Subaru WRX STI Spec.R 2018 Review

The STi version is always the hardest, fastest and pinkly badged of Subaru's WRX range, but the new Spec.R version turns out to be a lot like the last STi, which is no bad thing, of course.

It's funny how some brands break through into the collective consciousness. Subaru Technica International could be absolutely anything, really, but thanks to the efforts of a few chaps flinging WRXs down muddy forest roads and the PlayStation juggernaut that is Gran Turismo, just about everyone has at least heard of STi, and knows it means something fast and furious.

As part of this year's facelifted range of six WRXs, Subaru has presented us with the WRX STi Spec.R. Before you get too excited and start looking for phrases like \"power is up...\" or \"weight is down...\", the Spec.R is an STi with Recaro seats and a big wing. That doesn't mean it's not worth reading on, however, because an STi badge is never anything less than interesting. And invigorating.