Gasoline Nozzle Shut Auto Off
Congrats indeed, AdrianT! Looks like we've got a bit of a Blue/Gold thread going here!
As for first impressions, I agree completely with Lars. This is one awesome machine, folks. Notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by obligatory break-in etiquette, some things become immediately apparent:
1. It is hard to believe this thing could have come off the same assembly line as my WRX did. As good as the WRX was, there is just no comparison.
2. Abundant torque down low, no waiting, no lag.
3. Silky smooth driveline, easy clutch engagement.
4. Tenacious grip, amazing, confidence-inspiring cornering prowess under throttle, little body roll.
5. Firm but amazingly compliant ride, dare I say refined.
6. Speaking of refinement, truly impressive overall level. I honestly didn't expect that.
7. Although the tires are audible at speed, not at all what the magazines would have us believe. Easily worth the trade-off in terms of grip. Put on some classical music if you must.
8. Yes, the scoop and the wing shake a bit on the highway, but not obtrusively, and given the billet-like overall feel of the car, I have to believe this was intentional on Subaru's part (part of the whole "WRC Training Wheels" thing).
9. I'm glad the magazines got it all wrong, because they succeeded in lowering my expectations, thus allowing my mind to be well and truly blown when I finally got the chance to drive it myself. This is the real deal, boys and girls.
The only downer for Canadian enthusiasts is the conspicuous absence of HID. The significance of this is that, given the fog light covers, Subaru assumed that you would get by with HID illumination. And you probably do south of the border. I find the halogen low beams on the Canadian model are poor, almost inexcusable for a car of this performance potential. And I don't buy the daytime running lights excuse, given that there are plenty of cars sold in Canada (e.g. M3) that can be had with dual HID. Unless anyone has some other bright :wink: ideas, given the surgery involved with retrofitting HID, I think we will probably have to live with upgrading the bulbs to PIAAs or better. And maybe take off the fog light covers.
The gripe misses the point, though: the STi is superb. WRX owners, prepare to be amazed.
