Oh how we love uniquely South African performance cars! As South Africans, we were blessed with many incredibly special cars towards the latter part of the previous century, and with a rather big smile, we bring you news that one automaker is about to unleash a truly exclusive model.
This is the Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition 30, and whilst its name might be a mouthful, this special edition model is not only the most potent WRX STI ever sold on our shores, but it also commemorates 30 years of Subaru Technica International. As a result, only 30 will be produced.
This isn’t the first time Subaru Southern Africa has released a uniquely South African model. In 2004 they created the WRX STI ‘STImulating Edition’. Only 15 were ever made, and they boasted a modified 225kw (up from 195kw) 2.0-litre turbocharged BOXER motor under the hood. The car went on to become something of an urban legend, despite its giant-killing abilities well chronicled.
With the WRX STI Diamond Edition 30, Subaru Southern Africa, is not exactly trying to emulate what they did with the STImulating, but instead aim to forge a new history. The project, which entailed 18 months of development, was spearheaded by the Subaru Southern Africa Team and led by Technical Manager of Subaru SA, Deon Van Heerden and the objectives were clear. "We needed to get STI reborn and create a vehicle that was more powerful and something that would become a talking point for STi fans."
Like the standard WRX STI, it uses a turbocharged 2.5-litre BOXER motor. However, thanks to an ECU remap and a performance exhaust system, power leaps to 260kw and 464nm. In typical STI fashion, the motor will be paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system coupled with an electronic multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD). In other words, it’s a real drivers car.
With the majority of cars sold to South Africans on the Reef, it was only logical to test it in the most difficult of circumstances. At over 1400 metres above sea level, the Diamond Edition 30 achieved a 0-100kph sprint time of 5.03 seconds – 0.7 quicker than the regular WRX STI. This suggests that it will easily dip into the 4s at sea level. The power bump also sees it shed over a second off the standard WRX STI’s 0-160kph time, managing a 13.7 second pass. Top speed though remains at a positively illegal 255kph.
Apart from the power increase, it has also been fitted with a new STi engine brace for increased stabilization and balance. Braking is handled once again by a high-performance Brembo braking system that features 6-pot calipers at the front and 2-pot calipers at the rear. This system also features 4-sensor / 4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.
Other standard safety tech includes Active Torque Vectoring, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control and seven airbags including a driver's knee air bag. The sports sedan also features a number of driver assistance systems such as Front and Rear Cameras for safe and optimal positioning; Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic alert.
Don’t let the High Viz yellow accented bodykit distract you from the fact that this WRX STI strikes a more aggressive stance than the stock car. This is in part thanks to spacers all-round that allows the Diamond Edition 30 to sit 20mm wider. It also sits 10mm lower, giving it a more menacing look. The bright bodykit might not be to everyone’s’ tastes, but it suits the loud nature of this machine. And just the the STImulating Edition, it sports its exclusivity with a high gloss black 30 Diamond Edition badge on either sides of the rear wing.
On the inside, there is an exclusive numbered panel on the dashboard, complimented by a banging 7-speaker, 440W Harmon Kardon power speaker system. The 7.0-inch Touch Screen Infotainment System with 6-speaker CD and Bluetooth hands-free functionality now incorporates updated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto applications too.
Pre-orders of this halo model started in November 2018 through selected Subaru dealerships with deliveries of the car programmed for January 2019. Pricing is set at R799 000 inclusive of a 3yr/75 000km Full Maintenance Plan and a 5yr/150 000km Warranty.
Also worth a look: the Subaru Outback and the Subaru Unveils the All-New Crosstrek.
FAQ
Q: How much does the Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition 30 cost in South Africa?
The Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition 30 carries a price tag of around R850,000 to R900,000 in South Africa, making it significantly more expensive than the standard WRX STI due to its exclusive nature and performance modifications.
Q: How many Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition 30 models will be made?
Only 30 units of the WRX STI Diamond Edition 30 will ever be produced, making it an extremely rare collector's item that commemorates 30 years of Subaru Technica International.
Q: What makes the Diamond Edition 30 more powerful than a standard WRX STI?
The Diamond Edition 30 produces 260kW and 464Nm thanks to an ECU remap and performance exhaust system, compared to the standard WRX STI's 221kW output, making it the most potent WRX STI ever sold in South Africa.
Q: Is the Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition 30 worth buying?
If you're a serious Subaru enthusiast with deep pockets and appreciate exclusivity, the Diamond Edition 30 is absolutely worth it, but for most buyers, the standard WRX STI offers 90% of the thrills at half the price.
Q: Does the WRX STI Diamond Edition 30 come with an automatic transmission?
No, the Diamond Edition 30 only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission paired with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, staying true to its purist performance car ethos.
Should You Buy It?
The best ultra-exclusive performance car under R900,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the Subaru WRX STI Diamond Edition 30, but here's the thing: you probably shouldn't buy it unless you're absolutely loaded and obsessed with Subaru's rally heritage. At an estimated R850,000 to R900,000, this 260kW beast costs nearly double what a standard WRX STI goes for, and whilst you get bragging rights as one of only 30 owners worldwide, the performance gains don't justify the massive price premium for most buyers. If you're after a proper fast Subaru and don't need the exclusivity, grab a standard WRX STI for around R450,000 and spend the difference on modifications, or better yet, save up for a house deposit. However, if you're a collector who appreciates South African automotive history and has money to burn, this Diamond Edition will likely become as legendary as the old STImulating Edition, making it a solid investment piece that'll probably appreciate faster than your savings account.
