Subaru has finally swept the dust off its old STI nameplate and applied it to the WRX, introducing the 2025 STI S210. However, before you get too excited, there are two important things you need to know.
Firstly, this is a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model only, which means it isn’t coming to Australia any time soon. Secondly, and it’s truly disappointing, it comes with a CVT automatic. Hmm, imagine 10 years ago, suggesting new WRX STI models would feature a CVT. You’d be laughed out of the pub.
Subaru Japan is showcasing the STI S210 at the Tokyo Auto Salon. It’s based on the WRX STI Sport R EX variant sold in Japan, featuring a 2.4-litre turbo flat-four engine developing 221kW and 375Nm. There’s no mention of 0-100km/h performance. As a guide, the best time we’ve achieved in the local 202kW WRX tS CVT sedan is 6.68 seconds.
Interestingly, and strangely, the predecessor to this new variant, the S209, which was sold in some overseas markets, featured a 254kW/450Nm turbo flat-four. And of course it had a six-speed manual transmission.
Aside from the disappointing powertrain, the S210 comes with bespoke BBS forged wheels wearing 255/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZF adaptive dampers with exclusive S210 springs, S210 draw stiffeners front and rear, and a set of Brembo front brakes. There’s also a special transmission cooler for the CVT.
Other highlights include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a unique bodykit with black trimmings and STI spoilers and rear diffuser, and then inside a pair of carbon-backed Recaro front seats, an STI steering wheel and instrument panel, and some black garnishes. There’s also a special build number plaque noting its 1-of-500 allocation.
Subaru has no plans to introduce a proper STI model with a turbo engine in the future, for global markets. Speculations suggest the badge might make a comeback on a future high performance electric vehicle, but time will tell.
For now, Subaru is using the STI badge to build sticker packs and sporty enhancements on existing models, such as the recently launched Forester STI Sport. See below for the main specs of the S210:
Main S210 Specifications (development target values based on prototypes)
Overall length/width/height (mm) | 4690×1845×1465 |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Wheelbase(mm) | 2675 |
Minimum turning radius(m) | 5.6 |
Dry weight (kg) | 1630 |
Engine | FA24 2.4-liter Horizontally-Opposed four cylinder, DOHC,Direct injection turbo |
Max. output (net) [kW(PS)/rpm] | 221(300)/5700 |
Max. torque (net) [Nm (kgm)/rpm] | 375(38.2)/2000-5600 |
Transmission | Subaru Performance Transmission |
steering | Rack and pinion |
Suspension | 4-wheel independent Suspension |
Brake(Front/Rear) | Ventilated disc/Ventilated disc |
Tires | 255/35R19 |