Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5 Turbo STi Tuned Review: Road Duel - The 2.5-litre Turbocharged Options

You only need to know one thing: it’s quick. Turbo power comes in at around 3,000 rpm and then it’s only a second or two before you reckon you’ve achieved enough velocity to escape the Earth’s gravity. The WRX moves and reacts about as fast as you can think. It feels balanced and sharp, you can tune into what each wheel is doing – the steering is quick and precise. Information on how much grip there is, usually loads and loads, goes directly to the parts of your brain that are instinctive and reflexive. Suddenly, you’re tweaking the throttle and correcting the steering with ease and speed, or dabbing the superb brakes like as though you’re completely used to the car.

The steering wheel remains one of the most perfectly sized, the seats are firm and snug, but the gear change is rather sticky and vague. This writer hit the downside in a sudden change of direction – the 5-speed manual is not as slick as the ST’s. If you don’t concentrate enough, you’ll miss a gear or select the wrong slot. Other downside? The dash design is feeling dated. But it provides enough thrills from other areas - yes, the cabin’s noisy and the ride is extra, extra firm. Then again, that’s the nature of the beast, and that should be fine by most enthusiasts.

Pure, undiluted entertainment – that’s what both will provide for the amount of money.

That said, the WRX feels solidly raw and the driver will have no problem feeling connected with the car, whereas the ST feels more refined, letting the driver stay focused on pointing the car in the correct direction as he enjoys the creature comforts at the same time.

With the WRX, Subaru has convincingly enhanced the standard WRX. It has a gutsier engine, great presence and a crafty blend of handling qualities. Not as lunatic as the WRX STi version, but still with lots of fire in its belly. Interior wise, they should really spruce things up in there. It’s good value though, and feels right at home on the tracks.

Which is one thing the ST isn’t. But it does feel like a premium product compared to the WRX. Ford has an excellent car here, and now has the firepower to give its competitors a run for their money. It isn’t as manic as the WRX, but there’s a chunky thoroughness to the way it goes about the business of being fast. And it’s a more practical day-to-day workhorse.

Happily, there are no winners or losers here. Want to go fast but still look smart? The Ford Focus ST’s definitely for you then. Want to be faster and more playful? Then the WRX tuned by STi is for you – but if you want it, you have to be quick.

In the meantime, I’ll continue praying for that sudden wealth…

Credits: Story by Azfar Hashim, pictures by Azfar Hashim and Wilson Leow