The 2011 Subaru WRX STI has been launched in NZ and for the first time is being offered with a automatic transmission.

It’s a sign of the times, with the new STI auto providing a solution for buyers who spend time in commuter traffic, but still want a performance car to do some weekend excursions or get leery on NZ backroads.

To enhance the automatic driving experience the STI auto comes with steering column mounted paddle shifters so manual gear changes can be made.

But Subaru has not forsaken its high performance roots either and the 2011 model year sees the return of an STI sedan model with a large boot mounted rear wing, which has not been available since 2007.

With the choice of a close ratio six speed manual and five speed automatic gearbox and sedan and hatchback bodies, the STI is now available in four different models.

“STI is still great value for money and should now appeal to more potential buyers,” said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand. “It gives us the opportunity to meet performance car buyers’ needs for daily ease of use in our bigger cities where most of our sales occur, but provides the enjoyment factor for weekends away or trips that have a great driving experience attached.”

At a launch price starting from $59,990 until the new GST regime kicks in the STI auto comes with 221 kWs at 6200 rpm from the 2.5 litre turbocharged quad cam Boxer engine, which produces 350Nm of torque between 3000 and 6000 rpm. The manual has the same 221 kWs of peak power at 6000 rpm but boasts a larger 407 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

The STI comes with Subaru’s programmed SI-Drive with its three different performance characteristics. The Intelligent mode with gentle response produces the best economy, while the Sport is ideal for daily use and Sport # (sharp) gives you the most direct throttle response and precise rev control across the entire rpm range. This is done by changing the behaviour of the electronic throttle control and the engine control unit.

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