Gangsta Smurf

yeh the sounds are a massive massive improvement ... so good to not have to go and buy a decent sound system for a change.

Took the car out last night in the rain and it handles like a dream in the wet. Can't wait to really push it after I've dropped the oil and done a few more miles.

John Hughes

That’s me filled the new MY08 Impreza with Shell V Power twice and both times I could not fill more than ¾ of the tank. The first time I thought it seemed too inexpensive to be full, but didn’t try to get any more in. The second time I new it was not full and tried moving the nozzle to every position, but I could not get any more petrol in the tank. Anyone else experiencing the same problem?

Gangsta Smurf

not here ... filled it up 4 times and each times it's gobbled up the lot.

BMWhere?

Not filled mine up yet! But reminds me to check that the fuel cap is still on the same side

Averaging 23mpg so far - 390km so far off the first tank! Think that's a new record for me and Impreza's

John Hughes

Just read the Autocar (5th March) Road Test for the Impreza STi. Like any other test most of it is down to the individual testers opinion. The Subaru scores well when opinion does not come into it like acceleration, braking, etc. As expected it falls down when opinionated critics with a few scores to settle jump off the deep end. “The tailgate needs a hefty slam” is hardly worth the ink of a critique. Read in isolation from the author’s obvious Renaultsport leanings it is actually a very good road test. Worth a look.

P.S. Autocar 1st Place Megane R26 – A proper drivers car. What do they mean – as opposed to an improper, poor or average driver? Clarkson doesn’t sound so bad now!

BMWhere?

Autocar magazine is hardly worth the ink IMHO! Fine if you're in the market for a 'family' car, but cars like the Impreza are always going to suffer because their ride is too hard or fuel consumption is too high or you can't get 5 kids and the dog in it!

If you want to know how good a performance car is, read Evo! They test the Impreza against Lamborghini's not Renaults!

John Hughes

I did buy the EVO magazine with the “Giant Killer” review, of the STi versus a Lamborghini. It was a great feature. The Autocar road test does provide a lot of interesting information, although I believe it to be seriously flawed when they insist on making comparisons with cars that were tested by different people in diverse places and conditions. Then presenting us with a dumbed down top five.

I bought the 1st issue of the re-launch of Performance Car, they had the road test of the WRX. I got an email from the editor (Dominic Holtam) and he said they would be testing the STi; they have a big twin-test lined up for issue 3 involving the STi and another top-spec hot hatch. Look forward to this.

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

You're not trying hard enough

The car is looking very nice Al Dad (Distinguished Gentleman - he's lurking on this thread somewhere ) took an 08 STi for a test drive yesterday and was very impressed. He said it felt so much more refined than his current 05 STi. I expect him to put an order in any day now

Dad, if you're reading this, HURRY UP, I want it there for a test drive when I come down to visit at Easter

renny

iTrader: (2)

Regarding the oil change,i'd get in touch with the dealers as previous models needed a change at 1k - should say in the handbook but worth double checking.

John Hughes

Watch the video of the STi against the Lambo. Magic STi.

Impreza STI v Gallardo | Planet evo | Videos | evo

BMWhere?

Thanks Sal! The car is much more refined than the old ones - I feel all grown up now

Your dad should definately get his order in! Would make a great car for the trip over the Germany this year Better not let you test drive it though, he'll never get it back!

BMWhere?

Yeah, saw that a while ago! Pretty amazing that it came so close!

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Dad ordered an STi in WR blue yesterday, he's opted for the front fogs but is going for the standard wheels for now until he finds a set that take his fancy

He's also got to wait for his private plate to be switched over from his current Scoob so should hopefully have the new one by the time we get down for Easter

CaptainJohn

The 1K oil change is a thing of the past Renny. No longer applies , as Rob says the oil is changed out at the PDI. So its 10K or annually now for a visit to the dealer

John Hughes

Swapping over a private plate does not seem to take as long as it used to. I got mine swapped over by the dealer free of charge, from my trade in Focus ST. Gave them the V5 a week before I was due to get the STi, and it was ready for pick-up last Saturday (1st March) even although the DVLA went on strike on Friday (29th Feb). The new V5 for the Focus came through on the Thursday (28th Feb). So hopefully there will be no delay for you. Happy Easter

STiFreak

iTrader: (4)

The review of the new UK STi is out in Japanese Performance magazine's April issue. I think they have been fairly kind in saying it's all gone a bit soft and will need some money spent on mods (suspension, 18" wheels and the PPP at least to help pull the 1500kg bulk around). The tuning companies will be smiling and rubbing their hands with glee.

IMO it seems as though Subaru have compromised the STi as a pure drivers car to make it appeal more to the mass market. I think it's a pity, as they are so few real drivers cars left that don't cost stupid money and there is so much competition already in the hot hatch market. Subaru have effectively handed Mitsubishi most of the market share they have contested for years and I honestly believe they will regret this decision.

gadgetmadman

I too swapped my private plate when buying my new STI on the 1st March - from the same dealer as you John! (At least the Falkirk wheel would have me believe). Gavin persuaded the Licensing office that the emailed and printed out copy of my insurance certificate was OK as the office was on strike the next day (29th March)

I got the blue one - ordered in January - to replace my 54 Forester 2.5XT(remapped by Andy Forest - the best). This is my third Scoobie but only my second Impreza - my first being a MY97. This STI really is the business - I pursuaded the Mrs that the intelligent setting would be just like driving a normal car - and the suprising thing is that it is! As she has been with me most of the time I have kept it in intelligent mode virtually all the time (just a few blips of Sport# to overtake) and I am getting about 25-26mpg. Was not impressed with Gavin for selling it with just a couple of gallons however as I had to top up on the way home (£54).

This is the most rewarding car I have ever driven and as I am unlikely to be able to afford a supercar - will probably always be so - untill the next model of course. The wife and I also think it looks great too..........

marmski

Have you actually driven one? I havent, but whatever the mags say... the car is faster than the previous model, and also Subaru have leap-frogged Mitsi by also making it faster than the Evo 9 and Evo X... so its hardly handing anything on a plate.

Diss the car for its looks if you want because attraction is purely perception. Mechanics of the new Impreza (whether it 'feels' softer or not) show that the car is a marked improvement forward since its gained weight and still laps faster than the old car.

Enjoy this: YouTube - New Impreza WRX STI vs New EVO X vs Old STI vs EVO IX Race (i know the MLR users didnt! )
Edit - found another one: YouTube - New STI vs New EVO X & Old STI vs Old EVO IX Drag and Slalom

I have also had a look through the spec list between JDM and UK and to me it looks like the UK STi has more to offer in Spec than the JDM?!

JDM has 2.0 Twinscroll - UK has 2.5 Singlescroll
UK can take 95RON Fuel - JDM has 100RON
JDM gets RE070's on 17" version - UK gets Dunlop SP01 (not tried the dunlops but the RE070's are awesome!)
JDM has 13:1 Steering Rack - UK has 15:1
UK has pedestrian protection front bumper - JDM doesnt
UK has Headlight Washers as standard - JDM has optional
UK has Headlight Levelers as standard - JDM has optional
UK has rear fog lamp - JDM doesnt
UK has double locking central locking - JDM is single
JDM has Jam Protection Electric Windows - UK doesnt (both still do auto-up/down)
JDM gets 'Key Off' warning - UK doesnt
JDM gets HDD SatNav - UK is DVD Type (not sure which is best?!?! Probably HDD)
UK Gets 8 front (is this correct?!) + 2 rear speakers - JDM gets 2f+2r speakers
UK gets AUX in Minijack - JDM doesnt
JDM gets a coin tray - UK doesnt
UK gets option on seat heater - JDM doesnt
JDM gets option on rear seat armrest - UK doesnt
UK gets Audio Controls on Steering Wheel standard - JDM is option
UK gets Crusie Control - JDM doesnt
UK gets 'Rear gate opener' on key - JDM doesnt
UK gets CAT1 alarm - JDM doesnt

These are all taken from the spec lists detailed above.. and anything not listed is optional on both vehicles) (if they are incorrect then i appologise.. im only going from the lists attached)... for me personally, i think the UK offers more of what i want.

beal

iTrader: (1)

Just been into the dealers (montys sheffield)and they have a red sti 08.and imo it looks nice!apart from the silver 17"wheels,far too small for the arches.And the lexus type rear lights.But sitting inside the car its alot more comfortable than my06 sti and the position is better.

wrxjay03

wonder if they will sell many red ones? Are the grey 5 spoke wheels 17s or optional 18s???

beal

iTrader: (1)

They said they have sold 3 grey and one blue.and the wheel are the only option,no option of 18"s unless you hand over another 2.5k!!

STiFreak

iTrader: (4)

No I have not driven one yet, but will definitely be doing so, just to see how different they are. I can however catagorically say that I would not buy one because:
1) it is a hatch [I much prefer saloons]
2) I despise body roll and lack of feedback from my suspension and steering, which the new STi seems to suffer from
3) it looks more ugly than the Vauxhall Astra which is half the price (of course this is only my opinion and I am sure many will disagree).

Yes I have seen those vids before ... but I would have much rather seen the same driver do timed laps in each car as a more accurate comparison of performance.

John Hughes

It’s my petrol gauge that’s knackered. Just filled up for 3rd time in 6 days. From just under ¼ tank for all three fills: - first fill was £28 second was £24 and third was £20. I made sure the tank was full by continuing until I saw petrol in the fuel filler, so it is absolutely full to the brim and still showing ¾ full. It’s got an appointment with the dealer on Monday.

Pete N

Hmmm. I seem to be the only one who isn't knocked over by the driving experience The new STI looks awesome (much better in the flesh than in photos) but I was disappointed by the drive. I guess I was expecting too much; I think I was expecting an improvement to at least match an Evo for handling and precision. Not the case - I found it was too soft and rolled too much for my liking, the steering initially felt better (lighter and not so much kickback) but it has even less feel! The over-riding impression I left with was that it felt like an "ordinary" run of the mill Jap hatchback but with more power. Wasn't bowled over by the power either (the dealer had hyped that up too...) although the engine was tight (1k miles) so perhaps unfair to judge against my 06 STI? But the midrange seemed much reduced and only started to pick up strongly from 4.5k revs, which is less useful for real world driving. In summary I agree with STiFreak, they've sacrificed a drivers' car in the chase for mass appeal. With this i-drive thing I'm also surprised they didn't manage to get it below 225g/km to keep out of the top road tax bracket - opportunity missed

Sadly it's not the car for me, despite really liking the looks, the extra practicality of the hatch and especially cruise control.

Pete.

John Hughes

Nice to here of another local STi driver. I’m loving it to. I picked up mine at 10:30 last Saturday and all the STi’s were still lined up, I should have taken a photo. David was my salesman and I think I got a lot more petrol than you (see story above). David had put in the same amount of fuel as normal but it was not showing very high on the gauge, so he refilled again. This is the only plus point to having a knackered gauge. My wife drives in Sport, but never Sport#, and I thought I was getting 23MPG, but who knows now? Hope to see you around.

renny

iTrader: (2)

My oil on my 07 was changed at 1k and this was shown in the service book - has this just changed for the MY08 onwards then?

This is done free of charge,if you ask your dealer nicely at the time of buying the car,otherwise you just pay for the labour.

Allan

iTrader: (1)

Amen to that, I really miss the anti tailgate funtion that I had on the classic

abc

I've just read the article and found it rather puzzling -- it reads like they've reviewed a different car from that which EVO gave half a star less to than to the Superleggera (ie four stars). For example, the handling sounded different and there was very little about steering feel (or lack of it). EVO were also more impressed with the interior, and having looked at (but not sat in) one, I'd agree. It'll be interesting to see what EVO make of it when they give it a proper test.

Anyway, it sounds like the new STi is pleasing its owners and that's the main thing.

gadgetmadman

I think you struck lucky with the dodgy gauge, John. You must have got at least £30 of free fuel and the gauge will be replaced under warranty! I must say that my working gauge is the most accurate of any car that I have owned. The low fuel warning light came on just below the 1/6 mark and as I said, it took £54 of 98RON (can't remember which make - Shell I think). I've since had the wife top it up but she went to Morrisons and put standard unleaded in - urh !

I was pleased to note the power folding wing mirrors - but why on earth don't they fold automatically when the ignition is switched off - you have to remember to push the button - and again when you start up. I was also peeved to find that the garage demo car had keyless entry but mine has the (undocumented) single button key (same as my Forester) and as there are no audible cues you have to watch the indicators flash to determine whether you are locking - one flash (1sec) or unlocking 1 flash (3secs) - or is it the other way round! Don't even ask me if I manage to open the other doors/tailgate everytime - nightmare. Gavin (salesman) had failed to programme the alarm to sound the warning "beeps" and I'm unsure whether this is possible. If anybody knows the code to activate the beeps please post here! I managed to activate the auto lock when switching on the ignition - tells you how in the alarm "manual". After having my previous Scoobie stolen at knifepoint (wife on her own in the car) - she insists on this being set. Oh - and what about the built in tracker - great for the insurance (but it still went up to over £350 over my Forester's £275 but they didn't know it had been remapped to 250bhp and 285lbft)

Along with most other owners, I'm still waiting for the STI mats and the exhaust trim. After driving during the night with those superb HID headlights, I decided not to bother with the fogs - anybody else expect to see them as standard after all the promo photos?

Don't anybody bother with the £210 bluetooth option - it sucks. Lousy audio quality at the other end. I actually sent a Parrott 3200 LS colour over to the garage to fit prior to picking up the car but was told that the connections on the radio/CD were incompatible (unlike every other Subaru model) - what a pain. I intend to get a TomTom at some point - maybe the bluetooth hands free built into some models wiil be better than Subaru's efforts!

marmski

Completely agree, timed laps with the same driver would be better... but its a guide. Did EVO use different drivers aswell? (havent read/seen it)

I also understand your reasons for not liking it if its a cosmetic thing since this is open to your perception (hence why some love it, and some loath it)... if i was to be honest, i prefer my MY05 to any other Impreza... but that doesnt make all the others bad cars.

Surely the fact that the car is faster round a track than both the Evo X and the Evo 9 means it must be more precise, and it must handle better? Maybe your beef is more with the fact that the car doesnt involve the driver as much in this... perhaps this is because to make Mr.Average faster, it needs the car to work harder. (See the new GTR for a perfect example of a car that makes Mr.Average into Lewis Hamilton )

I think people are being to heavy on the new STi... cosmetically to many its perhaps a step backwards, technically to all its a major step forward. (the fact that Litchfield thinks he can make his Type 25 version as fast as his GTR pretty much tells you how the experts see it)

Im not a massive fan, but i dont think its even close to a failure by Subaru like many seem to be implying