New WRX STi

[Frenchie]

Does anyone own or has tried the new WRX STi? What do you think? I have another test drive tomorrow. The look is growing on me and its a very smooth drive. I've looked at other marks, but still get drawn back to the Subaru brand.

[Lucky]

I know what you mean terry. I have driven one and they do still have a bit of rawness and character over the competition but the engine concerns me. It's now 10 years old and way behind in terms of fuel, road tax and performance. I am hoping an all new one is around the corner before the merc goes back next year.

[Mortster]

Put the new flat 4 from Porsche in one? ��

[Banstead Stig]

I know someone who had a 2012 and then a 2015.

He has already sold the 2015 as he couldn't get on with it on anything other than smooth tarmac. Definitely not a B road blaster.

On track it was quicker than his 2012, but he just couldn't live with it as his daily driver.

Just one man's view I appreciate, but worth seeing if you can get a weekend test perhaps to see what you think over a more realistic test.

[scooby doo]

I heard that they where meant to be a better platform from previous years. I just don't like the 2.5 engine feels lazy and smooth

[Lucky]

For me it'll either be another hawk, probably an RB as I still think ill get more enjoyment out of that than a new STI or, another brand along the lines if civic Type r, focus rs or even a jcw cooper s . Unless of course Subaru pull a rabbit out of the hat and Come up with a new STI. I'd love them too.

[Frenchie]

Still Surprised you've been this long without one Steve!!!

[Scott.T]

I think you'll be very disappointed with the power delivery compared to your modified WRX

[scooby doo]

Originally Posted by Scott.T

I think you'll be very disappointed with the power delivery compared to your modified WRX

I rolled in to culver well 340hp 2litre Sti, test drove a 330hp hatch 2.5 with 330 kit and was very dull I Must admit

[Frenchie]

What else should I be looking at Scott?

[Hongkongfooi]

Originally Posted by Lucky

For me it'll either be another hawk, probably an RB as I still think ill get more enjoyment out of that than a new STI or another brand along the lines if civic Type r, focus rs or even a jcw cooper s . Unless of course Subaru pull a rabbit out of the hat and Coke up with a new STI. I'd love them too.

come and drive mine to see what you think

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

What else should I be looking at Scott?

Your asking the wrong person there.
I'm struggling myself to find something that ticks the practical but with occasional fun box.

[SpecB]

I've been considering the Twin Scroll Legacies or the Forester STI as the do both car, I've also considered looking at Nissan Elgrands!

[Frenchie]

Hi Nick,so does the Forester STi have the same engine as the WRX STi?. I know the engines a bit dated, but it is pretty much bullet proof. Will try and set up a test drive of the Focus RS, but not sure about the body style.

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Hi Nick,so does the Forester STi have the same engine as the WRX STi?. I know the engines a bit dated, but it is pretty much bullet proof. Will try and set up a test drive of the Focus RS, but not sure about the body style.

The Forester STi has the EJ255 engine. I think (though not sure) that this is the same as the Hawkeye Impreza. I also believe it is the same block as the XT (though there are other differences which mean the STi is a better starting point).

I know a lot of people with Imprezas hate the 2.5 Subaru engine and suggest it is weak and so on and so forth, but having been part of the Forester "community" for almost five years there seem to be far fewer examples (even accepting there are fewer Foresters than Imprezas) with the Forester suffering in the same way.

It's not because people don't modify them, as there seem to be just as many with the wick turned up.

Maybe they are more carefully modified? Maybe the Forester brethren are an older, wiser bunch on average and therefore have more mechanical sympathy? I don't know, but it certainly seems they stand up as a more reliable package.

Sod's law says mine will go pop tonight, but hey ho!

[Frenchie]

Well had a test drive in very wet conditions and car handled great. Shape has grown on me. A bit smooth and quiet compared to my modified WRX (you were spot on their Scott), but getting older and quiet enjoyed it.With the SI Drive in intelligent mode even my Wife was happy driving it,big bonus! Impressed with the female sales assistant as had a very hairy moment at pace and she didn't flinch.Downside is a 4 month waiting time due to the fact the US are taking all they can get.

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

.Downside is a 4 month waiting time due to the fact the US are taking all they can get.

Just in time for the Ring then..😊

[Frenchie]

So had a look at the Focus RS, but didn't test drive it. Not too impressed with the look and after all it has a Ford badge on the front! European Subaru Sti has a much higher spec then the UK model. Think I might put myself on the waiting list.

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

So had a look at the Focus RS, but didn't test drive it. Not too impressed with the look and after all it has a Ford badge on the front! European Subaru Sti has a much higher spec then the UK model. Think I might put myself on the waiting list.

How long is the list/wait ?

[Frenchie]

Hi Ian, waiting time is a bit vague with 4 mths as a ball park figure. It seems that the USA is hoovering up all the STi's that Japan can produce.

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Hi Ian, waiting time is a bit vague with 4 mths as a ball park figure. It seems that the USA is hoovering up all the STi's that Japan can produce.

That's perfect for the Ring then.

[Banstead Stig]

Originally Posted by BIG"E"

That's perfect for the Ring then.

That's one way to run in an engine...!

[Frenchie]

Agree, if it arrives in time might have to be a very slow lap, mind was never going to be that fast!!!!

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Agree, if it arrives in time might have to be a very slow lap, mind was never going to be that fast!!!!

I guarantee it wont be.

[Frenchie]

Thanks Ian,

[Frenchie]

So I've placed my order for 2016 WRX STi in black, Club S which comes with every option.
Tried the Golf and looked at the Focus RS, but didn't do it for me. I must have Subaru blood in my veins. In France they impose a tax (malus) on eco unfriendly cars. The STi, being the most non eco car has a malus of 8000 euros , on our Renault Captur it was about 300.Fortunately Subaru rembourse this sum. Just have to wait 4 months now.

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

So I've placed my order for 2016 WRX STi in black, Club S which comes with every option.
Tried the Golf and looked at the Focus RS, but didn't do it for me. I must have Subaru blood in my veins. In France they impose a tax (malus) on eco unfriendly cars. The STi, being the most non eco car has a malus of 8000 euros , on our Renault Captur it was about 300.Fortunately Subaru rembourse this sum. Just have to wait 4 months now.

[Hongkongfooi]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

So I've placed my order for 2016 WRX STi in black, Club S which comes with every option.
Tried the Golf and looked at the Focus RS, but didn't do it for me. I must have Subaru blood in my veins. In France they impose a tax (malus) on eco unfriendly cars. The STi, being the most non eco car has a malus of 8000 euros , on our Renault Captur it was about 300.Fortunately Subaru rembourse this sum. Just have to wait 4 months now.

nice one!

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Hongkongfooi

nice one!

Just need you to go back to one now

[Garyskisplym]

Test driving one tomorrow but have not ever driven a scooby before or a flat 4. Come to think of it only turbo petrol I have driven for any length of time is a 1.4 Abarth

[BIG"E"]

Originally Posted by Garyskisplym

Test driving one tomorrow but have not ever driven a scooby before or a flat 4. Come to think of it only turbo petrol I have driven for any length of time is a 1.4 Abarth

You'll be in for a treat then..

[Lucky]

Nice one terry. The next 4 months will be the longest ever!!!

[Garyskisplym]

Only other rurbo I have driven is an evo X fq 300 sst that I test drove couple weeks ago

[Garyskisplym]

Test drove a wrx sti finally after a few cancelled attempts from both me and the dealership and loved it pick her up on Saturday.

Took it easy and had a lot of mechanical sympathy as engine was not warm and only 9 miles on clock. Also being the car I know I would be collecting if I liked I aired on the side of caution.

Frenchcie well sorry for you I'm hating having to wait 5 days let along 4 months fell sorry for you

[Frenchie]

Haven't met you yet and trying not to dislike you.�� Bet you can't wait for Saturday. What colour did you go for?

[Garyskisplym]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Haven't met you yet and trying not to dislike you.�� Bet you can't wait for Saturday. What colour did you go for?

Gone for wr blue frenchie and you???

Was a toss up between white and blue but white would have had to be ordered so choose white

Funny that a lot of people are starting to dislike me mainly cos most people only know I order a new car and not what I'm getting

[Frenchie]

For me was a toss up between WR Blue and Black, finally went for black. As Steve has already reminded me I'll be for ever cleaning it as we live in the middle of no-where surrounded by fields and mucky tractuers. The STi here is more expensive , but I think the spec is higher,ie all the UK options come as standard. Only 3 months,1 week, 2 days and 4 hours to go!!!!

[Rdlangy1]

cant wait to see this Love a well polished black car!

[scotty]

I think they look fecking awesome in white or black than the standard boring blue .

[Garyskisplym]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

For me was a toss up between WR Blue and Black, finally went for black. As Steve has already reminded me I'll be for ever cleaning it as we live in the middle of no-where surrounded by fields and mucky tractuers. The STi here is more expensive , but I think the spec is higher,ie all the UK options come as standard. Only 3 months,1 week, 2 days and 4 hours to go!!!!

67 hours for me now. Yes only option in the uk I'm aware of is the nav but I'll stick with my tom Tom. Rest are just accesorries. I was hoping the front lip and exhaust trim were still options but dealership aren't sure and looking into it for me if not will just order MY15 parts and hope they fit

[Frenchie]

So rang the garage yesterday and they said they will ring back Weds with a confirmed delivery date. Have just ordered an intercooler guard from the states.Can't do much in the way of modding due to warranty, but would like to fit a dump valve (Its my age). So does a dump valve affect engine running in anyway, don't want warranty problems, and which one do people recommend.

[Frenchie]

Forgot to say my last one was a Baileys, which sounded nice and never gave any problems.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

So rang the garage yesterday and they said they will ring back Weds with a confirmed delivery date. Have just ordered an intercooler guard from the states.Can't do much in the way of modding due to warranty, but would like to fit a dump valve (Its my age). So does a dump valve affect engine running in anyway, don't want warranty problems, and which one do people recommend.

I wouldn't fit a dump valve if your worried about warranty.
Any dealer that see's it is likely to kick you out the workshop.....I would too

[Frenchie]

So does that mean that you won't be fitting one to your new audi Scott

[swrx2810]

Warranty is just a sales gimmick anyway, whatever happens they will just put it down to wear and tear.

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by swrx2810

Warranty is just a sales gimmick anyway, whatever happens they will just put it down to wear and tear.

Not on a new car they won't.
A second hand 3rd party warranty, yes, but not a new manufacturer warranty.

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

So rang the garage yesterday and they said they will ring back Weds with a confirmed delivery date.

Fingers crossed it's not too much longer to wait.

[Rdlangy1]

Have to agree with Scott - having bought a second hand Audi - and having it just gone back this morning for a third time under warranty, I would say they are worth their weight in gold!

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by swrx2810

Warranty is just a sales gimmick anyway, whatever happens they will just put it down to wear and tear.

Only if you don't exercise your consumer rights - they try and count on people being unaware and not bothering. Only this weekend something I ordered from Amazon March 2015, a HOTAS for my PC, some of the buttons/switches have stopped working. If you go through the normal links it tells you that you cannot request return/refund after 30 days, but use the contact form and tell them that "I demand a replacement or refund under the European two year warranty directive 1999/44/EC (http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumer_rights/rights-contracts/sales-guarantee/index_en.htm).", and less than two hours later they email me the RMA information for a free return, and eventual refund/replacement.

[Frenchie]

Had a call from the garage today and car will arrive at Le Havre on 6th July.Bad news is it may take up to 3 weeks before it arrives at the garage, lots of paperwork I guess, which France is very keen on. Well at least its getting closer.

[Scott.T]

Took 2 weeks to get the Audi from Sheerness to Maidstone.
You can drive it in 40 mins

[Frenchie]

Le Havre to Barentin is about a 25min drive.

[Rdlangy1]

exciting times

[Scott.T]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Le Havre to Barentin is about a 25min drive.

If the winds in the right direction you will be able to smell it from home

[Ferd]

And so the excitement begins........

[Frenchie]

Had another call from the garage today, the English drivers manual I requested has arrived. So do I go and collect it for some bedtime reading?

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Had another call from the garage today, the English drivers manual I requested has arrived. So do I go and collect it for some bedtime reading?

If you do, can you let me know if it's the 2014 or 2015 version? My dealer only managed to get me a 2014 edition, which does has some minor differences e.g. the keyless-fob is a better design now and other things. Not a huge issue but annoying nevertheless.

[Frenchie]

No problem, will probably pick up next week and let you know.

[Frenchie]

So collected the drivers manual today and got more info on the car. It arrives in Rotterdam on the 06/07, not Le Havre as I thought. Apparently all car imports for mainland Europe arrive at Rotterdam. Clears customs and is then brought by car transporter to garage in Barentin. 3 weeks max wait,but if all goes well could be less than 2. Manual is December 2015,so Taomyn if their is any info you want from it let me know.The Subaru garage at Barentin also does mapping and aftermarket accessories. I noticed they had some LED bulbs on display so spoke to the sales lady and she is going to give me a price to change all the none LED light on new car,

[Frenchie]

Forgot to mention that the driver's manual is about 25mm thick as is the navigation system manual.

[Ferd]

Great news, also about the LEDs - nice service if they can do it right

As for the manuals, good news as well. On the back cover, bottom right should be the part number, e.g. my French one is A1230GF. If you can get me the one for both manuals I would be very grateful, then I can see if I can get them ordered here.

Thinking about it, if there's a chance of some photos of the front/back covers then I can really show them what I want without question.

[Frenchie]

The number on the owner's manual is A1230GE Dec 2015 and on the navigation system manual B1017YE-B Sept 2015. I'll email you some pics of the covers later.

[Scott.T]

Great news.
Check and photo all your alloys before you accept it

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

The number on the owner's manual is A1230GE Dec 2015 and on the navigation system manual B1017YE-B Sept 2015. I'll email you some pics of the covers later.

[Frenchie]

Hi Taomyn, have just emailed you pics of my Subaru manuals.

[Ferd]

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

I noticed they had some LED bulbs on display so spoke to the sales lady and she is going to give me a price to change all the none LED light on new car,

Just a thought about this but with regards to changing your indicators to LED, check they'll be replacing the flasher unit and not using resistors, and that it's adjustable. My new adjustable ones haven't arrived yet but I really look forward to them so I get my indicators flashing fully correct again (or as close as possible anyway).

[Frenchie]

Car should be arriving in Rotterdam today, so getting even closer.Insurance all in place and ordered lots of cleaning products yesterday.

[Rdlangy1]

cool

What products did you order?

[Ferd]

Good news, not long to go then.

I've had a not fun week - Monday morning gained a chip in the windscreen passenger side, yesterday took it for repair which they did a good job of including cleaning up a smaller scrape from a stone I got two weeks after getting the STI. And then this morning as I backed out of the ramp I park on, in a bit of a rush, extended the wing mirrors a little early and clipped one - sent the top and bottom outer shells flying, one ended up under the ramp system so I needed a neighbours help to get down there to find it, and the worst part is that the indicator module which is the part that actually clipped the ramp got pulled out breaking the two plastic mounts. That was the only damage thankfully apart from scuffs which I cleaned out. Annoyingly all my superglue tubes had solidified through lack of use, so I had to walk up to the supermarket and get some more. Now waiting for it to set and hopefully it will fit back ok. I'll then decided if I should order a new one any way as it's only going to stick in my mind as being "not quite right".

The STI is officially no longer new

[Rdlangy1]

Ahhhh no! Gutted for you mate..

[Red Baron]

Spotted these guys heading out for an evening session on the webcam last night, hopefully be you next year.

[Ferd]

Mirror "fixed" - super-glued the mounts back onto the indicator unit, left it for 2hrs then carefully screwed it back in place. Put the outer casings back on and it looks like nothing happened - everything still seems to be working

[Frenchie]

Well done on the repairs Taomyn, must have been a bummer when that happened.
Ryan,have ordered all of the folowing cleaning products;
Ironx,Menzerna 3800,Poor Boys Black Hole,Nattys Paste wax blue,Fine clay pads,Panel wipes, and lots of microfibre towels.Just need to get Steve (Lucky) over for the weekend to give me a hand.

[Ferd]

Yeah it was one of those gobsmacking moments when I couldn't believe how stupid I was, and of all the parts of the mirror to clip, the indicator section was of course what took the most damage. At least from the outside nothing looks different.

That's a lot of cleaning products, wish I was able to lavish that much attention on mine as I miss my weekly car cleans where I used to live. Now I have make do with popping over to my friend in Germany once a month and using his driveway to wash the car, my only other option being local valet companies that charge a fortune for even a basic clean.

[Frenchie]

Just had a call from the garage, car is on its way and they expect to take delivery next week.Getting closer!!!!

[Ferd]

[Frenchie]

Thanks Fernando, we will have to organise an SES meet in France.

[Rdlangy1]

Exciting stuff!

[Frenchie]

Thought I would post a few pictures of our house and garden whilst I'am waiting for car to arrive.Hopefully next thread will be car pictures.

[BIG"E"]

Nice garden..

[Banstead Stig]

That looks like a lovely place.

[Frenchie]

Thanks, but not as nice as a new STi

[Red Baron]

Think I need to brush up on my French, how do house prices compare with the UK?

[Frenchie]

Our house with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, new oak construction extension, new roof fully insulated and around 1 acre of land, about £220,000. Plus we have roads with zero potholes and very little traffic.

[Red Baron]

Time to book some evening classes, looks lovely.

[Bolesroor]

Originally Posted by Red Baron

Time to book some evening classes, looks lovely.

+1

[Lucky]

Very nice terry. I can see why you made the move permanently.

[Frenchie]

Thanks Steve, when are you coming over to help clean my new car?

[Lucky]

Sounds good to me!!!

[Hongkongfooi]

lovely place you have there Terry

[Frenchie]

Thanks, may be we should have a meet over here. We could do bedrooms and camping. I could garantee some nice empty roads to drive.

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Thanks, may be we should have a meet over here. We could do bedrooms and camping. I could garantee some nice empty roads to drive.

If you're willing to allow us to invade your wonderful locale I'd certainly be up for it

[Frenchie]

Just had a call from garage and car has arrived!!!. Going to have a look this afternoon, can't take it away as they need to clean, set up electronics,sort out paperwork, etc. Should be able to collect,poss Saturday! Happy days.

[Ferd]

Great news - don't forget to take pics

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Just had a call from garage and car has arrived!!!. Going to have a look this afternoon, can't take it away as they need to clean, set up electronics,sort out paperwork, etc. Should be able to collect,poss Saturday! Happy days.

Fantastic. Well jealous'!! Looking forward to seeing some pictures

[Banstead Stig]

Good news indeed.

Look forward to seeing the pictures!

[Rdlangy1]

cant wait to see the pics !

[Frenchie]

Very interesting day. Went to the garage to see the car,looks great even covered in plastic and dust.It just happened to be the day that the President of Subaru France was visiting so was introduced and had a long chat with him. He said their main problem was actually getting hold of new Subaru's. Took the motorway home and coming of the slip road saw a car in the ditch. Stopped to check everyone was ok, which they were. Turned out to be an English couple who had left England early this morning and were on the way to a wedding.They were a bit shaken and didn't have much French so I stayed around to help with the recovery,police and organising a hire car, finally got home at 8pm. Have attached a few pics of car and hope to pick up Tuesday.

[Scott.T]

It needs to go back, the steering wheel's on the wrong side.
Other than that (and the wheel trims), it looks great.