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Subaru WRX STI is Too Old For the Focus RS

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The 2016 models of the WRX and STI had enjoyed massive global success, which has probably informed the thinking behind their 2017 refresh. That's because almost nothing has changed for the performance sedans, except for some price bumps.

Fans had a long wish list for next year's model, including a hot hatch based on the new Impreza five-door concept. But the vehicles' styling isn't as important as what lies underneath the hood.

The 2.0L turbo boxer in the WRX and the 2.5L unit in the WRX STI remain totally unchanged, which has led to a collective sigh of disappointment.

Those engines are great - the smaller block boasts a good 268hp while the 2.5L has 305hp on tap - except that they have been around since 2004 and in going unchanged fall short against the 350hp Ford Focus RS and 292hp Volkswagen Golf R.

It is understandable that the 305hp WRX STI would lose against the Focus RS; there are simply no vehicles of its class that can rival the output of the Ford Performance pocket rocket.

However, the problem is in fuel economy. Without advancements in efficiency for the old boxer engine the WRX STI is rated at 17mpg city and 23mph highway which averages 20mpg combined.


Though the Golf R slightly lacks in horses compared to the range-topping Subie, it achieves 23mpg city, 30mpg highway, and 27mpg combined. The Focus RS manages 19mpg city, 25mpg highway, and 22mpg combined.

Of course the aforementioned mileage of the WRX STI is based on the 2016 model. With the new lightweight Subaru Global Platform, those numbers should increase. Nevertheless, the 2017 model has been equipped with a bunch of extra features, which ultimately weighs down on its efficiency improvements.
 

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