2018 Subaru WRX STI Australian pricing announced

The 221kW 2018 Subaru WRX STI is set to welcome a new trim level into its ranks, the spec.R, priced at $57,690.

That's compared to the step-down WRX STI Premium for $55,640 or $55,940 with rear spoiler. The base STI is $50,890.

The only real difference with the spec.R, however, is that it has specially designed Recaro seats in the front, with the driver’s being eight-way adjustable.

Aside from this, the new WRX STI will welcome a smattering of changes throughout, including suspension tweaks, new styling, updated tech, and importantly, red seat belts.

The 2.5-litre turbo boxer in the STI will put out 221kW and 407Nm, while the WRX’s 2.0-litre turbo gets an admirable 197kW and 350Nm.

The new STI will have cross-drilled brake rotors and six-piston Brembo callipers at the front, with 2-pots at the rear. These will be found behind new 19-inch forged alloy wheels.

Underneath, the chassis’ rigidity, coils, and damping have been adjusted to “enhance control and stability”.

Subaru has also added a new feature to every WRX and WRX STI, steering responsive headlights. Beams adjust during cornering to light the way before the car is facing there.

The car itself also gets extra vision with Subaru’s ‘EyeSight’, which improves collision prevention and cruise control.

The WRX STI Premium gets a few extra bits of kit, including leather interior trim, extra front and side monitors, heated seats, and a sunroof.

Subaru’s full price listing for the MY18 WRX and WRX STI is listed below (at Manufacturer's List Prices):

WRX manual $39,240

WRX Lineartronic CVT $42,240

WRX Premium manual $45,640

WRX Premium Lineartronic CVT $48,840

WRX STI $50,890

WRX STI with rear spoiler $51,190

WRX STI Premium $55,640

WRX STI Premium with rear spoiler $55,940

WRX STI spec.R (Recaro seats) $57,690