The automatic gearbox is commendable for its swift response to throttle inputs. Prod the accelerator a tad and the gearbox is always eager to kick down to provide maximum acceleration.
The automatic gearbox seems to be increasingly popular among the performance car posse here. Take Porsches as an example. More than half of the Porsches here don’t have a third pedal. So it’s no surprise that car manufacturers are introducing automatic versions of their sports models here.
The latest of which is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line. The manual transmission WRX STI is loads of fun but the question is, will this fun be diluted with an automatic gearbox? While the manual gearbox has six forward ratios, the auto only has five. With one less ratio, overall gearing is certainly longer in the auto and this blunts the STI’s performance.
On the road, the auto feels markedly less urgent than the manual version. Subaru doesn’t quote official performance figures but 0-100km/h should take 5.5 seconds. The automatic gearbox though, is commendable for its swift response to throttle inputs. Prod the accelerator a tad and the gearbox is always eager to kick down to provide maximum acceleration. It’s no lightning quick twin clutch affair here though as the torque converted auto needs time to react to throttle inputs before a kick down is executed.
There is a ‘+/-‘ manual selection mode with paddle shifters. The latter are steering mounted so that you won’t get disorientated with the paddles when twirling the steering wheel in the bends. Despite the manual selection feature, it’s best to leave the gearbox to its own devices though as it’ll pause a moment or two before reacting to the driver’s gear change inputs.
The STI’s unit is the latest iteration of Subaru’s venerable 2.5-litre flat-four, this time making a whopping 300bhp. With up to 350Nm on tap, maximum torque output in the A-Line is down on the manual model’s 407Nm at 4,000rpm. Subaru might have turned down the wick on the torque numbers presumably to preserve the longevity and reliability of the torque converter automatic.
The motor suffers from a bit of lag at low revs but once the turbo gains momentum though, the Subaru will hurtle down the horizon like a rat down a drain pipe. On boost performance is extremely strong and you’ll enjoy that ‘massage your kidneys’ feeling whenever you bring the engine on boost. Moreover, you can still enjoy that off beat boxer warble that characterizes Subaru.
Good follow up by Customer Service. Also recommended nice dealer, Smooth transaction. Happy overall.
Don Chan - 20 hours ago
I would like to extend my gratitude to Renai from SwiftQuote to make the transaction a smooth and pleasant experience. I would highly recommend the team from SwiftQuote!!
Mhd Hkl - 4 days ago
Very fast respond and friendly. Got a good quote for my car as well.
NG Peng Yam - 5 days ago
Fast and efficient. Good and reasonable quotation.
Ong Wei Chuan - 6 days ago
Prompt action, good service and keep it up. Will back again in future. Thumb up for Angie Ng
Wong Kim Hua - 1 week ago
Sold my car through SwiftQuote within a day after with reason price. highly recommended
Lee Chia Zheng - 1 week ago
Good recommendation!
Wong Kelvin - 1 week ago
Selling was a breeze. I did not expect it to be that fast. I will definitely recommend to others. Keep up the good job guys.
Md Faizal - 2 weeks ago![]()
Good, Faster and Reliable service. Highly recommended
Sam Chusu - 2 weeks ago
Thanks for your quick response in getting me a buyer really impressive , I am thankful . Please keep up the good work . Cheers
Joseph Tay - 2 weeks ago
Engine |
|
Engine Capacity | 2457cc Turbocharged |
Engine Type | Flat 4 |
Power | 300bhp @ 6200rpm |
Torque | 350Nm @ 2800rpm |
Power to Weight | 201.3 bhp per ton |
Performance |
|
Acceleration | 6.1s (0-100 km/h) |
Top Speed | 180 km/h |
Fuel Consumption (combined) | 10.0 km/L |
Misc Technical Data |
|
Transmission | 5 -speed Auto |
Drive Type | F4 |
Measurements |
|
Body Type | 5 Door Hatch |
Dimension (L x W x H) |
(4,415 x 1,795 x 1,475) mm |
Wheelbase | 2,625 mm |
Kerb Weight | 1490 kg |
Brakes |
|
Brakes (Front) | Ventilated Discs |
Brakes (Rear) | Ventilated Discs |