What's not to love about the Subaru WRX STI? Absolutely nothing.
Based on the practical and reliable Impreza, the WRX is a high-performance variant crafted for enthusiasts seeking sportier handling and more power. Its legendary all-wheel-drive system gained fame after Subaru's World Rally Championship victories.
At the top of the lineup is the WRX STI, offering a raw, rally-inspired experience beyond the standard WRX. With highly tunable engines and abundant aftermarket parts, the STI can outperform pricier sports and supercars. Its affordability and presence in films like Baby Driver, Fast & Furious franchise, and more, which in turn makes it a car culture icon.
The exclusive WRX STI S210 continues the legacy after the coveted S209.
Traditionally, when a car manufacturer introduces a successor to a product, the car would be a be bigger and larger, packing with more technology and advancements, and improved its performance.
The same goes with this Subaru WRX STI S210.
However, every so often, a car is launched with what feels like a major equipment misstep.
And this Subaru WRX STI S210 is a good example of that.
The good thing about the car is that, it retains the famous blue color known in previous STIs, as well as the flared arches, and air scoop at the bonnet for to cool its top-mount intercooler.
It's also still a four-door vehicle with AWD drivetrain. It also keeps the world-renown EJ powerplant, which is a turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine that packs a hefty amount of horsepower for a car its size and weight.
However, unlike all STIs before it, Subaru WRX STI S210 doesn't come with a manual transmission.
For whatever reason, Subaru Tecnica International, which is the manufacturer's in-house tuning company, has decided to equip the S210 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Soon after the specifications were revealed, it didn't take long until the internet is furious about it.
CVT is a type of automatic transmission that differs from traditional systems.
Instead of using gears, it employs a belt or chain and a system of pulleys to deliver a smooth and efficient driving experience. This method allows the transmission to adjusts the ratio dynamically, optimizing for power, efficiency, or smoothness in varying road and driving conditions.
While this can translate to optimum performance throughout, CVT transmissions are not known for having that performance feel of a sportscar.
Making things worse, it's safe to say that all WRX STI's are car enthusiasts who crave for performance and the experience of being connected to the car.
For sure, manual transmission is an outdated technology, and in terms of shifting speed, it can never be as fast as more modern transmissions.
But this three-pedal transmission is known for engagement. And best of all, it's the only transmission enthusiasts want for a pure driving experience.
Subaru WRX STI owners are those who love the burble-like sound from the unequal length of the exhaust of the boxer engine, the rally-inspired theme, iconic styling, the practicality, and the experience of being the driver in control.
It's also about purity and nostalgia.
Car journalists and news have all agree that the best transmission for a driver-oriented car like the STI is a manual, period.
Long story short, CVT may have some advantages over a manual transmission. But it's not the transmission most hardcore STI drivers wish to have.
But again, WRX STI S210 is a limited edition version of the STI, meaning that it's only available for a few owners.
With a planned 500 cars in production, the car that debuted in the 2025's Tokyo Auto Salon, won't fall short of sales expectation.
Putting aside Subaru's transmission choice, the S210 is bonkers with a large front bumper and side skirts, improved performance thanks to a new turbo intake and new exhaust system, as well as ECU tweaks. Not to mention the six-piston Brembo calipers that lurk behind the massive 19-inch forged BBS wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
The S210 also has unique dampers, springs, and rear stabilizer bar bushings, and that it has additional bracing to stiffen up the chassis.
All of these (and the CVT transmission) should add up to faster lap times.
