Subaru Impreza WRX STI test drive since 2008 sedan

The Japanese test: Subaru Impreza WRX STI against Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The ways of cars with the same fate began to diverge
 
Let us recall how it all began: 16 years ago in 1992, two cars were born, which began to call our weapons. This weapon, I recall, was developed by two companies, but with one purpose to protect national honor in the world rally championship (World Rally Championship or abbreviated WRC). Probably, the unity of the goal also predetermined the whole future fate of this couple: there was never a truly acute competition between them, to call their whole way more correctly by joint movement to technical perfection. No, the competitive moment, of course, was present, but it became clear to everyone very quickly: there is a competition not between two of the same type and at the same time unlike models, but between Subaru and Mitsubishi manufacturing companies. In a word, how it began from a dispute, which company will better solve the same problem, so everything then continued.
But it seems that this competition in the form of partnership comes to an end, and the ways of model rows began to diverge. The initiative was taken by Subaru, which in June last 2007 produced a new generation Subaru Impreza car. What is special about this? you ask. Yes, the fact that Impreza has become a 5-door hatchback, that's what! Here, however, it should be borne in mind that a 4-door sedan has also been preserved in the lineup, but this is an exception made for North America. As for the domestic Japanese market, as well as Europe, there is only Impreza with a hatchback body, and a point. Moreover, by and large, the car generally became completely different, except that the engine still remains the same type with the horizontal-opposition location of the cylinders. Yes, this is understandable, because this engine is a kind of business card Impreza, so it would mean to abandon it to lose identity, to become completely unrecognizable, and this is completely useless. The purpose of such a sharp transformation was twofold. On the one hand, as the developers stated, you need to fight for your buyer, and, therefore, you need to do something, and on the other hand, of course, the desire to win the WRC championship. No one was also surprised when in October last year a car appeared on the market, which is a kind of Impreza standard WRX STI.
Well, what about Mitsubishi? And there they did not particularly wise and in the month of August they released the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis sedan, on the basis of which the sports mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X was then made. It should be noted that the base remained a sedan, and also turned out to be a rather high -quality sedan designed for solid drivers. But at present, in Japan, the demand for cars like sedan has nowhere to nowhere, and just so this market can hardly be warmed up. What then did the authors of the project count on? Incidentally, I remembered this: at first I had a chance to ride on a new Fortis car to have an idea what it is, and then they called me the sales price of this machine. And then my thought flashed that for such a car the requested amount is not money by and large. Especially when you take into account the rigidity of his body. I repeat, it is only about a car on the basis of which Mitsubishi designers then made a sports Lanevo X. But, I remember, immediately after we got acquainted with the base model Fortis, the experts began to guess what would be a sports Lanevo if they would be a sports if Does its ordinary base even have such a potential? Probably many believed, it would be something incredible!. And the new Lanevo was born, and it turned out that our expectations were met.
So, it should be stated that until recently, the development of both cars that called our weapons went along the same scenario: first speed, then simplicity in circulation, then prestige, after which suitability as a vehicle for every day. But finally, some individual dashes appeared in the line of their development. What are these dashes, and how they can affect the attractiveness of both cars, we decided to devote our first material this year under the heading of a comparative assessment. As appraisers, we invited our experts to Manabu Kawaguti and Yasukhis Simasit.
 
The appearance and interior of the salon
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
 
Kavaguti: Assessment 4 points
It seems to me that Subaru designers still continue to wander in search of their corporate identity. Although, judging by some external signs characteristic of the new machines of the Impreza family, the light has already dawn at the end of this tunnel. What are these signs? Please: look at the decorative front lattice Impreza, and then compare with the Subaru Outback grille or planned to release the new Subaru Forester. You will definitely see that they are all made at the same sketch. And, therefore, there is every reason to believe that Subaru has finally preoccupied with such an important condition for the world success of the car brand as its clear identification, or simply put, recognition. At the same time, it seems to me that Subaru decided: it is time to give all the models the appearance that would be equally positively perceived everywhere, in any region of the world. Here, I think why, when working on a new generation Impreza, a decisive turn was made towards a 5-door hatchback. Indeed, at present, the hatchback is in demand almost everywhere, and, say, a sedan with him, figuratively speaking, you will not go far. Another example of a new generation on the new platform. Think, why on earth did the developers began to change his image so decisively? Is it not so that everywhere, wherever he appears, he was taken for his own?!
So, why the new Impreza WRX STI became a hatchback, it seems to be clearly required, so to speak, the overall situation in the world. Now I move to specifics: I compare the appearance of the WRX STI of the old and new generation, analyze my impressions and come to the conclusion that the new model began to look a little mature. Well, you understand me, this does not mean such a catchy appearance, no special provocations, in a word, to the taste of an adult, a solid driver. It seems that a certain role was played by the fact that the work on the design went together with WR-Car, which is clearly indicated: if this or that stylistic technique has no applied value, it, by and large, is not for anything. In other words, in a sense, the design was made dependent on expediency. Or, here, the aerodynamic details of the body plumes, because before they were hanged in defiantly, for showing, pretentiousness for the sake. And it’s good that this time it was decided to refuse such decoration. At least in Europe, this step will be perceived as it should, since Europeans believe that Hot Hatch cars should have a more strict appearance. Well, since the car is intended, including for a European buyer, nothing can be done, you have to abandon excessive variegation, which pleases the child’s eye, but an adult, solid driver not always.
The same with the interior. Indeed, before, if you look from the position of the European, everything looked as follows: a car was taken from the category for everyday use of class C, and something catchy was done from its salon, which did not fit with everything else. Well, isn't it funny? Another thing now in appearance it is immediately clear that the car in the class claims to be more than just to be a traveling machine, so here the interior can diversify it will not hurt. True, this is what confuses me personally: everything seems to me that I, being already at the age (after all, are 37 years old, is far from a young man) I already fit into such an interior. More precisely, he does not have me too much. Well, good, being a lover of cars, I can convince myself that this is not the most important thing and that you can come to terms with it. Well, so it's me, but how will other drivers of my age feel, if they were in my place? I don’t know, it is possible that they will begin to think that they have chosen the wrong car for themselves. Yes, the problem, which, apparently, will still have to deal with.
Simasita: Evaluation 3 points
The fact that Impreza WRX STI has turned into a 5-door hatchback is not surprising in this. If something is striking, this is the special energy that comes from its new body with a decisively chopped front and rear overhang and convex wings of a special shape, increasing the width of the machine by 55 mm. So the designer trick was quite the appearance of the new WRX STI such that you immediately believe: something, but this car can drive quickly. Moreover, the appearance of this hatchback turned out to be so expressive that I immediately forgot about all my doubts and regrets that Impreza sedans are over.
Nevertheless, it does not exist by WRX STI, it is part of the Impreza car family, right? So, if you take into account the interests of the family as a whole, then the aforementioned pluses no longer seem so obvious to me. You see, for a long time all the motorists who, figuratively speaking, suffered Impreza Mania, accustomed to the ideal Impreza is WRX STI. Naturally, in the end they formed a certain stereotype, which you can’t just tear out from memory. It is possible that this will never be done. That's why I didn’t leave doubt and was it more correct to use in the new WRX STI not such a catchy plumage, so that the car looked more impressive? Moreover, if we take into account the features in the behavior of the car on the go, which will talk about. Plus, I personally would like the WRX STI interior both in design and in quality of execution is more different from the salons of other Impreza models. However, with regard to a feeling of high quality, then, I think, the designers will still be, what to work on. For example, it seems to me by the height of bad taste of the pink color of the STI emblem. Well, does not fit with the character of the car, and that’s it!
Interestingly, how will Type Ra be perceived, which, for sure, will also appear on sale? For him, after all, the color scheme is selected with particular care so that everything is, as if he had a real race. Yes, and in terms of decorative elements, he should also be extremely modest, in S-Partan. After all, the body design is mostly the same, and the same powerful thrust. How will such moderation affect a sense of quality, will it be higher than the quality of the STI? We will see!
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
 
Kavaguti: Evaluation 3 points
I must say right away: after its revival, Mitsubishi began to pay more attention to the appearance of the cars manufactured, which, of course, inspires confidence. Look: each new model carries something new in itself, and at the same time they have something inherent only inherent in mitsubishi. In a word, now you can seriously say that the special design style of Mitsubishi has been formed, right? It is clear that in connection with this, the new Mitsubishi models have no problems with recognition, and this is so important, especially when you go to the world level. The new Galant Fortis sedan, on the basis of which a sports Lancer Evolution was created, or simply put Lanevo X, is a typical example. What is special in his design? Well, of course, the front line mowed in the opposite direction. And so, as soon as he appeared in public, how everyone began to actively discuss whether it was good or bad, a hype arose, and as a result, the designers of Mitsubishi are again in the spotlight, and Fortis recognizes the machine with almost the most fashionable appearance for his class . Success is evident, which was required to prove.
It was natural to assume that the Lanevo X car created on a completely new base should appear in the form updated in all respects. In principle, it happened, but as for the details of the plumage, in this regard, it seems to me, there are signs of the previous disease to hang in order to demonstrate beauty. So it turned out that the general style is one, and the details are completely different. In a word, stylistic disagreement. The body, as you know, has become larger, and the filling of the car is such that I have no doubt: the developers really tried to achieve a higher assessment of the quality of their product. But probably they still did not take into account something, because, say, personally to me the appearance of Lanevo X seems somewhat pretentious. I don’t know, maybe for someone such pretentiousness is what is needed, but I'm still trying to try on everything for myself. And I, as I said, is not a young man for 37 years, but not an old man. So, for me, it is better that the appearance is slightly more balanced. This enormous pen confuses me especially. I do not think that it was impossible to solve the issue differently, because the aerodynamics of the base model is excellent.
The Lanevo interior can be evaluated positively, first of all, for originality. Something, however, looks too catchy, did not do without a mechanical connection of heterogeneous elements. But if we proceed from the fact that now all the adult uncles were once boys, and the boys, in turn, always in the joy of sitting behind the control panel, similar to the one that was shown in the cartoon, then everything, at least, becomes clear. For that matter, so a huge rear spoiler can be considered part of this boyish game. The trouble, however, is that I am no longer coming for such games, so I repeat once again: for me, it is better that the interior is made mainly on adults, and not on those who were these adults in childhood.
 
Simasita: Evaluation 3 points
To begin with, we will determine the main points that you pay attention to when you consider Lanevo X from the outside. A mowed front in combination with a trapezoidal front grate gives the car a strong -willed, purposeful look. The picture is complemented by a large rear spoiler. As for the general impression of the appearance of the updated Lancer Evolution, I will say this: the expectations that it will look aggressive and assertive justified itself completely. And one more thing: it is possible that the tradition of which the head, basic model is first developed before our eyes is collapsed before our eyes, and then its sports variety of Lanevo appears. This time, comparing the appearance of both cars, it is impossible to get rid of the thought that the base, just, is precisely Lanevo X, and the Galant Fortis sedan is only its derivative. It is possible that such a change of image-leader is not at all accidental, and that this new leader will further play a more active role in the rehabilitation of sedans. After all, whatever one may say, but at present (at least in modern Japan), it is unlikely that anyone will dare to seriously say that, they say, the sedan is all. But maybe if you represent the sedans in a slightly different light, then everything can turn away with another side?
Well, in principle, the option of reviving the sedan as a car for adults, solid drivers, who, nevertheless, are not averse to bringing in a sports manner, it seems quite real. But the question is: and the current Lanevo X with his appearance, to what extent is he suitable for this role? Well, I suggest once again to look at his appearance now from a new angle. And then, I think, it will become clear to many of the potential buyers of this sports sedan that the designers in their delights have somewhat extended the stick. I won’t go around the bush, I’ll tell you directly: I personally, who has already hit 35, is not quite suitable for the wheel of Lanevo X. In other words, I will probably be a little shy. On the one hand, I understand that Lanevo in its current form is in a sense a tribute to the tradition, which Mitsubishi just cannot refuse. Well, even if, it is impossible to undermine faith in evolution. But on the other hand, it is obvious that in order for some new prospects to be opened before this sedan, new expressive means are needed, and no one will develop me in this!
Or take the interior: there is nothing surprising in it, neither in the positive or in the negative meaning of the word. Quality, however, cannot be called satisfactory, but otherwise nothing! Given how the car looks outside, I even ready to reconcile with the presence inside the cabin of some, I would say bright spots, which, as I understand it, should create a high mood from the driver. Speaking of elations: the driver’s seat is located quite high, and the steering column of a simplified type (not a telescope, so that height is not regulated in height). It is unlikely that anyone will succeed in choosing everything for themselves, and this is bad. And then these specific chairs from Recaro! I don't think they are to the place.
 
Explification qualities
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
 
Kavaguti: Assessment 4 points
The engine of the WRX STI car develops a power of 300 more horsepower. It’s not that he won Lanevo in terms of speed set, but as for the developed power, yes, no matter what revolutions he holds, his power is always at the level. It is difficult, of course, it is difficult to refuse to increase the momentum and the developed power, of course, it is difficult to refuse in this ability, however, but at the wheel of Subaru, if the sport mode is actively [s#], you can also achieve a completely satisfactory reaction rate. The speed of movement, too, you yourself understand, you can accelerate so that it will not seem enough.
However, I think that the engine is not as much as the engine as the chassis. After all, when a 300-horsepower engine is put on you, with it, more precisely, you need to be able to cope with its assertive character. At the WRX STI chassis, this, apparently, turns out well, and this, it should be noted, is a significant plus of the machine: the engine is cut and speed, and the machine, however, moves measured, without jerking. An important role here is played by the rear suspension used on all machines on double transverse levers. She has a good dynamics, she moves smoothly, firmly pressing the wheels to the road, and this positively affects controllability.
In addition, keep in mind: this machine is no longer a special rubber, which was previously Potenza RE070. Instead, the car is equipped with more or less commonly found RE050 tires, which turned out to be the most of the way. So, tires plus the back suspension these two points determine the level of comfort. In particular, despite the more tough in the ordinary machine, the character of the suspension, despite the fact that the car is on large 18-inch wheels, the car is so comfortable that it can be completely used for everyday driving. If it were still possible to avoid a rather tangible vibration of the unsubstantiated components of the chassis that makes itself felt when overcoming the joints of the roadway! Then the car as a sports car at all would not be prices. In addition, if we talk about the operation of the steering mechanism and in general about controllability: the steering wheel is easily driven, and at the same time when you begin to get, turning the body into transitional moments seems to be an exact dependence on the position of the steering wheel.
The WRX STI model is equipped with an electronic control system of DCCD, however, the steering operates in the most natural way, as if there are no intermediaries between the driver and controlled wheels. In a word, you have a feeling of complete unity with the machine. I used to remember, I did not get tired of repeating that both WRX STI and LANEVO have one general drawback, they are not too impressive when you move along ordinary roads (this is a completely different matter along the sports ring!). So, after testing the new WRX STI model, I did not have any wishes in this regard, and this is talking about something.
Simasita: Evaluation 3 points
First of all, I was struck by how confident the car was holding on turns. Especially amazing is the tenacious that the rear wheels are demonstrated. With such adhesion properties, even if you slightly exceed the speed, there is almost no fear. The suspension has sufficient elasticity, so if the road ripples, the wheels and do not think of breaking away from the surface of the road, are under the turn under the turn under the wheels. It seems that a hard suspension simply forcibly presses the wheels on the road. Apparently, now the chassis system has a different installation, since the cars of the previous generations were different in a different way: the wheels jumped a little, but the car at its 4-wheeled drive again forcibly pushed forward.
In a word, the energetic passage of the middle of the turn is provided to the machine. But in order to reach the middle, you must first enter this turn. But at this stage, everything goes completely different from what we would like. First of all, it is not easy to understand the touch when the steering wheel is in a position close to the middle, no additional resistance. Okay, somehow I felt for the middle, I start turning in the right direction. And immediately there is a suspicion that the car is lagging behind and reach the desired trajectory at the intended moment does not have time. I twist the steering wheel stronger, and suddenly once! the car wrapped too actively. The devil, apparently, took too sharply, I think, but again I guess only half, because after this the car entered the stage, when the rear wheels tightly clung on the road, and made itself felt now a negative twist. In a word, the entire turn breaks at the stage, the border between which cannot be called blurry, and as a result, a holistic sense of turning does not arise. I don’t know whether the point is the suspension in the bushings, or the stiffness of the suspension attachment to the body, but I will say one thing: I wanted to make my car react to the turns slightly softer.
308 horsepower forces maximum power is, of course, the power with which they do not joke. At the same time, if we take the engine speed of 2,400 rpm as a basis and compare with the speeds that the peak of torque has to be attributed to the category of forced, moreover, the turbine reaction, in a word, should be taken into account, in order, in order, in order to To make the car move energetically, you need to actively act as a gas pedal. On the one hand, this gives pleasure, especially when you consider that the machine with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but on the other, gives it somewhat old.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
 
Kavaguti: Assessment 4 points
The mechanical part of the WRX STI is almost completely borrowed from the previous generation machine, but Lanevo X, on the contrary, has little in common in terms of mechanics with an old generation car. What is the result? It is felt that, like WRX STI, the new Lanevo also began to run better, but the improvement is felt differently. To begin with, the Lanevo X engine is twisting noticeably more energetic than the engine standing on the WRX STI, and reacts more acutely when you begin to gamble. Sitting behind the wheel, with your whole body you feel how, as the engine speed grows, its power grows, and you yourself experience an emotional rise. And as a result, the engine gives such a great pleasure that it seems that you can’t find another such motor!
Further, the chassis of both machines have equally highly explicit qualities, but in practice these qualities are manifested in different ways. Lanevo, as already noted, is generally a completely new model, so it is not surprising that the car has become more confident, and added in terms of comfort, but the main thing is its best handling. I would say this: a sense of controllability has become sharper. Most likely, this was achieved thanks to the S-AWC system, however, specially selected tires (Yokohama A13), which have good coupling properties, play a significant role in this. As a result, the car began to turn easier and at a greater speed. See: the total weight of the Lanevo X is 1,520 kg, which is 40 kg more than the weight of WRX STI, however, according to the way cars on the turn, you might think that everything is the other way around and that the Lanevo body is easier.
The steering, or rather, the movement of the body due to a change in the position of the controlled wheels also has a number of features. In particular, the feelings of a direct dependence between a change in the position of the steering wheel and the movement of the body that arises when you control the WRX STI car, is not here, or it is not so obvious. I would say this: it all starts with the fact that the person sitting at the wheel and drives the machine gives the car to a gun, creates for it, so to speak, a certain control occasion. And the following reaction of the machine is perceived by a person not as a clear development of the team (only so, and not otherwise!), But as a certain adequate answer. In a word, what they want from her, the car does something, but every time it seems that you don’t know if it will do everything as it should. Well, for example, you twist the steering wheel, and the car in one case, if you do not touch the gas pedal, passes to the yuz, but it is possible that it can turn sharply if, say, this pedal is pressed into the floor. Therefore, when they say that, they say, the car has become more natural in management, it should be borne in mind that in critical situations it is still required to know its features at least a little. In other words, you need some grinding.
To say that you feel very good at the wheel that the car is with you at the same time? No, hardly, rather there is some confidence that if you approach the car right, it is really capable of a lot. However, all this matters when you move at a very high speed, and in the usual driving mode you sometimes just catch yourself thinking that controllability is distinguished by some originality, nothing more.
Simasita: Assessment 4 points
In many cases, the machine behaves as a very accurately debugged mechanism, the treatment of which an adult seems fun. Yes, driving the Lancer Evolution car really seems nothing more than fun, unless, of course, you go along a regular road where hard restrictions operate, and where the question is what to do with the car at high speed is irrelevant. In fact, the steering column seems almost tightly attached to the guided wheels, it is only worth moving with a finger, and the car will immediately respond properly, the suspension also acts so that no extra movements to you. All this gives rise to confidence that everything is under control, and that you want, so the car will go. And this is despite the fact that it weighs quite a lot one and a half tons. No, dealing with such an obedient car is really nice! Moreover, its engine is also appropriate: even when the car moves slowly, it is always ready to develop a powerful torque. True, the mechanical gearbox is unknown why only 5 speeds have, although when the transmission with double clutch (SST system), they are provided for 6. But no, we will manage so! But how nice it is to handle the switching lever! The transmission is turned on clearly, the lever is accurately fixed in the right position, really, it would have sat and only did that he switched.
But this is the most significant presence in the Super AWC system, which serves to optimally distribute the engine power between all 4 drive wheels. On the one hand, it allows the car to turn well along a pre -planned path, and on the other, do not lose stability. What does it give? Well, since the control system is always ready to help, you can drive the car on a winding road and remain completely calm. Moreover, the desired supply of stability is not provided by speed control using the brake. So, as they say, they are actively crushing gas and enjoy.
However, as often happens, this positive quality is capable of complicating the matter in some cases. For example, to cause some nervousness in the driver, when he is given the opportunity to drive without any speed restrictions. For example, imagine what a person sitting at the wheel of Lanevo can experience on a ring test track. It presses on the gas, the speed is higher and higher, and the car does not react to this, and does not give the driver any reasons for concern. But he sees that he has on a speedometer! He sees and understands that the car in this situation will not tell him when enough. From here a fear of speed may arise, and this is completely useless! So, I believe that if there is a proprietary driving style Lanevo, then it is just to understand the car and cope with its nerves. And what, there is something in this! At least I had enough smartness to understand what, because, apparently, I managed to get such a keen pleasure from high -speed driving.
 
Which model to give preference?
 
Kavaguti: I put the first place Subaru Impreza Wrx STI
I remember that earlier, having experienced the next model of WRX STI or LANEVO, I did not get tired of repeating that it would not prevent them from being a more car on which it is nice to drive on ordinary roads, and not just on a special track. Yes, of course, an explosive character, without which participation in competitions is unthinkable, this is the main trump card of both WRX STI and Lanevo. But at the same time, these are still serial models, and ordinary people have to ride them, and not exclusively riders. And if so, then outstanding high -speed qualities often find themselves in the background, and simplicity and convenience come to the fore. Well, and plus the sports control, in which case, in which case is allowed to feel like an athlete at least a little bit. In a word, in relation to WRX STI and LANEVO, an ideal option for them is a combination of sports characteristics with the needs of everyday driving, and not otherwise.
And then, finally, it happened: I drove to WRX STI and on Lanevo X and I can say that this is exactly what I had dreamed about all this time. In fact, despite their potential, they in the right extent meet the daily needs of the ordinary owner, if only because they have the proper level of comfort. WRX STI, for example, after it changed the shape of its body, has changed both in terms of controllability and in terms of comfort, and these changes are essential. Yes, the car began to run even faster, however, this is not the most important thing. The main thing is that by driving this car, you feel and understand it much better. As for the Lancer Evolution X car, on the move it seems much more calm than its predecessor, it was even equipped with a 2-pedal type with a mechanical transmission (SST system). True, this time it was not possible to try such a car, but I would like to! The reason for the appearance of a car, which seems to be with a box, but without clutch, is quite understandable: it is assumed that sports Lanevo attracts many, but not everyone wants to deal with clutch. Do not want? Well, well, there is another option, as the creators of Lanevo say to such drivers, and indicate cars with the SST transmission. It would be nice to provide exactly the same box on WRX STI!
Yes, but it is important not only than you control, it is important what you feel, right? So, in this regard, the Lanevo X car seemed to me somewhat unbalanced. I do not presume to say that this is so bad, it is possible that someone, on the contrary, will be interesting, but I did not like it. As for Lanevo, because there is continuous electronics. But electronics can be improved endlessly, right? For example, you twist the steering wheel and at the same time press on the pedals, that is, give a complex command, after which the S-AWC system is driven. But since all signals are converted into a digit, the team is worked out instantly. Well, isn't that interesting? Yes, if this goes on, we will probably witness a real breakthrough.
According to this

A source: CarView.co.jp