![\"2018](\"http:\/\/luxurycarmagazine.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/2018-Subaru-WRX-STI-64.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIt was during those years that I also fell for the GC8 generation Impreza 2.5RS, or the closest car to a WRX North America got until the Bugeye WRX finally arrive in late spring of 2000. I got to drive, track and review a World Rallye Blue WRX sedan that summer and I was completely hooked.<\/p>\n
Subaru has long since held a place in my heart for its AWD turbocharged performance cars, and dominance in what I believe to be the most challenging form of high-speed driving. It\u2019s no small wonder that I purchased a used WRX Bugeye wagon nearly 6 years ago as my primary mode of all season driving. With all this said, you might not be surprised to read that I love the WRX STI.<\/p>\n
Styling inside\/out<\/strong><\/p>\n In what I could argue to myself as being the bestest car category of all, compact sports cars, the WRX STI stands out as the grand-daddy of them all. This is a good, and not so good statement. In North America, it was the first to be offered in 2004 (alongside the Lancer EVO XII but it\u2019s dead now) and so its giant comical-to-some rear spoiler might date it somewhat. Even so, this magnificent over-the-top squared-off plastic arch is an absolute must in my mind.<\/p>\n For 2015, Subaru rectified the ugly Impreza generation (08-14) by introducing a more angular, serious and attractive body style. What it also did was kill the hatchback version of the STI and WRX but I won\u2019t continue the debate here. Since then, the STI has changed little on the outside save for available new 19\u201d wheels and revised front fascia. However insignificant the updates seem, the car looks bonkers, especially in Pure Red, my new favorite shade.<\/p>\n The interior gets upgrades as well in the form of a modernized dash, new soft-touch materials and multifunction display. The highlights are the available Recaro seats that look and feel right at home in this car. Subaru\u2019s gone and attempted to refine the WRX STI somewhat but this is still an STI.<\/p>\n Comfort\/space<\/strong><\/p>\n The defining argument in favor of any car in this segment is that they can all double as daily family cars. The Focus RS is fairly tight indoors and the Golf R and Civic Type R both have roomy cabins and trunks. As the only sedan, the Impreza remains spacious, for people and items likewise.<\/p>\n The trunk is deep enough for most strollers and will swallow up the average Costco trip purchases. The rear bench is comfortable and up front, the Recaro are good but short on lumbar support. This may be the first time in 20 years that I\u2019m not enthralled with Recaro seats. Maybe it\u2019s the crappy summer we\u2019re having\u2026<\/p>\n Value\/equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n All cars in from this gang start around $40k, save for one, the near $50k Focus RS. The \u201creal\u201d STI goes for $41,795 in Sport trim because spoiler and wheels. Sadly, the Recaros are part of the Sport-Tech package which for $46,595, doesn\u2019t seem like a very good deal if you\u2019re like me and don\u2019t care for the Harman Kardon, 7\u201d infotainment system with navigation and push-button start. I can always get the Sport and purchase a pair of Recaro Sportster CS seats for $3,500.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n