Special WRX STI a chance for Oz: Subaru launches WRX STI S210 prototype in Japan with Subaru Australia 'interested' in the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai i30 N rival

Subaru has previewed a new WRX STI prototype to be sold in a limited run of just 500 units, but is it worthy of the STI badge?

Well, that depends on who you ask. According to Subaru, this is a legitimate STI vehicle, hence the ‘STI’ branding. But to a STI purist? Maybe not so much.

Dubbed the WRX STI S210, the prototype is based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX limited-edition released in 2023 and its 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine welcomes a 19kW/25Nm boost from the standard model’s 202kW/350Nm.

That means it matches the WRX STI EJ25 ‘Final Edition’ – the last STI to be sold in Australia – on power, though it's still 32Nm short on torque.

The bump in power comes thanks to an upgraded exhaust system, new air intake ducts and a re-tuned ECU unit, which all sounds great, until you factor in one major caveat: a continuously variable transmission replaces the WRX STI’s signature six-speed manual.

That’s right, the now gear-less transmission will send less torque to the wheels than previous models.

Perhaps that explains why Subaru isn’t marketing this as a global model, with the vast majority of units expected to be sold in Japan – a fellow right-hand drive market.

That said, Subaru Australia has expressed interest in the possibility of the the special-edition variant arriving locally, with a Subaru Australia spokesperson telling CarsGuide:

“The latest model unveiled by Subaru Technica International (STI) is incredibly exciting and it is a clear indication of Subaru’s dedication to the continued evolution of the STI brand and its rich legacy of performance vehicle engineering.

“We are very interested in the possibilities of another S edition model for the Australian market,” the spokesperson said.

Other features on the S210 include 19-inch BBS forged-wheels wrapped in 255/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, 18-inch Brembo front disc brakes, electronically-controlled dampers and a Subaru Performance transmission fluid cooler.

There’s also an aerodynamic body kit which adds carbon-fibre rear wing, a front lip spoiler, while black and red accents, including on the S210’s unique front grille, adorn the exterior.

Inside, there are power-adjustable carbon-fibre Recaro front seats, microsuede and piano black trims, as well as prominent S210 badging.

Pricing is unclear, but should it come to Australia it is likely to exceed the $62,440, before on-road costs, price tag of the EJ25 Final Edition.