Driving my Subaru Prodrive up Franschhoek Pass - This is the joy of motoring
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- Our video guy, Ciro De Siena, has a longstanding love affair with a special South African edition of the Subaru Impreza, known as the Prodrive. Built and sold locally in 2006/07, the Prodrive has become something of a cult classic. In this video, Ciro takes his new car to a dreamy mountain pass outside Cape Town, Franschhoek Pass, for it's first proper shakedown since he bought it late in 2022.
In our next video on the Prodrive, Ciro will take us through his cost of of ownership and maintenance on the vehicle so far, and what some of his concerns are.
But in the meantime, enjoy some beautiful footage of what must be one of the most beautiful roads in the world, with a blue machine streaking across the landscape, with Ciro inside talking nonsense.
0:00 - intro
1:13 - Shopping for a used Subaru
3:15 - What’s been done to the car so far?
4:38 - The history of the Prodrive
5:54 - What you get with the Prodrive package
7:50 - Why Ciro bought this car
9:23 - The theme of the Subaru
10:15 - What it’s like to drive
12:10 - Power and torque
13:10 - Fuel consumption
13:43 - Conclusion
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I bet your left hand is the happiest it has been in a while😂😂...stick shifting is such a fun thing especially on a fun driven car like that.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Man, hearing that exhaust note, I nearly went out and found one again. Damn, they're amazing cars. Had 5 and each one was an experience.
My 1st WRX I bought from subary in Cape town. Flew down and picked it up there, drove 2000km through the passes there, had it serviced and then drove it back to Jo'burg. That car and the Franschhoek pass and the the pass there next to the coast with the exhaust echoing from the cliff faces, man, brings back memories.
On the drive back to the rand, I had to fill up every 200km. When you push it, you can see the guage dropping.
Were you " widowmaker" on Socsa?
I am good not owning one if it guzzling like that!
@McWidowmaker are you saying you killed 5 good motor vehicles all by your self ? I am not sure what the emoticon for a half joke genuine puzzled face is
I had the privilege of owning a '05 WRX Prodrive (blob eye) and I can honestly say that was, by far, the best vehicle I have ever owned! also had a '08 STI hatch and my 05 blew it out of the water! watching this video made me so sad, they definitely don't build them like they used to, I WISH i had the opportunity to drive that car on that exact pass. definition of happiness!
'Fuel consumption- When it needs fuel, i put it in'
Looking forward to more ownership video uploads of the car.
I bet that exhaust note is addictive.
I’ve owned a 2006 WRX here in Australia for the last 12 years… and still have it. All mine has is a tune and an exhaust. Thats it. Everything you said is bang on. Im really happy for your purchase and look forward to your journey
Congrats. You found gold. Had a 2005 STI in rally blue and enjoy every second driving it. A pitty the road conditions in my neighberhood do not allow me to enjoy it anymore.
They can be very relyable if treated according to the owners manual with no mods. Got 580kkm on a turbo Forester.
Man some of those shots make it look like this could have been a Subaru commercial.
Epic car, think I'm gonna have to start looking for one again.
yeah dude, these cars are addictive. I have my WRX bug since 2006 and recently bought the WRX version of the Forester, the S-Edition, 193KW
It makes me extremely excited and very happy for you. More so, seeing how a manual-geared car makes you feel.
I like the authenticity of both yourself and the car you drive!
Welldone Ciro 💌
My history teacher in primary school had one. Boy we used to fly in that car to volley ball practice. From Mulbarton to Lenasia. Memories!!
I never worried about fuel consumption when I had my scooby, it was about enjoying it to its fullest. I miss my 2 that I had. So enjoy yours it's a gem. And you're never to old to enjoy it. Enjoy it.
How wonderful that you told us this story 15 years later! I always love stories with happy endings. Subie fam - FTW
Awesome Scooby there Ciro. Wishing you many happy knob in hand kilometers ahead :)
Ciro, man you just moved up a couple of notches in my book, a Scooby Prodrive, I would never have guessed.... But they are FUN indeed hey?
Not a Scooby fan but it's inspiring to see a dream realized. Gives me hope that I will too. Congrats
I'm in Love.🥺🥺🥺 That's my favourite Subaru WRX. 2006. The sound. It's just amazing
Well done and much deserved boet. Dreams come true when you put work into your plans. Keep on working hard boet. Can wait to see a review of your next "Dream Car"👏👏👏👊
I've always wanted a WRX when I was younger. Then they switched to the hatchback and I said that if they ever came in sedan form again I would buy one. In 2009/2010 they introduced the sedan version again and in 2010/2011 the wide-body version. It was the happiest day of my life when I took delivery of my brand new 2011 WRX wide-body in pearl white back in the day! The sound of that turbo waste gate was intoxicating. I still miss that car.
Dream come true, have desired one since the 90s and plan to own a Blue BlobSTi one day. Appreciate the production and hope your repair won't set you back (Ringland etc) but rather sooner than later. Happy, safe driving 👊.
The sound is so nice! and it still looks so beautiful... nowhere near aged. It's a keeper
Awesome purchase, and a great back story to your connection to this cool car.
Congrats Ciro, nothing better than getting your dream car. Enjoy it to the fullest
Congratulations on the new ride. The Hawk-Eye has always been my favorite. Glad to see you got something that is unique to SA. Never knew this prior to watching the video. Keep up the awesome videos.
Ciro picked the perfect road for the car. Love the Franshoek Pass, it's easily 1 of the best driving roads in the country. My friends & I take our shitboxes there every now & then. It really is an epic road to drive, it makes any car feel fun.
@Zallas hey, if the drive is good maybe a slow "shitbox" is a better way to enjoy it, take some people you like along for the drive, stop off along the way, make it an experience. I can think of some romantic picnic spots if that is still allowed and I haven't been there for years.
I'm just glad to see a Saffa who knows how to pronounce the word "Subaru" properly! :P
"Nothing quite like having a knob in your hand 😂". Enjoy your new toy Ciro 😎. Happy motoring 🚗.
Awesome review. Always love your video's.
I recently sold my 2014 WRX STI mint condition Scooby, so sad to see it go with only 80k on the clock. One of my bucket list cars I was so happy to own. Awesome to drive and that flat four sound I just couldn’t get enough of. (Not to mention that Turbo WOOSH) Turned heads wherever we went. Watching this video makes me regret selling it even more.
Thank you for sharing your personal car, looking forward to more of your garage
Congrats and great video. The insert was cool 😉
This was extremely great👏🏽🔥. Can’t wait for the M5 video🥹
excellent video and what a great car. That sound is just something special. like a VR6
Love the sounds🔥🔥🔥
100% agree with you. Internal combustion engines speak to the driver, unlike electric vehicles.
I think I need one of this in my life, a beautiful car 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿
Nice pick up. I had the metallic grey 2007 WRX hatch/wagon here is Australia for about 7 years. I put on a TD05 20G billet wheel turbo, 3 inch turbo back exhaust, process west intake, STI intercooler, upgraded fuel pump and a tune. It was a little rocket! Now I own a 2016 STI with a 3 inch tbe and a EcuTek tune as my weekend toy and love it. Look forward to following your journey with your new ride.
Awesome! Just ❤ manual cars myself. I've got a Sentra in mint condition, and Franschhoek pass is one of its favourite drives on weekends.
changing the sparkplugs is a joy you need to behold.
Great job with drone photography
Great video, that sound is so addictive.
Lovely stuff Ciro.........sooooo sooooo jealous man!! Enjoy it!!
Me too!!!!
Description of a Subaru driver is on point 🤣🤣🤣
I was just missing the tribal tattoo 🤣
Looking forward to the follow up about the smoke. I have the same issue with my 3000gt vr4. Also love taking it on Franschhoek pass!
I had a 2007 Ruby metallic red premium model … with gold wheels !!
Loved it !
Wish I still had it
I am now 57
Best drivers car I owned .
Dealer bought it back from me in a heartbeat .
❤❤❤❤
Congrats and welcome to the family. Few things to get your car safe . Chett Is in CPT and does the best tunes , radiator to change to aluminium, try to get Mishimoto thermostat or 0 sport and the most important is to remove the oil pickup replace with killer B or Moroso to prevent it braking . I have the EJ207 STI blob we got to meet some time . Will hook you up with the best guy to work on the Subaru in CPT . My motor was fully forge build to 2.1 stroker by Chrislom . Be safe in your car .
Really enjoyed watching this. I felt the same when i owned my Impreza a long time ago. They were brilliant cars.
We're so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching
Thank you for this video and I look forward to future updated on the car. I also have older cars for weekend drive: Audi A2 and Twingo RS Gordini :)
What a cool gem that is. Your smile says it all. I'm looking forward to see some of the other cars. Also the smoke diagnosis as I'm in the same smokey boat. (Might be rings) still worth it 🤣
You definitely love this car. Please share w/ us in clear HD once the ring lands hit or uncle Rodney drops by because these cars, man 😅.
On a more serious note, though, please share footage of the mechanical stuff w/ this one for all us buffs to pick ideas & products to try.
An absolute dream, best car ever.
I always enjoy your reviews but this one struck a heart string. I owned a GC8 for almost 2 decades and now I really miss it. Although not a GC8 you have what is in my opinion one of the last good Impreza's. After that generation, Subaru lost the plot - hold on to it! Great video, Ciro!
PS - Did many breakfast runs along Franschoek pass. Definitely my favourite road and just meant for that car!
I LOVE that car!! I saw one few days ago near Cape Gate. Wowowow!!!!!!
Congrats🎉
Now on that puff of smoke.
1) Does it happen all the time or only on the 1st drives after a while of standing?
I bet probably only after the first acceleration ofter it stood for sometime. Remember, this is a flat 4 engine. (Boxer engine) If the engine is off, the oil in the sump or more just a small amount there of will pass the rings back into the combustion chamber. Why- Piston rings never seal 💯 % (Ring gap). They only seal during combustion and with heat expansion. The Pta-Ca trip lasted for about what 16 hrs atleast?? That’s more of enough time for a small amount of oil to “leak” back into the combustion chamber.
This exact same issue is common on Porsche Flat engines.
Enjoy the ride
Awesome track , Awesome host, Fantastic car!
Great to hear, thank you!
I own a 2015 WRX and i LOVE it, ive had posters of Colin McRae on my wall since a kid.. These cars can be driven hard and they can take it as long as you allow it to properly warm up and cool down and do regular maintenance!
It is also worth chatting to a guy call Chett Meyer in CPT to give it a good,safe and reliable tune to eliminate engine knock and early or late detonation.
Really cool generation of 'affordable' fun cars that were realistic to own and have dated well. Be cool to see more on other period icons, Lumina SS, 300c SRT, c55, etc
I have a 2012 wrx sti, with auto box. Even with the noisy cabin what great fun to drive
Please show us your other cars too Ciro! 🙌🏻😁
Wonderful vid , i have owned an evo 7 and moved over to a 2012 sti , best drive in the world. The consumption, mmmm 300km of a full tank driving decently
The quality and production of this video is on another level 👏🏾👌🏾
I feel the same way with the GR Yaris 😍
But that subie thou 👌🏾👌🏾
Congratulations, awesome!
Thats a lovely noise
Epic video. Have had my Prodrive 2006 premium since 2008. 180k on the clock and still going strong. Btw...fuel consumption is around 14 to 15 L/100Km😫
So this Prodrive version sits between the regular WRX and the STI ... really nice car, just think the wheels would look better if it had the big brembo calipers.
Also in Japan were some versions sitting between them, but never seen a Prodrive one.
I will still own one. My friend had one in matric when it was still firmly in our memory as one of the coolest cars. The exhaust note is drilled into my memory like you can't believe, all the memories of cruising late at night in his WRX. The closest I got was a GT86 with UELs, I will own one someday. Also interesting fact: the other car manufacturer at this time who had a racing partnership with ProDrive was guess who? Aston Martin!
Thank you for the comment and that awesome info! Hope you get yours soon
I didnt know about the prodrive mzansi editioion. Nice exhaust note really nice
I am new, today is the 1st time I watch you, read, etc. ❤❤❤ luv it!! Use to be Car mag only person, but sine they dont do or did 2023 top best buys.....and never responed to any msg email, twitter, etc. So tks here I am, and hooefully my new motor "home"(pun) My son is a suby fan. Great reviews.
You are very welcome here! We have over 700 videos on our channel and 1000s of articles on Cars.co.za/motoring-news, enjoy :)
This makes me miss my Golf 2 GTI 🔥🔥
I just love your taste in cars from your MX-5 to your e39 M5 and now this. Did you have the pleasure of taking your other toys through Franschoek Pass?
Oh yes! 👏👏👏
This is going to be good
I saw you in buitengracht street this morning, she really is a beauty.
Loving it bru... Avi in South Africa Durban
“A knob in you hand.” Right
ooo exciting i now want to see you give chase to a high power rear wheel drive car on that pass...
mmm good video, you make me long for a car I didnt know I wanted
Lekker man 😂 love that sound
I've driven past the ProDrive headquarters in Banbury (UK) multiple times :)
Nice car 👍
This man said “a whey protein enthusiast who may have had a tribal tattoo on his bicep” and he didn’t lie🤣🤣
Great purchase Ciro, pray tell what you paid for the hawkeye?
9:22
Cirro looking like Paul Walker, Fast & Furious Drift Tape
What I meant to say is" What a beaut!!! Thanks for sharing and enjoy that awesome machine!
That rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmm rrrrrrm sound wow
Great review of a super-cool, future classic! Yep, an EV just sucks compared to this - nevermind the EV's "dead soul", stupid price and other EV-related challenges...
I'm still at the dreaming stage building my business, hopefully one day, just like you I would have the opportunity to buy my dream car... And film it 😂
Hawkeye is my fav gen
We wish you many happy safe km's.
If you are pushing 130-160 km/h on the highway for 2 hours, then the petrol consumption doubled compared to when driving 100 km/h.. For a joyful driving , it does drink a lot !
Nothing compares to a manual gearbox
Awesome Car. just sad that it will eventually run a bearing it hope you get some good years out of it!
@9:20 hey, that young guy was handsome, maybe you should ask him out :)
Thanks for this. The engine sounds like fake noise through speakers
I love my Scooby too
Forgot to mention always check water in the morning and always check your oil .
Buying one of these is no different to buying an older generation M3...you know it`s been drilled regularly...just have enough money to have it taken apart and refurbished...then it doesn`t matter how hard some "Boksburg Breeker" has driven it in the past...
😂😂😂 how many times did you need to go over the pass and back again……not that you would mind Ciro!!!
Do you have a review of audi a3 stportback and Rio tec please reply with a link if you do
Check oil level immediately! That engine has ringland failure. (Talking from experience as STI owner)