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Subaru Might Be Making An STI After All, And It Could Be A Hatchback, But There Is One Issue

Subaru CTO has teased a rally-inspired WRX hot hatchback, but this could be the final nail in the coffin if the Japanese carmaker doesn't do it right.
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Author: Dimitar Angelov
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Subaru STI hatchback, is that you?
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The latest reports from Japan give insight into Subaru's development of a hot hatchback. The latest renderings from BestCarWeb show what looks to be an updated WRX hatchback. The iconic Japanese performance car is seemingly branching out, with the return of the hatchback body style, after a 15-year hiatus. 

What we have learned 

However, it is more than the WRX getting a hatchback variant. In a recent media session, Subaru's CTO teased an image showing a model with a much more aggressive styling, and there are plenty of reasons to believe that this may spawn a new Subaru STI. 

To me, the “image” provided (see main image) looks more like the graphic you see on your instrument cluster. You know, the one showing you which door is open, etc. 

What we see is a model styled way more aggressively than what your typical Subaru WRX looks like. The “power bulge “ on the hood, the flared fenders, and the big wing at the back suggest that this beast is superior to the brand's current sportiest model. 

We really should have had an STI by now 

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Subaru WRX STI hatchback render/ BestCarWeb

I am not the first one to say that Subaru should have made an STI by now. So far, the Japanese carmaker has been doing everything in its power to keep things interesting, without having to bring back its range-topping performance model.  

With prices ranging from $38,000 to $48,000, the 2025 Subaru WRX is hardly a performance bargain. With models like the soon-to-be-updated Toyota GR Corolla, the surprisingly exciting Hyundai Elantra N, and even the benchmark hot hatch that is the Volkswagen Golf GTI offering better value for money, the current, not-so-rally-bred Subaru WRX is facing an uphill battle.  

The CVT, which is standard on the GT trim doesn't help the WRX's case either, despite it having eight simulated gears – if you want to change gears yourself, why not get a manual? Granted, there are a few important reasons why Subaru is so heavily invested in the CVT, but hopefully, they won't put one in an STI. 

Why making a Subaru hot hatchback now may be a risky move 

Long story short, the hot hatchback segment is crowded at the moment. Toyota, Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and even Mazda, with its peppy 3 Turbo, offer compelling arguments why you shouldn't spend money on the WRX.  

The light in the tunnel – partnership with Toyota and Mazda 

Back in 2022, there was a rumor that Subaru's STI brand would be returning as an "STe”, hinting at the performance division transitioning to EV models. However, this was then, and in 2025, it's clear that demand for fully electric vehicles, be it performance or otherwise, isn't as strong as manufacturers believed.  

This prompted many car companies to adjust their strategies, and Subaru, being a small one of the smaller manufacturers, cannot afford to make cars that don't sell. That said, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru recently entered a partnership, which would secure more cost-effective manufacturing as well as exciting new powertrains.  

Although the next Toyota GR86 will not be jointly developed with Subaru, the return of the Toyota Stout is also rumored to spawn a new Subaru Brat compact pickup truck/ Ute. The partnership may open exciting new opportunities, including bringing back the STI as a turbocharged, all-wheel drive rally car for the road.  

Would you like to see the Subaru STI return as a hatchback with a powerful flat-four engine? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: BestCarWeb via Kirk Kreifels/ YouTube

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Comments

John T (not verified)    July 4, 2025 - 11:40PM

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Whatever Subaru builds. It needs to be better than this piece of shit 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx XT. The worst vehicle I've ever owned. Pure garbage. My 2015 Ford Focus SE hatchback was built far superior than this piece of bent metal. Subarus are trash.


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Shelby M (not verified)    July 30, 2025 - 2:24PM

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The hot hatch segment might seem crowded, until you actually classify them by their flaws.

1. GR Corolla is too stubby, lacking rear seat space (infant seat, adult passengers), sleeping prone in rear challenged. Some of us refuse a 3-cylinder engine. Some of us dislike the flying saucer modern headlights (and digital gauge cluster).

2. Honda Civic (and Acura Integra) hatch or Type R (Type S) lacks AWD, which is a must have for some (snow, sandy roads in Baja California, etc). AWD is safer for the sporty hot hatch (i.e. not a crossover SUV) family hauler.

3. Mazda 3 regressed to a torsion bar, solid rear axle in the current gen. No passenger headroom in the rear seat. Horrible rear visibility. For me it looks very bad at the C pillar (Humpty-Dumpty?). The sedan is stylist, but we are comparing hot hatches (and I have no use case for a sedan).

4. Ditto the Golf GTI/R is too stubby and I abhor the front headlight design.🤮

Thus an Impreza WRX sized and styled hatch will eliminate all those flaws and as far as I am concerned it will have no competition in the market.