2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing: The Winged Beast

Japanese artistry

Something is mesmerizing about a Japanese sports sedan, the 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing is the car that epitomizes this feeling. While it may be a proper sedan, it looks more like a rally car.

The front looks extremely menacing. The sharp grille, flanked with the angled headlamps adds an edgy persona. There is also a big bumper with air intakes and the hood-intake scoop is a salient reminder of the car’s racing heritage. This isn’t your average sedan or even a sports sedan. The WRX STI is distinctly more impressive than any other sports sedan is.

The rear of the car is really where you can see the differences. As the lines of the sculpted hood sweep over the roofline and taper to the rear, it blends in well. The standout piece here is the rear wing. It is huge, the size of a bench to be precise. It stands perched up on the back and looks majestic. The bespoke wheels add to the charm. There is absolutely nothing unremarkable about the design of this car. It is Japanese artistry at its best.

Dollops of power

Now, a sports sedan would not be a sports sedan without a beating heart and here in the 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing, it has a powerful heart. The machinery and craft that have been put into the engine are simply immaculate.

The flat-four turbo might not have the appeal of a V6 or V8 but the power delivery is equally good, if not better. Every single one of the 310 bhp generated is used perfectly and the acceleration timings are proof of that. The 0-60 timing is less than six seconds, far better than the competition and even some sports cars.

The amazing power delivery is down to engineering. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is made up of an aluminum alloy and comes coupled with an intercooler system. Subaru has meticulously crafted this machinery and it shows.

There is also a better air-intake system and newer performance exhaust that keeps the gases flowing. The car’s performance is on point, the power is available on tap and the only caveat would perhaps be the lack of smoothness in the drive, but then again this is down to the rally car nature of the car.

Grip, grip, and more grip

While the suburban mom and dad may not enjoy the car as much, a driver who likes to feel the road and the car, most certainly would. The thrill you get from punching the car down the road is unmatched. The grunt of the four cylinders and the growl you get as you move up the gears is a loud reminder that this is, indeed, a sports sedan.

There is no understeer, it will go where you point it. The beauty of the handling is what sets the 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing apart. The steering is brilliant and the response is almost immediate. Accompanied by the strong chassis, and a firm suspension; the 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing is a tight handler on the roads. You can throw it around a corner without a worry and it will grip its way out of it.

The grip is the real story of the car. There is an electronic limited-slip differential that helps the power flow fluidly between the front and back wheels. All the factors combine to give the car an abundance of grip. Hard cornering and wet surfaces are no problems for the WRX STI. A driver will appreciate the sturdiness and responsiveness; however, this is not a car built for suburban use.

Driver’s car

The 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing is not the most luxurious car by any means. It is also not chart-topping when it comes to its segment. Perhaps, the biggest caveat about this stellar piece of machinery is that the interiors are simply lackluster. The current version of the interiors is far better than the earlier versions from the 90s. It is a true and true driver’s car. No way around it. The features are basic and the comfort level is nothing great.

Despite it all, for those people that want the joy of driving, you are in the right place. The seats hug you correctly and give you a good feel of the car, which is critical for feedback. The steering wheel is particularly delightful. It is a leather-wrapped flat-bottom three-spoke wheel that also has a lot of electronic controls. The aluminum pedals add to the sporty nature of the car. The front bucket seats are comfortable and the rear seats give you a lot of space. It is class-leading in terms of space, and hence the car makes up for the lack of comfort with an abundance of space.

Safety

The 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing does not come with a safety rating from the IIHS or the NHTSA. However, the 2018 model was rated among the top 10 safest cars in the segment. Its overall good build and high-quality chassis help protect passengers from rolls and accidents. While it may lack the latest and greatest in safety tech, it is still very safe. There are plenty of airbags that ensure that in case of an accident the damage is minimal.

The verdict

The 2019 Subaru WRX STI Limited w/wing is the car to get if you prioritize performance over luxury. The convenience factor is low, but this is not the car to go for grocery runs or soccer practice. This is the car you take to windy mountain roads and long stretches of highway. The engine and handling will have you gasping for a breath.

It is a sports sedan and a fast one at that. You will probably enjoy it on track days too! Subaru’s relentless chase for performance is evident. Driving this car will keep you on your toes and it looks stunning! It will raise eyebrows and the engine will let onlookers know you mean business.

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