Subaru Forester STi Gets Badges but No Extra Power

Hold onto your hats, Subaru fans, an STI badge has been slapped on a Forester!

While the hot STI version of the WRX might be dead, the badge lives on. Subaru Australia is cranking up the a little more consumer interest with the all-new Forester STI Sport AWD special edition, injecting a hearty dose of halo-effect into their top selling Forester lineup. But don’t dawdle—this “hot” new variant is available for a limited time only, so you might want to get your skates on!

Hitting Aussie shores in late September, this Forester comes loaded with a bunch of styling upgrades and a spot of precision suspension tuning from the rally wizards at Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Yes, the same folks who’ve been dominating the World Rally Championship for over a decade are now giving your daily drive a performance makeover. Fancy that!

Thanks to the STI-tuned front and rear dampers and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you’ll feel more in control, balanced, and sharper than a drag queen’s tongue. The suspension tweak gives this humble family wagon a real edge, so every twist and turn feels more like a thrilling adventure than a mundane commute. You can just pretend there is a little tiny turbo glued onto the flat four, alas there is no extra power. The reason people bought an STI was for the power but emissions standards killed all that off.

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ABOVE: 2024 Subaru Forester STi edition

On the outside, the Forester STI Sport AWD is dressed to impress. We’re talking dark grey, high-lustre 18-inch alloy wheels, a black front grille that means business, plus a whole lot of Crystal Black garnishes and under guards to give it a sleek, stealthy vibe. And of course, no STI model would be complete without that iconic STI badge. It’s the car equivalent of wearing a designer label. Normally, Forester owners drive like an Edwardian governess, but the smattering of STI lettering will inject a little Lauder into their lives.

Step inside, and the sporty badge-engineered theme continues. Feast your eyes on the tasty Black & Bordeaux interior—a luxurious pairing of Nappa leather-accented seats with splashes of red STItching that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a high-end European racer. There’s even an STI-branded instrument cluster to remind you of the days when a turbo whir could be heard from the boxer’s inner sanctum.

Priced at $48,640 (not including on-road costs, of course), the Forester STI Sport AWD adds a touch of verisimilitude to a camping-capable SUV. Subaru’s GM, Scott Lawrence, is already calling it the perfect combo of the Forester’s well-loved comfort, versatility, and safety, with an added sprinkle of sportiness for good measure.

The “sporty” colours include Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, and a rather wall-street sounding Offshore Blue Metallic.

Ready to jump in? Pre-orders are open now at your local Subaru dealership or online. But remember, this badge is only around for a limited time! Check out more deets at Subaru.com.au.

STI tuned front and rear dampers
Black & Bordeaux Nappa leather accented seat trim, door trim, centre console and instrument panel
STI branded instrument cluster
Red stitching on steering wheel and instrument panel
Dark grey High lustre 18” alloy wheels
Black front grille
Crystal Black door mirror caps, side and rear garnish
Black roof rails, fog light garnish, front and rear under guards
Black rear badges plus STI badge

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