15' Subaru WRX STi

[Havok_]

Hello again fellow members!

After a long hiatus it is nice to be back to the forums! I have been on here more than I should looking at a lot of cool updates from the member's rides and I felt that I should contribute.

Long story short, no more commuting into Boston (Thank God) found an awesome job 11 miles from my house and getting to and from is noting but back-roads that are usually empty by the time I am heading back home or on the way to the office, which makes me very very happy.

It is still very new so I cannot say much about the engine, I am breaking it in gingerly, I can easily pass legality by barely touching the throttle, the handling however is magical. I have taken a lot of MA back-roads since I got the car and wow, what a well engineered machine. Clutch, Brakes, Transmission are all sublime (especially the transmission).

As I have more seat time I will provide updates, but for now the pics. Any questions, please feel free to ask.

 

[Legro]

Sweet Subaru. Just one question: Why silver and not blue?

 

[Havok_]

Sweet Subaru. Just one question: Why silver and not blue?

Funny story behind that choice. I had a 2015 WRX Limited in WR Blue. I figured silver would compliment the car well aesthetically.

 

[Havok_]

Tint and a few SPT parts will be coming up this weekend. Pics will surely follow.

More driving impressions:

Comparing this car to the 15' WRX is kind of strange. Although they look pretty much the same, both inside and out, it really surprised me how different the vehicles are in terms or character.

The STi is more visceral, with the turn of the key it barks to life, every down shift, every slight stab at the throttle the car surges, growls and simply feels more alive.

The WRX is so much more subdued than the previous gen. The cabin is quiet, comfortable and the only hint that you are driving a sporty car is the turbo whistling away, even with very little throttle input.

Suspension:

For a long commute over rough roads, the WRX is very compliant, it's no Cadillac but it will not break you tailbone. Great car for long trips, for sure. Even with such a sporty steering feel I was very surprised at how well the WRX handles. With it's 17' rims, I think it really is well balanced and has a very manageable around town or highways. It is awesome to drive a good handling car that is damped well!

The STi would not be a great "in town" car unless the pavement is smooth. I thankfully have pretty nice roads around here, so I just feel the STi gliding everywhere. Has some good damping for the occasion that you do hit an uneven strip of pavement, but you feel it. As many car sites, magazines can attest, the quicker steering rack on the STi is....well....amazing. I really like how quick it responds and ironically enough it's not nervous or darty at all. Point and shoot is the phrase that comes to mind.

It's rainy and gloomy here in MA today so I will be taking it a bit easier, I will play with the DCCD settings though. Updates will follow to any who are interested.

Have a good one.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Funny story behind that choice. I had a 2015 WRX Limited in WR Blue. I figured silver would compliment the car well aesthetically.

Premium comes with moonroof, heated seats, and much more. So you downgraded from the premium version?

Congrats on the 15 STI.

 

[Havok_]

Well, a downgrade in terms of features. Previous car was a WRX, not an STi.

Base STi has everything from the limited WRX except the moon roof, full leather(side bolsters are leather, center is Alcantara) and power seats

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Well, a downgrade in terms of features. Previous car was a WRX, not an STi.

Base STi has everything from the limited WRX except the moon roof, full leather(side bolsters are leather, center is Alcantara) and power seats

When it comes to the STI...Are the seats heated? Are the windshield wipers heated? Are the mirrors heated?

I ask because I have still been trying to decide if I want to trade in my 04 WRX for the 15 WRX or 15 STI. Was leaning heavily toward the 15 WRX especially since it has a 6 speed instead of my crappy 5 speed.

 

[Havok_]

When it comes to the STI...Are the seats heated? Are the windshield wipers heated? Are the mirrors heated?

I ask because I have still been trying to decide if I want to trade in my 04 WRX for the 15 WRX or 15 STI. Was leaning heavily toward the 15 WRX especially since it has a 6 speed instead of my crappy 5 speed.

Dont short change your rex! Its in great condition but I know how you feel. I remember when I first got my wrx we had a nice exchange after I posted photos of the 15 limited.

Base STi comes with heated seats, mirrors and windshield. Mine has no nav no sunroof and no harmon kardon. The exhaust of that puppy are enough for a soundtrack. Every turbo pop, whistle and engine growl are piped right into the cabin. Honestly Cam, I have had both Wrx and STi models for 2015 and both are awesome cars. But the STi has that ability to put a smile on your face as soon as she barks to life. Feel free to ask away and I will do my best to answer any question you have. If you want pics as well just holler.

 

[motortrend]

Looking good! Forget the sunroof, less weight I only use mine for gate opening and toll stickers.

 

[Havok_]

Looking good! Forget the sunroof, less weight I only use mine for gate opening and toll stickers.

MT, you are right. I almost never used used the sunroof on any of my cars, maybe on a nice night, but certainly not often. A lot more when I used to smoke cigarettes ( 6 years clean ) but I really don't need it at all anymore.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

I use my sunroof daily in the summer. Love the feeling of the open air above and the sun coming in. Especialy since we don't have very many summer months here. In the winter it obviously never gets opened. But I still enjoy the sun coming through in the winter. Helps warm up the inside of the car and again, just feels good.

 

[Havok_]

I use my sunroof daily in the summer. Love the feeling of the open air above and the sun coming in. Especialy since we don't have very many summer months here. In the winter it obviously never gets opened. But I still enjoy the sun coming through in the winter. Helps warm up the inside of the car and again, just feels good.

Putting into perspective, I wish I did use it more often. On a slight tangent; Did you ever get to drive either the 15' WRX or STi? I know you are weighing your options which is understandable. I just wanted to know your impressions on the car.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Putting into perspective, I wish I did use it more often. On a slight tangent; Did you ever get to drive either the 15' WRX or STi? I know you are weighing your options which is understandable. I just wanted to know your impressions on the car.

No I never got to drive one. Usually as soon as one was in, it was sold the same day.

 

[Havok_]

No I never got to drive one. Usually as soon as one was in, it was sold the same day.

Not as bad here in Massachusetts but granted, they have a lot more in stock usually. But yes, people are buying them up rather quickly, which is surprising considering all of the hatred towards the new body style when it was first revealed.

 

[Ibonibo]

Nice purchase 👍

On the sunroof, while it adds a bit off weight on the wrong place and can be a tad more dangerous on a "do a barrel roll", I also love that it gives a totally other vibe in the car. Much clearer when sun is shining through.

But not an absolut mus have but a nice welcome gimmick

 

[c-losk]

Nice, I've never been a Subie fan always an EVO guy but I love the new body style and good choice of color.

 

[Cale]

I can plz drive?

 

[WrxScooby]

Welcome to le family.

 

[Havok_]

Guys I could use some help. Snow actually fell here in MA and I shuddered to even think of taking the silver bullet out for a spin. I could only recall a day where I had to drive home during a sudden snow storm last year from the office, suffice to say I had yet to put the winter tires on the REX and that was probably the most intense experience in my life. Driving in 2 inches of snow and slush on summer tires was a challenge. Even keep it straight was tough, regardless of AWD.

So having said that i need input for you gentlemen and scholars.

Should I go down and inch for the winter months with wheels and tires or just slap some blizzaks on the stock 18's? I would have to assume that the smaller rim would cut through snow better and the bigger rim would plow more than one would like, any thoughts or recommendations would be phenomenal!

Thanks guys!

 

[Joey D]

Should I go down and inch for the winter months with wheels and tires or just slap some blizzaks on the stock 18's? I would have to assume that the smaller rim would cut through snow better and the bigger rim would plow more than one would like, any thoughts or recommendations would be phenomenal!

Thanks guys!

Smaller wheels and tires will be cheaper, 18" snow tires aren't cheap and you'll more than likely need "performance" winter tires at that size. Typically the smallest wheels and narrowest wheels you can fit are the best. More sidewall helps with the bite and the narrow tires cuts through the snow better.

Looks like you can get 235/45/17's for winters on the WRX or even go a bit narrower with 225/50/17 and they still should be similar in size to the stock wheels and tires.