It's tough man. I know even as just a WRX it's a better overall car than previous STI’s with more potential from aftermarket. But it's still not as "special" as having the STI. I think l'd still prefer buying a used STI for the LSDs and transmission. But I would take it over the GR Corolla though but only cause I prefer Subarus more niche vibe over Toyotas more walmart vibe as brands. And if your just a WRX person and don’t need an STI trim this is a spectacular car for you over anything else
@@danny2607 I am holding out hope to find a ‘21 STi stock somewhere soon, if not the tS white, on 19” forged matte black wheels…not certain if bronze bbs will look rite with the cladding…🤔
Thanks for this Brother. Is it possible, this will be the last factory petrol WRX, with a solid platform to build upon? With all that this one comes with all you need (if you want) is more power. Subaru has done everything else for you…I am leaning way hard on this for me 🤔
I like it. Current WRX gets too much hate. Buy the base and mod it the way you want or buy this TS and have a lot of the work done for you. They supposedly take a tune VERY well so you can make your own STI.
What is the sound heard while on track going through the corners? I heard it a bunch during the Scott Speed lap and then when you cut back to Jeff on the track. It’s not the rumble strips. Traction control? The tires making a weird sound? The pricing of this gen WRX just doesn’t work for me. If I am shopping in the $45k range the GR Corolla is where I am looking. In the $35k range the Elantra N is more appealing or I would be looking at a lightly used 21 Sti (which is probably faster around a track than this TS). The updates to this new model just aren’t interesting enough for the prices they are asking.
It was parts of the track with mega aggressive curving/strips. He was pushing farther to the track limits than I was haha. And yeah I hear you in regard to the competition… love that GR Corolla.
It’s pretty, but if you want an STI then why get this? Does it really offer anything that you can’t upgrade on the base WRX for less? This car is for people who don’t know what they’re doing.
Have you asked for a better exterier? We have colored more elements in black and now white cars are looking fine. Oh, yes, we colored interior in blue, so you forget about ugly exterior and focus on interior. No need for gratitude. Your STI department
Why can't Subaru add 300+HP to that engine from factory? Do their engineers lack the prowes to design an engine that can hit emission targets and power?
it's possible. it just won't last the whole warranty peroid without blowing up. for some people this is the 2nd biggest investment of their lives why would subarus engineers risk reliability. that's why it's toned down from factory. you still modify it after and eaisly hit over 300hp
@@growingup4487 normally I would agree, however Subaru has had an STI with 300+HP before and other companies like Toyota and Honda have pulled it off recently. Subaru keeps tinkering with the suspension and not power improvements. Maybe they can/should just start producing the last STI powertrain they had and add it to the current platform.
@@growingup4487 the FA24F is so much more robust than its predecessor. Not very many documented engine failures like the FA20F after tuning. Transmission is still the weak point. And a stock VB actually dynos very much the same as a stock VA STi.
The TR is a more honest version, if not THE BEST, WRX version excluding the STI/ this TS looks like an overdo, exaggerated version, with stuff drivers don't really need or care. the TR was spot on, subaru managed to ruin the WRX with all those crappy addons the TR should have stayed as a permanent trim, and the GT should be axed
I’d like a Ts for its adaptive suspension but yea the TR to me is the one to get especially since now it can be had for under MSRP. I also like how it has no badges and I honestly prefer not having digital gauges.
This wasnt tuned by STI . Load of crap. They slapped the GT dampers on a TR and called it a ts. The only thing they did different is the gold calipers Same as the tr. The recaro seats are same as the TR but blue. Majority of people wil buy coilovers. This trim is a joke. Buy yourself a TR before its gone and save some money.
If the WRX tS ends up at $45,000, this trim will be DOA once it arrives on showroom floors and dealership lots. You got the mid-cycle refresh Elantra N for $10,000 less and more performance. You got the GR Corolla while smaller in size gives you more performance, but you gotta be careful you don't go over 85 MPH and the car catches fire. You got the MK8.5 Golf R, but you can no longer get a manual transmission in the refreshed Golf R. There is no Jetta GLR/GRI (no R version of the Jetta). You got the FL5 Civic Type R, but you still can't find one at MSRP without additional dealer markup. Lastly, you got the Integra Type S while it is more in price, you get the most performance and niceties for your money. $45,000 was the VA gen WRX STI Limited money. Subaru will have to give in when they see the VB WRX tS still not being what the community asks for. Their last hope is bringing the WRX STI back. They don't have no choice if they want a next gen WRX to exist in the direction they want to go with it being hybrid or electric or both, but right now it's not the time for either of those right now. Subaru needs to take a risk and get the STI team back to enhance the FA24 or spend the money and go to Porsche and get the 2.5 Flat Four Boxer Engine that was in the Porsche 718 Boxster and use that engine for a VB WRX STI. It made 350hp and 309lb-ft of tq. That would/will be more than enough performance punch for a VB gen WRX STI.
I was in agreement until you said "Lastly, you got the Integra Type S while it is more in price, you get the most performance and niceties for your money." It is way overpriced, especially for a FWD car. The Golf R DSG will out perform it while providing more ultimate technology and the Elantra N is an absolute steal in comparison.
Nah this will sell really well. I’m taking a tS over every car you mentioned if I can only have 1 car. If I want AWD that take the Integra, Type R and N off the table completely. If I want a manual that takes the Golf R off the table.plus golf R is too refined a car IMO. It absolutely lacks the rawness and mechanical feel of the GRC and WRX. So you’re really just choosing between a GRC and TS. And I’ve never paid more than MSRP for a Subaru and most times paid well under MSRP. So I’d choose the TS is how my decision would be made.
@@antoinelee-thomas9536 Oh no, I agree with that by a long shot. It is where you said "you get the most performance and niceties for your money" that I disagreed with. I think the car is way overpriced and lacks luxuries at that price point (rear vents for passengers, cooled seats, optional AWD, etc).
. GT didn’t have the suspension or steering STI turned .just the TR in non adaptive form and now the TS in adaptive form so it’s going to be a bit different from TR. but GT while having adaptive suspension it wasn’t returned by STI or the steering done.
It's tough man. I know even as just a WRX it's a better overall car than previous STI’s with more potential from aftermarket. But it's still not as "special" as having the STI. I think l'd still prefer buying a used STI for the LSDs and transmission. But I would take it over the GR Corolla though but only cause I prefer Subarus more niche vibe over Toyotas more walmart vibe as brands. And if your just a WRX person and don’t need an STI trim this is a spectacular car for you over anything else
While I wouldn't trade our 2020 STI for one, I do like the White with Blue interior color combo. Thanks for another solid review, Jeff.
That’s the color combo I would do.
@@danny2607 I am holding out hope to find a ‘21 STi stock somewhere soon, if not the tS white, on 19” forged matte black wheels…not certain if bronze bbs will look rite with the cladding…🤔
Me and my 2019 STI are going to grow old together.
Sorry but those 19" are perfect
The design is nice, i just prefer a bit more sidewall in my tire
Me and my 20 STI are bound for a long time
Recaro Japan is not bankrupt.
Thanks for this Brother.
Is it possible, this will be the last factory petrol WRX, with a solid platform to build upon? With all that this one comes with all you need (if you want) is more power. Subaru has done everything else for you…I am leaning way hard on this for me 🤔
I like it. Current WRX gets too much hate. Buy the base and mod it the way you want or buy this TS and have a lot of the work done for you. They supposedly take a tune VERY well so you can make your own STI.
All well said
What is the sound heard while on track going through the corners? I heard it a bunch during the Scott Speed lap and then when you cut back to Jeff on the track. It’s not the rumble strips. Traction control? The tires making a weird sound?
The pricing of this gen WRX just doesn’t work for me. If I am shopping in the $45k range the GR Corolla is where I am looking. In the $35k range the Elantra N is more appealing or I would be looking at a lightly used 21 Sti (which is probably faster around a track than this TS). The updates to this new model just aren’t interesting enough for the prices they are asking.
It was parts of the track with mega aggressive curving/strips. He was pushing farther to the track limits than I was haha.
And yeah I hear you in regard to the competition… love that GR Corolla.
Im ok with the base or premium. I’m not seeing the justification for the price they’re asking for.
Ughh what were they thinking with that blue interior? That alone is going to turn away a lot of buyers.
It’s pretty, but if you want an STI then why get this? Does it really offer anything that you can’t upgrade on the base WRX for less? This car is for people who don’t know what they’re doing.
45k for this? Nope. Sorry, love subies but no shot Im paying premium pricing for one without DCCD and under 320 HP/300TQ.
Do we know who makes the dampers?
Denso, according to a YT channel in attendance at launch event.
Interesting, they never actually said during the presentation, so I figured they weren’t the Hitachi units like on the BRZ
They're ZF sMOTION adaptive dampers. It's said on Subaru Japan's website.
Have you asked for a better exterier? We have colored more elements in black and now white cars are looking fine. Oh, yes, we colored interior in blue, so you forget about ugly exterior and focus on interior. No need for gratitude. Your STI department
Why can't Subaru add 300+HP to that engine from factory? Do their engineers lack the prowes to design an engine that can hit emission targets and power?
it's possible. it just won't last the whole warranty peroid without blowing up. for some people this is the 2nd biggest investment of their lives why would subarus engineers risk reliability. that's why it's toned down from factory. you still modify it after and eaisly hit over 300hp
@@growingup4487 normally I would agree, however Subaru has had an STI with 300+HP before and other companies like Toyota and Honda have pulled it off recently. Subaru keeps tinkering with the suspension and not power improvements. Maybe they can/should just start producing the last STI powertrain they had and add it to the current platform.
@@growingup4487 the FA24F is so much more robust than its predecessor. Not very many documented engine failures like the FA20F after tuning. Transmission is still the weak point. And a stock VB actually dynos very much the same as a stock VA STi.
They didn’t add it because it would lower Subarus CAFE which would hurt them $ since it has less mpg.
Damn no real HP jump in 15 years 🤔🫠
The TR is a more honest version, if not THE BEST, WRX version excluding the STI/
this TS looks like an overdo, exaggerated version, with stuff drivers don't really need or care.
the TR was spot on, subaru managed to ruin the WRX with all those crappy addons
the TR should have stayed as a permanent trim, and the GT should be axed
I’d like a Ts for its adaptive suspension but yea the TR to me is the one to get especially since now it can be had for under MSRP. I also like how it has no badges and I honestly prefer not having digital gauges.
@@danny2607 imagine how annoying is to set suspension settings and steering boost every damn road
Just buy a base WRX.
Way different set up
This wasnt tuned by STI . Load of crap. They slapped the GT dampers on a TR and called it a ts. The only thing they did different is the gold calipers Same as the tr. The recaro seats are same as the TR but blue. Majority of people wil buy coilovers. This trim is a joke. Buy yourself a TR before its gone and save some money.
You just make random statements like most in today’s society, despite playing no role in the making of the car lol.
If the WRX tS ends up at $45,000, this trim will be DOA once it arrives on showroom floors and dealership lots.
You got the mid-cycle refresh Elantra N for $10,000 less and more performance.
You got the GR Corolla while smaller in size gives you more performance, but you gotta be careful you don't go over 85 MPH and the car catches fire.
You got the MK8.5 Golf R, but you can no longer get a manual transmission in the refreshed Golf R.
There is no Jetta GLR/GRI (no R version of the Jetta).
You got the FL5 Civic Type R, but you still can't find one at MSRP without additional dealer markup.
Lastly, you got the Integra Type S while it is more in price, you get the most performance and niceties for your money.
$45,000 was the VA gen WRX STI Limited money. Subaru will have to give in when they see the VB WRX tS still not being what the community asks for. Their last hope is bringing the WRX STI back. They don't have no choice if they want a next gen WRX to exist in the direction they want to go with it being hybrid or electric or both, but right now it's not the time for either of those right now.
Subaru needs to take a risk and get the STI team back to enhance the FA24 or spend the money and go to Porsche and get the 2.5 Flat Four Boxer Engine that was in the Porsche 718 Boxster and use that engine for a VB WRX STI. It made 350hp and 309lb-ft of tq. That would/will be more than enough performance punch for a VB gen WRX STI.
I was in agreement until you said "Lastly, you got the Integra Type S while it is more in price, you get the most performance and niceties for your money." It is way overpriced, especially for a FWD car. The Golf R DSG will out perform it while providing more ultimate technology and the Elantra N is an absolute steal in comparison.
@@layne4376You don't think the Integra Type S is nice in comparison to the WRX in terms of their exterior design styles?
Nah this will sell really well. I’m taking a tS over every car you mentioned if I can only have 1 car. If I want AWD that take the Integra, Type R and N off the table completely. If I want a manual that takes the Golf R off the table.plus golf R is too refined a car IMO. It absolutely lacks the rawness and mechanical feel of the GRC and WRX. So you’re really just choosing between a GRC and TS. And I’ve never paid more than MSRP for a Subaru and most times paid well under MSRP. So I’d choose the TS is how my decision would be made.
@@danny2607 If you want the least performing car in a performance class then sure, it is a great buy.
@@antoinelee-thomas9536 Oh no, I agree with that by a long shot. It is where you said "you get the most performance and niceties for your money" that I disagreed with. I think the car is way overpriced and lacks luxuries at that price point (rear vents for passengers, cooled seats, optional AWD, etc).
It’s a GT with blue interior, lol. Subaru is one car company that doesn’t listen to its customers and keeps rehashing the same stuff over and over.
. GT didn’t have the suspension or steering STI turned .just the TR in non adaptive form and now the TS in adaptive form so it’s going to be a bit different from TR. but GT while having adaptive suspension it wasn’t returned by STI or the steering done.