[maurpra]

Hi all,

after driving my STI 08 for few months I believe that the SI-Drive knob seletcor should have been place in better position.

Cruising in "I" mode in traffic or similar situation, may lead to have to push hard suddenly because of underevaluated overtake, crossing passing and other similar situation were you need immediately max. power available.

Now, even if you have good "practice" to switch you have to leave the steering wheel with one hand to switch (not good!) and may be also "distract" visual fwd. sight, some milliseconds, to "find" the knob with your hand.

I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have the SI-Drive selector on the steering wheel (either left or right side)? May be just 1 button to activate directly the S# map or all the 3......
Guys your opinion, may be on the 2009 model year Subaru would take note......

[Digitalfiend]

Putting it on the steering wheel could cause a problem for those of us that autox/track. It's quite possible to knock the buttons on the steering wheel while autoxing and changing the throttle map in the middle of a manuever could be bad. If it was placed on the inner portion of the steering wheel arms, then maybe it would be OK.

Personally, I only activate I-mode when I'm in bumper to bumper traffic and everywhere else is S#.

[Rum]

I find it adds visual impact to the interior right where it is. It is one of the first things passengers notice when they ride in my car for the first time. "oooh, what's that?"

[maurpra]

Originally Posted by Digitalfiend

.....If it was placed on the inner portion of the steering wheel arms, then maybe it would be OK.....

When I wrote "steering wheel" I was indeed meaning/assuming on the arms. ie at the place of the radio controls, for exmples!

I believe there is/was a Legacy model that already had it inside the wheel.

Than, for those that like the "oooh, what's that?", having the "S#" map selector on the st.wheel wouldn't prevent to leave the nice "BMW-like" knob between the seats, right?

[caveguru]

Since the real intended use of that dial is as a map selector, what it really needs is a NASA-style clear cover door to keep you from bumping it by accident! That will make for some conversation when people get in the car...


Frank

[altaic]

Originally Posted by maurpra

Hi all,

after driving my STI 08 for few months I believe that the SI-Drive knob seletcor should have been place in better position.

Cruising in "I" mode in traffic or similar situation, may lead to have to push hard suddenly because of underevaluated overtake, crossing passing and other similar situation were you need immediately max. power available.

Now, even if you have good "practice" to switch you have to leave the steering wheel with one hand to switch (not good!) and may be also "distract" visual fwd. sight, some milliseconds, to "find" the knob with your hand.

I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have the SI-Drive selector on the steering wheel (either left or right side)? May be just 1 button to activate directly the S# map or all the 3......
Guys your opinion, may be on the 2009 model year Subaru would take note......

IMHO, the SI-Drive knob and the DCCD switch should have gone next to the VDC button. I view them as pre-flight settings. Placing them next to the cupholder just endangers them to drink spills, and furthermore the cupholders are placed too far rearward, causing drinks to interfer with the armrest extension (or vice versa).

[Rexspeedworthy]

Originally Posted by maurpra

Now, even if you have good "practice" to switch you have to leave the steering wheel with one hand to switch (not good!)

My 08 STi came with a 6 speed manual, I have to leave the steering wheel with one hand to switch all the time. I guess I'm just used to it. I do know what you mean though.

sooo the mirror is too low, stock tune sucks, cargo cover rattles, I-drive is inconviently located, hill-assist sucks, brakes squeek, doors open and close, it uses gas, tires are too round? I took a friend to a Subaru meet once, and he'll never go again. He couldn't stand all the smugness. It's something I really have a hard time seeing, but the more I read the more I see it. I love Subaru's especially my 08 STi, luckily I really don't "fit in" to the crowd.

There are always expections, but you get the point. Peace out everyone.

[Rum]

I don't get it, are you saying OP is being smug by bringing up this topic? I don't see how...

And my tires _are_ too round. I wanted octagons. Stoopid Subaru never listens to the true enthusiast!

[Wales Garage]

08 spec b has the same switch gear it also has a S# button on the steering wheel bottom right of airbag. i wish our cars had that button.

[Turninconcepts.com]

I just disabled it/tuned around it so that my car is always in S#. One less thing to have to worry about.

[onlytakes4]

Originally Posted by Turninconcepts.com

I just disabled it/tuned around it so that my car is always in S#. One less thing to have to worry about.

How did you tune around it? Did you make the S map the same as the S# map?

[Rexspeedworthy]

Originally Posted by Rum

I don't get it, are you saying OP is being smug by bringing up this topic? I don't see how...

And my tires _are_ too round. I wanted octagons. Stoopid Subaru never listens to the true enthusiast!

No, it just seems like so many negative things about the new STi. I don't like hearing them.

To add to the topic, I always just drive in S# when in stop and go traffic for the very reasons OP posted. "I" mode isn't gonna save you nothing anyway in stop and go. Honestly I like having to switch alot around after starting the car. It feels kinda cool. I you must drive in "I", treat it like having an extra gear when fliping to S#. It really only takes .5 seconds to "flip" the switch.

[Slimey]

Originally Posted by Rexspeedworthy

My 08 STi came with a 6 speed manual, I have to leave the steering wheel with one hand to switch all the time. I guess I'm just used to it...

I was thinking the same thing when i saw the OP.

Seems as reasonable place as any to put it. I don't see the need to flip in and out of different SI modes continuously (as the same with the DCCD & VCD). These would be set for an overall condition/road style/situation, rather then an on-the-fly maneuver. Need to move into a higher part of the power/torque curve fast?...that's what downshifting is for.

[maurpra]

Originally Posted by Rexspeedworthy

My 08 STi came with a 6 speed manual, I have to leave the steering wheel with one hand to switch all the time. I guess I'm just used to it. I do know what you mean though.

sooo the mirror is too low, stock tune sucks, cargo cover rattles, I-drive is inconviently located, hill-assist sucks, brakes squeek, doors open and close, it uses gas, tires are too round? I took a friend to a Subaru meet once, and he'll never go again. He couldn't stand all the smugness. It's something I really have a hard time seeing, but the more I read the more I see it. I love Subaru's especially my 08 STi, luckily I really don't "fit in" to the crowd.

There are always expections, but you get the point. Peace out everyone.

Rexspeedworthy, you are completely missing my point. I'm 45 years old and I'm coming from several years of fast, easy-to-drive BMW's. I always loved sports cars and I had when I was young (always tuned 4x4 sports ones)
Now when I saw the new STI I immediately felt in love and still I'm in love. I like the car and what others consider "defects" (like the ones you listed) I found them pretty much normal for the style of the car we have (and said from one that was used to BMW....).

Now, due to the fact that no Jap. will ever take a decision if not sustained by data, I'm sure Sub. did market research placing the selector where is now. I found photo evidence that there is a Legacy 3 liter Spec B which had the S# button on the wheel arm together with the main switch on the central tunnel. Now, the fact that they decided not to keep it on the new STI means that they did some research. From the result of my poll it sounds like confirmed, right?

Never the less guys, having the 98 octane fuel here at the pump for 1,60€/liter, believe me, you'll use the "I" map whenever you not willing to rush. If at least the car would "remember" which map was selected last....but not doing it, personally (and again personally) I would love to have the S# selector on the wheel. Ditto.

[Turninconcepts.com]

Originally Posted by maurpra

Rexspeedworthy, you are completely missing my point. I'm 45 years old and I'm coming from several years of fast, easy-to-drive BMW's. I always loved sports cars and I had when I was young (always tuned 4x4 sports ones)
Now when I saw the new STI I immediately felt in love and still I'm in love. I like the car and what others consider "defects" (like the ones you listed) I found them pretty much normal for the style of the car we have (and said from one that was used to BMW....).

Now, due to the fact that no Jap. will ever take a decision if not sustained by data, I'm sure Sub. did market research placing the selector where is now. I found photo evidence that there is a Legacy 3 liter Spec B which had the S# button on the wheel arm together with the main switch on the central tunnel. Now, the fact that they decided not to keep it on the new STI means that they did some research. From the result of my poll it sounds like confirmed, right?

Never the less guys, having the 98 octane fuel here at the pump for 1,60€/liter, believe me, you'll use the "I" map whenever you not willing to rush. If at least the car would "remember" which map was selected last....but not doing it, personally (and again personally) I would love to have the S# selector on the wheel. Ditto.

I can achieve better gas mileage in S# over I if I keep my foot out of it. The problem I find is I have to give it more throttle in I (when I had it) to get the car moving even while staying out of boost than in S# which lead to higher gas consumption. With it as it is now (no SI Drive) I routinely get 21mpg according to the computer with mixed city and highway and quite a bit of spirited driving.