When the Subaru WRX STi came onto the market it gave the saloon market a real boost and now it is taking on the 2015 Audi S3 and this is a vehicle that offers an approach that is different and which the low key executive is typically seen behind the wheel of.
Both of the vehicles give 296 horses and on the 2015 Audi S3 is the all-wheel drive transmission. You are going to have to pay out £4, 250 more than you would if you bought the Subaru, but is it going to be worth it?
The 2015 Audi S3 and the Subaru WRX STi has styling that is very different and on the S3 there is lots of platinum and the mirrored grille. With the Scubi you get the large rear wing and the bonnet vent that is big. There is little doubt that the styling of the Audi is more attractive and you can get the Drive Select which allows the owner to fine tune the vehicles throttle, steering and dampers. The Subaru comes with the SI-Drive controller and this means that the throttle response can be changed and there is a switch for changing the aggressiveness of the centre differentials.
The Subaru WRX STi offers 70 more litres of cargo space than what you would get with the Audi, this is 460 litres. If the seating is in place you get 100cm floor space in the boot in length and when the seating is folded down this is 176cm. The load height is 107cm and the boot lid offers 7cm clearance.
The Audi S3 Saloon offers looks that are winning and it looks like it is the most expensive of the two. However the outlay that you pay at the dealers can be offset by the running costs as they are lower. The residual values also come in stronger, the car is cleaner and it offers more comfort and its faster.
The Subaru WRX STi does give a grip that is better and the engine sounds superb. However there is a downside in that the engine isn’t as efficient or as flexible. The cabin has looks that are outdated and it offers a ride that is firm and it’s loved by Subaru owners.
