t bother me when I’m doing sports driving.
However, this paddle is the type that doesn’t stick even if you turn the steering wheel.
Personally, I would have been happier if it was the type that came with it, but since it is a car that is designed for sharp turns like Gymkhana, I guess this is also a good idea.
But if you’re a serious user who goes to competitions, you’ll probably buy a manual.
The meter is simple and very easy to read.
Easy-to-operate triple air conditioner control panel.
The gear looks like it’s straight, but it’s a gate type that detours from P to the left and descends to the bottom right.
It has a very strong jiggling feeling, so even if you’re used to it, you’ll be confused as to whether you’ve entered the right place.
center console.
A switch to change the driving mode.
Push in to enter Eco/Normal Intelligent Mode. Turn to the left for sports. Push it to the right for sports sharp mode.
The seat heater switch is located quite far in the front left corner. He didn’t realize it until it was time to take a photo inside the car.
It heats up quickly, and at full power it can get hot enough to burn you.
Fortunately, it has an electric seat, but the oddly shaped adjustment dial made it difficult to operate.
Also, the seat movement speed is very slow, which makes me feel stressed every time I take a nap.
Fortunately, it collapses quite a bit, so I can rest comfortably.
Actual driving impression
about engines
If you step on it sparingly, it will accelerate steadily.
Compared to Lancer Evolution, which was blatantly barking, it was very quiet.
The torque characteristics are as if the displacement itself has increased rather than being supercharged.
The more you step on it, the more power is released as if the top is unlocked.
It doesn’t startle you, so it’s safe considering its acceleration and poor chassis.
However, in order to enjoy the stimulation, you need to consciously step on it strongly.
When I was driving around town, I didn’t feel the slowness at all, but when I stepped on it steadily, the world changed in a surprising way.
The front end lifted due to the extremely sharp acceleration, and the shock absorber stretched, causing a slight wheelie and diminishing the feeling of front ground contact.
It also has a very sharp start to momentary pedal pressure, boasting a response comparable to that of an EV’s power mode.
about feeling of steering
The steering wheel looks like leather, but in the dark it’s so hard you’d think it was plastic.
In the area of city driving, the steering center feels heavy near the center and makes it difficult to turn.
When you go over a step, it feels like the handle is suddenly taken away. I felt a shock in my hands.
It feels light at the beginning of the cut, but as you bend it it feels heavier and feels strange.
The horizontally opposed engine seems to be effective in turning.
The front heavy items seem to be under the left and right tires. Even when you roll the car, it bends as if a heavy object is crawling under your feet.
By the way, the roll itself is pretty good. Forester and Crosstrek are still less inclined.
The body rigidity is also modest, giving the impression that the legs are stiff and forcefully pressed down to provide stability.
When you go over a step, the suspension and body feel like you’re riding on the first-generation Hachiroku.
about brakes
Although it has the image of a sports machine, there is play in the area where you first press the brake pedal, giving the impression that the pedal feel is stiff. disappointing.
However, it can be said that there is a feeling that it starts to work after stepping on the accelerator to a certain extent.
This is good as “normal” because it has a good overall balance and can stop without any problems.
I very often complain about brakes that work too hard from the beginning, but I think this Impreza is just too dull at the beginning.
It seems like it would be much better if I replaced the brake pads according to my preference, but is this dullness due to the initial braking of the pads, or is it because there are areas where the pads don’t touch the rotor in the first place? . .
about ride comfort
Although it is stiff, it is not unpleasant as it transmits the shock when going over a step by crushing it to some extent.
But it’s not what I would call “comfortable”. I don’t think it’s bad considering the acceleration.
Personally, I think it’s good enough. This is not a factor that would be a barrier for people who are considering buying it.
Other things
After idling for about 1-2 minutes and stopping, I noticed a smell of exhaust gas inside the car.
I don’t think it’s that old, but maybe it was just my imagination…
