3 trims offer more refinement and safety in 2016 Subaru WRX STI

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI has just been unleashed in Canada and is available for sale now for performance enthusiasts. The performance sedan is still offered in three trim levels, but they come with more refinement and new safety features for 2016. The Canadian entry level WRX STI price stays the same, WRX STI Sport Package gets a $300 price bump and the WRX STI Sport-tech Package increases $400. What upgrades does the three 2016 WRX STI trim levels get?

What’s new for 2016?

The entry level 2016 WRX STI keeps the same price at ($37,995) and is an even better performance value. The base trim gains an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with 6.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, STARLINK smartphone integration (including Aha radio) USB port/iPod control and updated steering wheel-integrated controls. The 2016 WRX STI also gains a one-touch turn signal for added convenience.

Sport Package offers improved safety

The 2016 WRX STI Sport Package gets a $300 price increase, ($40,795) and this trim level gets new safety tech to make the performance sedan safer. This trim introduces the Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD). This new rear radar system introduces Subaru’s next step toward full-perimeter preventive safety.

How does the rear radar system work? Blind Spot Detection detects vehicles behind the C-pillars and in other blind spots while Lane Change Assist detects fast-approaching vehicles when changing lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects close vehicles while reversing, such as out of a parking space or driveway. LED indicators on the side mirrors paired with an audible warning alert the driver of vehicles traveling in their blind spots and when changing lanes.

The new generation Subaru WRX/STI is a IIHS Top Safety Pick for the first time. Last year, WRX/STI had been rated a top pick, and then in May, IIHS gave the 2015 WRX/STI the award for good performance in each of the Institute’s crashworthiness evaluations, including the small overlap front test. This is the first time IIHS has rated the WRX and WRX STI, and both...read more.

New infotainment in WRX STI

The WRX STI Sport-tech Package increases $400 ($45,395) and integrates a new AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with 7-inch high-resolution capacitive touchscreen display with GPS navigation system, STARLINK smartphone integration (including Aha radio), dual USB port/iPod control, auxiliary audio input and SMS text messaging capability and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI continues as the ultimate performance compact sedan with its 2.5-liter turbo boxer engine that produces 305 horsepower and 290 lb ft of torque. It’s mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru's symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system. The 2016 WRX STI sedan is available now in Canada.