2019 Subaru STI S209

Despite all its associated stereotypes and the memes that flood the inbox of a Subaru STI owner daily, the sport compact sedan is a brilliant enthusiasts' machine. All over the world, these enthusiasts had access to hardcore S-line models with greater performance and handling ability. Now, it's finally our turn. The US-only S209 is our guilty pleasure, and it's a beast of a car. It's not cheap and costs over $20,000 more than a regular STI, but its 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine has been extensively improved along with the rest of the car. Power output is rated at 341 horsepower with 330 lb-ft of torque, all of which can only be exploited through the use of a six-speed manual transmission. Only 209 models are to be produced, so act fast if this is one of the cars you can't do without.

The S209 is not difficult to spot. It stands out like a sore thumb thanks to its large carbon rear wing, 101-millimeter (four-inch) quad-exit exhaust tips, and special BBS CH 19-inch wheels. A front splitter and canards are added too, along with side-skirt and rear fascia add-ons and scattered vents and badges, while the arches are swollen to accommodate a wider track. LED headlights feature up front along with LED brake lights at the rear, and as with other STI models, a large hood scoop dominates the aggressive face.

The additions to the S209's body have made it considerably wider than the regular STI, at 72.4 inches, an increase of 1.7 inches. Other dimensions are largely the same, with length at 181.9 inches and wheelbase at 104.3 inches. Height measures at 58.1 inches while the curb weight is 3,485 pounds.

The S209 gains numerous upgrades over the regular model but the basic engine itself is recognizable as the EJ25. In this format, the 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer four-banger utilizes a larger turbocharger with more boost to produce 341 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 31 and 40 units respectively over the plain-jane STI. To keep the experience pure, a six-speed manual gearbox is the only available transmission. Official figures put the 0-60 mph time at just under five seconds, but this is likely a conservative estimate. Top speed is limited to 162 mph.

The engine itself responds very quickly to throttle inputs when in its sportiest setting, but regardless of what you do, there is a fair amount of noticeable turbo lag. Once the turbo kicks in, the boost is visceral and raw, but not unmanageable. This is a car that is built to enjoy and the only way to do that is to drive it hard. The gear ratios are short for sharp acceleration, and the by-product is an engaging, if slightly frantic, driving experience that is fully satisfying.

Subaru's performance vehicles are always equipped with the company's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, and that's a big part of how good the S209 is in the corners, but for this special model, unique upgrades enhance its ability and its grip even further. Among them are a set of Bilstein dampers that stiffen the suspension, yet they're surprisingly compliant in daily driving, although we wouldn't call the ride luxurious. Various braces have been added too, but Subaru attributes one of the biggest benefits in handling to the bespoke Dunlop tires. They're SP Sport Maxx GT600A that contribute to a claimed lateral g figure of 1.08. Also included are front and rear limited-slip differentials that aid in cornering ability, while Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in front offer good initial response and easy pedal modulation. This is a track car that you can live with on the road, but if you're after something with exceptional levels of refinement, the S209 will likely disappoint.

Thanks to the aforementioned short gear ratios, fuel economy is far from the STI S209's strongest suit. Its official EPA estimates are 15/21/17 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, which is worse than many SUVs and trucks will return. With a 15.9-gallon gas tank, mixed range is calculated to be around 270 miles.

The STI has the kind of interior that you would expect from a hardcore Japanese performance car that you can live with daily. It's simple and focused but comfortable enough to not be offensive. It seats five in impressive comfort, with good headroom and legroom for all but the rear middle occupant, and both front perches have power-adjustability as standard. The driver's seat gets eight levels of adjustment while the front passenger makes do with four. Visibility all-round is good too, with the exception of out the rear window, where all you'll see is the carbon fiber wing.

The STI doesn't have a particularly large trunk, with just 11.8 cubic feet of volume, but it is enough for three medium-sized suitcases. If you aren't ferrying any rear passengers, the backrests fold in a 60/40 split for more space.

In the cabin, a center console storage tray offers space for beverages, while large door pockets and a spot ahead of the gear lever can handle overflow items. A decently-sized glovebox is also in place.

The STI's main focus is on performance, and as such, the vast majority of its features are dedicated to going faster. These include the various suspension and braking upgrades, but also a paddle behind the steering wheel for spraying water onto the intercooler, helping cool the charged air in the system. Other features include adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and cruise control. Variable drive modes and the expected traction and stability control systems also make an appearance.

The S209's infotainment system is comprised of Subaru's seven-inch touchscreen Starlink system with six speakers. It is capable of receiving SiriusXM satellite radio and has functionality for voice control, HD Radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and smartphone control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NFC. You also get a pair of USB ports and that all-but-forgotten feature: a CD player. While we have no serious gripes with the system itself, as it is intuitive and easy to use, the graphics aren't as crystal clear as in some competitors' cars.

The Subaru WRX STI range has been completely free of recalls for 2018 and 2019.

In terms of warranties, there are four: a basic, three-year/36,000-mile warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty, a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty, and three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance.

The NHTSA has not yet tested the Subaru WRX range, but the IIHS has awarded the vehicle a Top Safety Pick+ award. It should be noted that STI models, however, do not have access to all available WRX safety features.

As standard, the S209 is fitted with adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, stability and traction control systems, and numerous airbags: frontal, side-impact, curtain rollover, and driver's knee.

The Subaru WRX STI is an engaging car even in regular form. It's fast, it's agile, and it corners like a train. In the S209, you get more power, better cornering ability, and numerous upgrades in the suspension and braking departments that increase overall performance. The engine is strong, the manual gearbox is present and correct, and the thing sounds monstrous. However, it is very expensive - even though you can see where the money went. For the hardcore enthusiast, these things won't matter and we're just happy to finally have an S-line car here, but fast, all-wheel-drive hot hatches handle duality of purpose better. If you're looking for an investment opportunity, these are expected to hold their value well and become future classics, and they'll be awesome fun to drive too, but for an all-round performance sedan, there are certainly more polished alternatives out there - even if they're less engaging.

The Subaru WRX STI S209 is only available in a single configuration with just the option of blue or white paint as your limit of choice. It costs $63,995 before an $885 destination charge.

Well, do you like Pearl Blue or do you like Pearl White? Do you like gray wheels or gold wheels? If you like gold wheels with blue paint, tough luck. The S209 is available in limited numbers and only in the abovementioned colors, with the darker hue getting the darker wheels and the lighter paint option getting the brighter wheels, so the choice here is rather limited, just like the car. So why not get a regular WRX STI? Well, as we've touched on, there will only be 209 of these cars made, and despite their price, they are likely to be highly sought after. If that doesn't concern you and you intend to drive the S209, as you should, it's faster and quicker than a regular STI, corners better, and stops in shorter distances. Plus, you get bragging rights.

The regular Subaru WRX STi is a far cheaper alternative to this hardcore S209 model. It starts at a base price of $36,595, a difference of $27,400. For this saving in outlay, you lose out on 31 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque, but you still get a spacious interior, a six-speed manual gearbox, and symmetrical all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy figures for this model are also slightly better, so you save money in the long run too, even if it's a slight saving. The main advantage to the regular STI, besides its lower cost, is that it's not a rare machine that you would feel guilty for abusing on track. It's still a good all-rounder and offers plenty of performance, just with a little more compromise. Unless you're after that ultimate edge, rather get the regular STI and put the extra money towards tires and other race-day essentials.

Another Japanese powerhouse with a six-speed manual gearbox is the Honda Civic Type R. It's no secret that the Civic Type R is a heinous assault weapon that targets the eyes and makes them bleed, but it's highly capable and focused too. It actually starts cheaper than the regular STI, at $36,300, and produces an impressive 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. However, this car is front-wheel-drive and is, therefore, less grippy in inclement weather, but those who have driven it will be aware that it is exceptionally agile and responsive. With EPA figures of 22/28/25 mpg, it's far more economical than the S209, and its hatchback-style rear cargo area also offers more space, with 25.7 cubic feet of volume with the rear seats up - more than double what you get in the Scooby. As a fun and relatively frugal daily car that can still thrill and excite on the track, the Type R is phenomenal - just close your eyes until you get inside.