The Subaru WRX Sti has a long, storied history which is part of the reason why Subaru chose to bring a facelift to the car just a few years after the fifth-gen model hit dealers. If you were over in the U.K., on the other hand, you probably felt shafted when the U.S. got to lay eyes on the new WRX – after all, you got stuck with the design that debuted for 2016. Well, as it turns out, the U.K. isn’t getting the facelifted model and, in fact, there won’t be a Subaru STi at all after this year, leaving you just enough time to snag one of these last 150, Final Edition models. And, if you do happen to get your hands on one, well guess what? You actually get the facelifted version that’s on sale in the U.S. right now. That’s right; the “Final Edition” STi in the U.K. is really nothing more than the facelifted model that we received for 2018.

Sounds pretty sketchy, right? Well, it really is, but it’s not exactly Subaru’s fault either. According to various sources, the company that’s responsible for importing the WRX STi has chosen not to import it anymore. It was even up to that company, which goes by the name IM Group, whether or not the final edition models were brought over there. So, while they are the reason why you can’t get a 2018 model (outside of the 150 final editions, anyway) you might want to thank them as they were at least kind enough to import 150 more to give the car a proper send-off. With that said, you probably already know what you’ll get with the Final-Edition STi since it’s already on sale here in the U.S. as a 2018 model, but let’s go over the details just to refresh your memory a bit.

Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru WRX STI Final Edition.

What makes the Subaru WRX STI Final Edition special

Alright, so let’s start with the exterior. If you were to read Subaru’s press release, you would think that you’re getting something special… or as Subaru put it, “redesigned to look more purposeful.” But, as I said before, you’re getting the 2018 model from here in the U.S. That means you get the new front fascia with larger vents in the corners (these are hardly functional, by the way) to go with a wider air dam that offers better airflow for the radiator and intercooler. Up above, the grille has been slightly redefined for a fresh look, and it gets a new black grille surround. The new headlights feature the Subaru wing design, which is carried over from the grille. To add to the look, the car comes with 19-inch wheels that have wide enough spokes that you can see the yellow Brembo calipers hidden behind. You’ll also find that the center differential is now all electronic as opposed to mechanical and electronic.

Inside, you’ll find that the upper screen in the dash has been replaced with a 5.9-inch unit while the dash itself has gone through some minor revisions as well. There’s a handful of gloss black trim around the interior to make the gloss black trim outside, and red seatbelts are in place to match the red stitching on the seats and the steering wheel. Finally, the infotainment display was revised with new software to include DAB radio and to display the video from the rear-view camera that’s now mounted on the rear deck lid. You’ll also get LED headlights, high-beam assist, and steering responsiveness.

As far as the drivetrain goes (outside of that electronic center diff, of course), there aren’t any engine or transmission upgrades to speak of. Here in the U.S., the WRX STi delivers 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque from that 2.5-liter flat-four. That boxer engine gets the car up to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 160 mph. And, we’re talking about an STi here, so you better believe you’ll have three pedals and a stick with six different forward gears. Over in the U.K., however, you guys have a slightly detuned model that pumps out 295 horsepower (300ps) and 300 pound-feet. So, the truth is, you get a little more torque for a little less power – not a fair trade-off, I suppose. With that said, it’s not likely that Subaru has done anything else to provide these Final Edition models any extra grunt, but you do still get the six-speed transmission, so at least you’ve got that going for you.

2018 Subaru WRX STi (U.S.) vs 2018 Ford Focus RS

Now, as you probably expected, you’re not going to get one of these Final Edition STi’s for any less than you can get the current model for. The current model runs at £31,995 or about $41,974 here in the U.S. As for the Final Edition model, well, sorry to tell you, but that’ll cost you an extra £2,000 as the starting price has been set at £33,995 or just over $44,400.

References

Subaru WRX

Read our full review on the 2016 Subaru WRX STI.

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru WRX STI.