Subaru WRX STI Final Edition celebrates the end of the UK WRX STI, for now
Limited to 150 units, the Subaru WRX STI Final Edition brings with it a subtle range of modifications
Subaru has decided to lay the WRX STI to rest in the UK (for now), but not before giving British buyers the chance to snap up one of 150 units being brought to the UK in Final Edition form. Featuring a range of subtle modifications, the Final Edition has the same MY18 upgrades seen in the US and Australian markets.
The chief mechanical modification is the change from a mechanical centre differential to an electronically controlled unit, tweaked as before via a little switch on the centre console. This is in conjunction with larger 19-inch wheels sitting in front of bigger six-piston Brembo brakes with new yellow calipers gripping onto 340mm front disks.
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The front bumper has also been re-profiled, now featuring larger, lower intakes and eschewing front fog lights. A slimmer trapezoidal grill sits between the LED headlights. Integrated into the door is ‘Final Edition’ badging and Subaru has also kept the iconic rear wing as standard too.
Inside, you’ll find the latest generation 8-inch infotainment system featuring DAB and a reversing camera, combined with an additional 5.8-inch multi-function display sitting atop the dashboard. The previous car’s fake carbonfibre trim has thankfully given way to gloss black material and heated seats are also a welcome addition.
An odd oversight is the lack of Subaru’s eyesight system, it's not being made available even as an option. Available throughout the rest of the model range, eyesight brings with it autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist among other capabilities. Subaru has fitted an automatic high beam function connected to those LED headlights though.
The car is priced at £33,995 in this ‘Final Edition’ trim, but the removal of the WRX STI from the UK has come as no surprise as it has struggled to gain a foothold in recent times against more polished rivals like the Golf R and Focus RS. A replacement for the WRX STI is still unconfirmed by Subaru, but if it does materialise will still be over two years away.
