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Here’s The Subaru WRX STI Hatch Everyone Wants But Won’t Get

This is not a new 2018 Subaru WRX STI hatch, it’s a rendering by a talented Instagram user. It’s what WRX/STI fans are asking for but won’t get.
2018 Subaru WRX STI, 2018 WRX, WRX STI 5-Door, WRX STI hatch. WRX STI 5-Door

The image above is not a new 2018 Subaru WRX STI with a hatchback body style on Subaru’s WRX STI overview and build page. It’s a good rendering by Instagram user abilliam.brad of what the new STI would like like if Subaru offered the performance model in the 5-Door configuration. Fans want to know, where’s the Subaru WRX STI hatch?

WRX and WRX STI enthusiasts have been asking for the 5-door hatchback WRX/STI since Subaru dropped it on the fourth-generation model. Subaru wanted to distance the WRX/STI performance cars from the new-generation 2017 Impreza compact line. One of the big differences was, Impreza keeps the 5-Door hatch and it was dropped on the WRX/STI.

WRX/STI owners still want the extra utility the hatch offers over the sedan and they use their performance cars for transporting cargo and sports equipment on the weekends. New Impreza 5-Door models are selling better than the sedan for these reasons. If Subaru brings back the hatch in the WRX/STI line, they will sell many like its stablemate.

Subaru offers new roof mounting brackets

Subaru recognizes the need for more cargo-carrying ability in the performance sedans and now all 2018 WRX and STI models feature new mounting brackets for easier mounting to carry snowboards, bicycles and cargo carriers on the roof. It’s a good addition, but it still doesn't offer the versatility and usability of the 5-Door.

Now that Subaru has brought Impreza manufacturing to the U.S. factory in Lafayette, Indiana, it should free up space on the Japan factory line where the WRX/STI is built where build capacity was an issue before. Now that the new-generation Impreza and Crosstrek are done, Subaru Corporation is focusing on the new 2019 Forester, next in line for a complete remodel and the Subaru Global Platform.

When will WRX/STI get attention? Subaru won’t make major changes to the WRX STI until it gets a complete remodel for the 2020 model year. Subaru Corporation has not confirmed a 5-Door hatch body style for the WRX and WRX STI performance cars, but they are aware enthusiasts want one like the Pure Red 2018 WRX STI rendering above. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Instagram user abilliam.brad

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