One of the biggest surprises of this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon was the revival of the Subaru WRX STI. Yes, you read that right: The beloved rally legend is coming back. Excited? Well, so were we.
See, it’s been too long since the world saw a new-generation of WRX STI. The last one was sold in 2021 with seemingly no successor in sight. The current WRX made its world premiere in late 2021 but no full STI version was made.
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Until now, the best Subaru could do was STI Sport versions of the WRX. There’s no power upgrades, and changes mainly consisted of mild suspension tweaks. But finally, after four years have passed since we got a true STI in the form of the limited-run S210.
The S210 gets its name from previous higher-spec STI models. Subaru fans will remember the S209, S208, and so on, so expectations are pretty high for this one. The S210 sits lower to the ground and comes with a unique aero kit, just as any WRX STI should. Of course, the full STI treatment wouldn’t be complete without an attention-grabbing rear wing.
Inside, there are Recaro carbon bucket seats unique to this model. It has an all-back cabin for a sportier feel and contrasted by red seatbelts. There are a couple more red highlights in there for a serious ambiance.
Subaru fans will be pleased to know that the S210 comes with more power than the standard WRX. From 271hp, it rises to 300hp, close to the figures of the last STI. It’s worth pointing out that Subaru says they’re aiming for at least 300hp, so it could be more and hopefully not less. We’re hoping for 320hp to put it toe to toe against the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla.
We’re glad it’s back and all, but the WRX STI comeback comes with one huge caveat. There is no manual transmission option for the S210. The only choice is, and we know a lot of folks might not like it, a CVT. Subaru calls it the S Series transmission and the company claims that it has quick responses and can provide ‘driving pleasure.’
Bummed out? Well, we can’t say we’re too excited about the transmission choice. At least the STI is back, right?
