Long story short, i've been on this forum from time to time since about 2002 but couldn't remember my original login so i had to setup a new account. Back in the day (which seems like forever ago), I had a 2002 WRB WRX that i bought new from Luther Bloomington. One of the favorite cars i've ever owned and met some pretty cool Subaru people on this forum when we used to go down to University Ave and cruise past Porky's. Attached is an ancient shot of my WRX. I was searching the forums and i saw a lot of posts about the LE edition of the 2015 STi but i couldn't find many posts at all from people on the standard WRX. I imagine they are extremely hard to find right now. Overall it seems the press loves the car and FINALLY, a Subaru that is designed well ascetically (IMHO). Can anyone that owns one offer up their two cents on the new WRX, how does it handle, interior, must-have options? I've read a lot but you have to take the press with a grain of salt. I remember leg room in the back of the 2002 was awful and i'm sure it's a lot better in the new version. I have a feeling that maybe next year, i will come back to the Subaru family. I've been on a subi hiatus since i sold the WRX in 2005. My DD right now is a beater, 2000 Merc Mountaineer. It's a beater because the summer car got priority.
I cant really speak for how it drives since I have not ridden or drove one yet, but I have sat in the 2015 STI and imo it seems like they have done an overhaul on the interior of the car. The seats felt a bit more snug. (granted my stature is close to a fridge.) Otherwise I think the other opinions can be formed from looking at some pics of the interior. Maybe someone else can elaborate on how the new engine is for me. May take some time before known failures are spotted.
Yeah, the FA20 seems to have great potential....for tuning/mods. It's also nice that Subi provides carbon synchros for 1st and 2nd gear. =) Interior looks pretty good too from the pics. I'd like to see one in person but doing a local search of all the local dealers, it doesn't appear anyone has any in stock. I'm almost certain that if i try, i'll buy, so it's probably best to wait it out until next spring/summer. =)
If you are able to make it out to a tuesday night meet at boom island. we have a couple of different users that drive 2015 sti's I believe. I have only seen 1 2014-15 wrx sedan at a meet. I am sure they would let you take a looksy in person.
We have similar taste in cars! I've had the 2015 for a few months now just hit 4000 miles which is allot for me in such a short time. The nova I've had for a decade. I traded in a 09 WRX Limited hatch on the 2015 WRX premium. Only thing I can do is compare the 2 I have owned. Engine. Allot have had issues with the 2.5 in the previous model. I didn't but was always nervous about it do to the large numbers that complained. Hopefully the 2.0 has less issues but it's too early to tell. I'll let others mod and blow stuff up first after a while we should see what works and what doesn't thru the butt hurt on NASIOC. Power seems to come in at quite a bit lower RPM and feels like it hits harder. Peak numbers are similar but there is more down low and sooner. Trans. My 09 had the 5 speed. The 15 we optioned for cvt. Wife had allot to do with it. I don't miss the manual. The auto on the street is seems fine. In the 2 sport modes shifts hard and seems to keep the rpms up as it's doing it. Why they set things up to mimic shifts is beyond me. Lol. I haven't tracked the car so have no idea yet what it will do in that situation. I've heard good things about the 6 speed. Handling. The new one is better. No body roll compared to the 09. Huge difference. Still rides very good. They seem to have found a very good balance and its still ok to take long trips without beating you up. Wheels. They appeared to have taken into account all the issues the previous one had fitting larger tires and rims. Rear lip is rolled. But the large opening makes 17 in look tiny. Switching to 5x114.3 does give more options. Interior. Seats are about the same. Steering wheel is great. Flat bottom nice feel and just the right size with controls for everything placed well. Visibility is excellent. No blind spots. Center gauge pod is great. Nice to have a boost gauge without having to go aftermarket. I did get the kicker speaker upgrade and sub. Blah I ramble. Gas mileage is good 30 + highway. I don't much care about mileage but it's a nice bonus I guess. Proving grounds 2 is coming up and I'm pretty sure were going. Saw a few new white STI's there last time. Stop out there!
Hey, thanks a lot Noone! There is no replacement for first hand reviews. Love your nova too and I'd have to say, the red looks killer on the WRX as well.
This is my first Subaru so I can't really compare it to any other. I came from a Volkswagen Rabbit (MKV) to give you a bit of background. Handling is great for stock. Apparently the previous WRX had tons of body roll but this WRX has crazy grip around corners. It does have some body roll though (but I'm comparing this to my coilover'd VW Rabbit), but it has no issues going around corners very quickly. Boost in this car surges, sometimes you get a steady linear climb into boost and other times it'll kick you in the face and throw you back. I don't really mind it at all as its very fun. The interior is great, the flat bottom steering wheel is a must and I'm so happy that was included (coming from my VW). The gauges are gorgeous in person and very bright. I love the center dash and all the different display options you have (digital boost gauge, clock, calendar, boost, average MPG, MPG chart, ect.) The fake carbon fiber looks good and if you don't like it can be changed thanks to 3M vinyl wraps. My only nitpick is the leather around the emergency brake feels extremely cheap. Not a big deal. The stock radio sucks like everyone says, but if you do the hidden Through Mode mod its alot better. I was going to go with the Kicker Audio Upgrade but after doing this mod I am impressed with how the stock radio now sounds. Leg room in the back isn't bad at all. The interior of the car is bigger than previous generations and there is more room than there was in my VW Rabbit (same body as MKV GTI). My must have option was the LED headlights, which is only available on the Limited trim. The look of the black housing headlights, LED running light, and LED low beams changes the look of the car completely and is worth it IMO to skip having to bake the headlights to paint them and do an HID conversion.
