[Aussie Dave]

Well I have now driven the (ugly betty) sti. Test drove with City Suby (Vic Park WA) on 24/12. Good 45 minute drive up the freeway and some back streets. I took some pics from under the bonnet and inside and will post up later today. This one is the R Spec with Recarro Seats which are very nice and snug fitting. Could be an issue for some of the larger members here. The ride and handling are def an improvement over the Pig Sti which I had for 18 months. Tranny seems exactly the same as the old one, engine ditto. More headroom than I ever expected. Si Drive equiped but only drove it in S+ mode. Def better looking in the flesh and I expect they will sell plenty in the R spec model. Silver BBS rims come standard on R spec and look great. Bit of rumble but will obviously benefit from aftermarket zorst. Wide wheel base makes a difference in my opinion too. New grill and lip will help the looks heaps.
Performance is still there but more subdued in terms of throw you back in your seat experience. I was very pleased in terms of WOT feel in 2-3 gear. Got Wood!
If I were in the market for a hatchback then this would be it hands down but after getting out of it and back into my 07 Liberty Tuned By STi I really couldn't say I would want to swap cars but damn fine ride just the same.
Dealership says they come in a couple of new silver colours, red for the first time as well. Taking orders now for late Jan 08 off docks and early Feb in your hands. $65-70K for R spec version.

[Andy STI]

Just like the VW R32 - We don't get the good seats.

[STI_SLC]

funny how only the outer two pipes on the "quad" are blackened....... and this one sounds like it's got some miles on it...

and according to the OP, it comes in multiple colors!!!! haha.. j/k.

[Aussie Dave]

hahahah lol yes multiple colours of which the purchaser can select one! Had 237 km on the clock when I drove it.

[S'poreSTI]

Originally Posted by Aussie Dave

hahahah lol yes multiple colours of which the purchaser can select one! Had 237 km on the clock when I drove it.

Nice one! Lucky buggers getting the Recaros there too.
One Q, couldnt tell from the pics,maybe its really bright there, maybe my laptop, maybe your camera?, but were those rims silver or gold? i thought WRB was gold only, but a lot of those pics look silver

[Aussie Dave]

18" BBS wheels come in silver only for MY08 AUSSIE STI

[STI_SLC]

. . . . . . . . .

Originally Posted by Aussie Dave

hahahah lol yes multiple colours of which the purchaser can select one! Had 237 km on the clock when I drove it.

[RichXKU]

Now THOSE are REAL SEATS!!!!

[Seppo]

How was the steering?

[torquemada]

in Australia, you´ve got the 2,5 ltr or the japanese 2,0 ltr?

[Aussie Dave]

Originally Posted by Seppo

How was the steering?

steering seemed very sharp and less understeer than previous models imo. We get the 2.5 ltr here in Australia.

[STI_Mike]

i want it but can't have it

[Aussie Dave]

do it do it do it

[Seppo]

Originally Posted by Aussie Dave

steering seemed very sharp and less understeer than previous models imo. We get the 2.5 ltr here in Australia.

How about the "ease" with which you can turn the steering wheel? I heard from one of the IWSTI guys who test drove one in japan, that the steering is very light and it takes very little effort to turn the steering wheel. I am not a particular fan of that sort of thing; i think that a sports car steering should require some effort when turning the wheel.

[Aussie Dave]

the wheel seemed the same as the 06-07 STi imo.