Subaru’s ultimate performance icon, the turbocharged All-Wheel Drive WRX STI, has achieved 10,000 sales in Australia.
The buyer of the 10,000th WRX STI was Bradley McManus, of Clandulla, NSW, who purchased the car from Trivett Subaru Parramatta, NSW.
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In recognition of his historic purchase, Mr McManus received a surprise package comprising $5,000 of parts and accessories, a five-year service plan and an adrenaline-pumping ride with Subaru Ambassador and former Australian Rally Champion, Molly Taylor, around a rally stage near Canberra.
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ABOVE: Subaru WRX STI through the years
The WRX STI derives its variant name from Subaru Tecnica International – STI – the performance division of Subaru Corporation in Japan.
It is credited with a golden era of Australian and world rallying success that contributed to the ‘Rex family’s loyal fan base, which has seen both WRX and WRX STI achieve remarkable sales success in Australia.
Following the enormous appeal of the first generation Impreza WRX, which went on sale in Australia in February 1994, the STI variant took the turbocharged fun factor to an even greater level.
Performance car enthusiast appetites went into overdrive in October 1998, when the Impreza WRX 22B STI was displayed at Sydney Motor Show.
With only 425 available worldwide, just five were imported to Australia – and one of those remains in Subaru Australia’s Museum collection to this day.
The era of the large bonnet scoop and rear wing had arrived.
The sheer level of interest in Impreza WRX STI justified a one-off production run of 400 limited edition two-door coupes for Australia in January 1999, which was virtually an instant sell-out. Producing 206 Kilowatts of power, it was only available in the signature WR blue, or white, with gold 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and STI performance upgrades.
That prompted the decision to follow-up with 400 four-door Impreza WRX STI sedans in October 1999 – with an equally hungry response from buyers. It also produced 206kW, was available in blue steel mica or white, with gold 16-inch six-spoke alloys, suede seat inserts and STI performance upgrades.
Convinced that there was a place for the STI variant to become an ongoing part of the Impreza WRX range, Subaru Australia committed to the second generation and it launched as an ongoing variant in December 2001.
Third generation WRX STI, which launched in February, 2008, offered a second choice in the range, with both entry-level and spec.R variants.
Currently in its fourth generation, which launched in April 2014, WRX STI for the first time offered the eye-catching rear spoiler as a delete option, combined with its highest power output of 221 Kilowatts. On launch, it was also subtly distinguished from predecessors by not carrying the Impreza name – an acknowledgment of separate development paths for Impreza and WRX variant chassis’ and technology going forward.
While fifth generation WRX STI is yet to be revealed by Subaru Corporation in Japan, it is certain to push the performance and technological boundaries still further.
Subaru Australia General Manager, Blair Read, said: “WRX STI really is the essence of Subaru performance and arguably the ultimate expression of race on Sunday, sell on Monday. Those iconic blue and gold colours along with champion names Possum Bourne and Colin McRae, win performance car lovers hearts to this day.
“It’s the pinnacle of our performance range, combining exhilarating power with pure control. A complete package – and it’s an absolute thrill to drive.
“STI’s eternal appeal is demonstrated by the record-breaking sales success of the current generation, which at over 5,000 and counting makes it the best-selling yet.”
AUSTRALIAN WRX STI MILESTONES
1998 Impreza WRX 22B STI on sale.
1999 One-off production run of 400 limited edition Impreza WRX STI two-door coupes, followed by 400 limited edition four-door Impreza WRX STI sedans.
2001 The STI variant became an ongoing part of the Impreza WRX range, on launch of the second generation.
2008 Third generation Impreza WRX STI launched, offering a second choice in the range, with both entry-level and spec.R variants.
2014 Fourth generation WRX STI launched, for the first time offering the rear spoiler as a delete option and subtly dropping the Impreza nameplate.
2020 10,000th WRX STI sold in Australia.
WRX STI Australian Rally Championship titles:
1996 Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent 1997 Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent 1998 Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent 1999 Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent 2000 Possum Bourne and Mark Stacey 2001 Possum Bourne and Craig Vincent 2002 Possum Bourne and Mark Stacey 2003 Cody Crocker and Greg Foletta 2004 Cody Crocker and Greg Foletta 2005 Cody Crocker and Dale Moscatt 2016 Molly Taylor and Bill Hayes
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“In 2013, the first SQ5 TDI established a new segment of performance SUVs and was incredibly popular throughout its lifetime: for a while it accounted for a third of all Q5 sales,” said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.
“Since then, the new Audi SQ5 TFSI has taken its place and has also proven popular, however some of our customers have yearned for the return of the iconic SQ5 TDI. We’re pleased to be able to meet their request, and anticipate this unique segment offering will repeat the success of its predecessor.”
At the heart of the new Audi SQ5 TDI is its 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel powertrain, producing 255kW with peak torque of 700Nm from 2,500 – 3,100rpm. This enables astounding acceleration, reaching 100 km/h from rest in a mere 5.1 seconds. An electric powered compressor (EPC) works in conjunction with the Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbocharger to extract maximum power across the full rev range, drawing power from its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system (MHEV). Fuel consumption is impressive, sipping only 6.8 litres per 100km. This includes a benefit of up to 0.4 litres per 100km, thanks to 48 Volt mild-hybrid technology (MHEV).
Reminiscent of its predecessor, the iconic rumble of the SQ5’s engine has a distinctive texture to its sound. This harmonious roar is amplified through a sound actuator in the exhaust system and controlled via Audi drive select.
To harness the incredible power of the engine, the SQ5 TDI is equipped with a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive for superb handling and traction. The self-locking centre differential is able to direct 40 percent of the torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear in normal driving conditions, with up to 85 percent directed to the rear wheels if the road conditions demand it. The standard adaptive suspension with damper control lowers the body of the SQ5 by 30 millimetres compared to the Q5 and ensures the perfect combination of ride comfort and dynamic performance. Additionally, the optional quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.
The SQ5 TDI exhibits class-leading safety, equipped with an extensive range of driver assistance systems that contribute to its 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, an exit warning system, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane assist, rear cross-traffic assist, park assist, hill descent control, hold assist, as well as a comprehensive suite of parking sensors including the 360-degree and rear view cameras.
Unique exterior design elements highlight the performance credentials that lie under the bonnet of the SQ5 TDI. Dynamic 21-inch alloy wheels shelter the distinctive red brake callipers, which accentuates its athletic stance. This is complemented by the sporty black exterior styling package. Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators help shape the SQ5 TDI’s distinctive face, while offering exceptional illumination of the road ahead. A choice of four metallic and one pearlescent paint finishes are available at no cost.
Further design innovation helps make the SQ5 TDI a seamless and convenient travel companion for busy, contemporary lifestyles: such as the hands-free electric tailgate and the simplicity of convenience keyless entry and start. The rear privacy glass keeps glare out, yet the touch of a button allows full sunshine to flood in, thanks to the panoramic sunroof.
Intuitive technology creates a unique driving experience with the integration of Audi smartphone interface via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Distinctive displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit provides all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the high-resolution MMI touch display that commands all manner of convenient ‘touch or talk’ driving, infotainment and connectivity functions.
Additionally, the SQ5 TDI is equipped with the Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (19 speakers, 755W), wireless phone charging and head-up display for enhanced safety and visibility.
Luxurious and sporty, the interior of the SQ5 TDI boasts ambient lighting with the choice of over 30 different colour tones, allowing the driver to tailor the ambience to suit their mood. Heating and massage functions in the front seats provide unmatched comfort for the driver, while the 3-zone climate control allows passengers to regulate the temperature in the rear row.
On top of this, the rear seat can be split 40:20:40, and slides fore/aft to create additional legroom during longer journeys. Carbon atlas inlays, fine Nappa leather sport seats with diamond stitching, along with the multifunction leather steering wheel and shift paddles underscore the athletic character of the SQ5 TDI.
Of the features mentioned above, the following standard equipment is exclusive to the SQ5 TDI special edition: the black exterior styling package, Matrix LED headlights, front seats with massage function and inlays in carbon atlas.
The SQ5 TDI is offered with the comprehensive five-year Audi service plan package, priced at $2,940.
The SQ5 TDI Special Edition is available in dealerships, and also available to order through the Audi online purchase platform, at audi.com.au.
Pricing*
| SQ5 TFSI | 260kW | $101,136* |
|---|---|---|
| SQ5 TDI Special Edition | 255kW | $104,900* |
(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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