The Subaru Impreza has been around since 1992, with the first high-performance versions being called the WRX STI-Version, as Subaru Tecnica International only tuned the now-legendary rally cars. The proper WRX STI only showed up in 1994 with the Type RA which produced 271 hp.
Since then, the WRX STI has become synonymous with the Japanese rally scene, with each generation being improved thanks to the motorsport. The WRX STI mostly had the same power as the generations which came before it, due to the Japanese gentlemen’s agreement to not exceed 276 horsepower. The second generation WRX was available from 2000 to 2007, and received two facelifts, resulting in some creative nicknames such as ‘Blobeye’, ‘Bugeye’, and ‘Hawkeye’. The second generation and its many variants have become most enthusiasts’ favorite, thanks to the famous WRC victories and the sheer amount of aftermarket modifications available.
The third generation introduced a hatchback version to replace the estate, which continued through to the current fifth-generation launched in 2017. In 2021, the model was split into the everyday Impreza and the higher-performance WRX. Unfortunately, Subaru recently announced that they will no longer offer the STI. With the immense popularity that the STI created, some car companies designed great alternatives which may continue their legacy in much the same way the STI has. Here are ten.
10 Renault Megane RS Trophy
The Megane RS Trophy is the top-spec of the Megane RS, producing nearly 300 hp from a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4, borrowed from Nissan. The Megane may only be front-wheel-drive as compared to the all-wheel-drive found in the WRX STI, but it can hold its own against other similarly powered cars.
The Megane RS Trophy is a great alternative to the Japanese rally legend, however, some may be put off by its only transmission option – a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. Whilst this does provide the car with quick shifts and great lap times, the transmission may be a bit clunky during slow-speed maneuverability and simply cannot compete with the driving feel of a manual.
9 Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is a fantastic hot hatchback that has been on the market since 1997, with the first Type R being based on the sixth-generation Civic. The current Civic Type R was first launched in 2017 and was based on the tenth generation Civic, however, the new Civic Type R is due to be released in 2022.
The Civic Type R has had a legacy of being the best hot hatchback to come from a Japanese company, with the car taking its spot amongst the best hot hatchbacks in the world. The last two generations have been lacking a bit, but from current reports and rumors, the upcoming Civic Type R will be more like how the Type R should be. The Civic would make an excellent alternative to the WRX STI, even if it is only ever available with a front-wheel-drive.
8 VW Golf R
The Golf R, like the Civic Type R, has a long history behind it, adding to its ‘tried and trusted’ status. From the original R32 with the 3.2-liter VR6 engine to the modern Golf 8, the Golf R has constantly been improved and has only gotten faster. Whilst the last few Golf Rs have ditched the VR6 for an uprated version of the Golf GTi’s 2.0-liter turbo, it has still been able to compete with cars in the ‘super-hot hatch’ segment.
Although the Golf R may not have quite the same legacy as that of either the WRX STI or even the Golf GTi, it is still a worthy opponent to other hot hatches and sporty sedans. The Golf R is even available as a wagon in Europe, adding to the appeal.
7 Mercedes-Benz A35 AMG
The Mercedes-AMG A35 is the slightly watered-down version of the ridiculous A45S. It has mostly the same technology, mechanicals, and options as the A45S, with only the engine being detuned to compete with the likes of the Golf GTi and Focus ST. Whilst this is the first generation A35 AMG, it seems like it will stick around for a while yet, as it is a noticeably less expensive version of the A45S.
Like with the original A45 AMG from 2013, the A35 AMG arrived on the hot hatch scene and dominated everything in almost every category. Thanks to the retainment of the A45’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, the A35 AMG has the same level of grip as its more powerful sibling, resulting in better lap times than its front-wheel-drive rivals.
6 Kia Stinger GT AWD
The Kia Stinger GT caught everyone off-guard. Here was a Korean automaker known for their practical family cars and spacious hatchbacks, which created a sports sedan to take on the higher-performance German cars at a much lower price point. And it wasn’t even bad to drive!
The Stinger GT was even available with all-wheel-drive in some markets, making it safe and fun to drive when the roads get snowy. It also offered a good ride height and comfortable suspension, which meant it could handle gravel roads with ease – much like a certain Japanese sports sedan. Kia recently updated the Stinger GT with more tech, adding another reason to the pros list.
5 Toyota GR Yaris
The Toyota GR Yaris is one of those cars which we cannot believe actually exists, but are incredibly glad that it does. The car was built so that Toyota could go racing with it, resulting in a ridiculously powerful compact hot hatchback. The GR Yaris shares very little with the normal Yaris and is only available as a 2-door with a manual 6-speed gearbox.
Strangely enough, Toyota sells two versions of the GR Yaris in Japan – one which features the 270 hp 1,6-liter turbo-3 which we all know, and a domestic-only version with a 1.5-liter, 118 hp i3 with power going to the front wheels only via a CVT transmission, called the GR Yaris RS. The RS version looks almost exactly the same, bar the ‘GT-FOUR’ badging on the back. The GR Yaris is one of those cars which enthusiasts will look back at and smile at, much like we do now with the WRX STI.
4 Dodge Charger AWD
This might seem like a weird choice as an alternative to the WRX STI, but it is a valid one. The Dodge Charger and Challenger are the only muscle cars available with all-wheel-drive, making them quite unique. Yes, all-wheel-drive is only available when fitted with the 3.6-liter V6, however, this engine still makes 300 hp and 358 lb-ft of torque.
Dodge has two Charger models available with all-wheel-drive – the SXT and the GT. The SXT is more the base Charger and looks a bit like a cheap airport shuttle service car, whilst the GT spec has the R/T’s body kit and looks like it could have a big V8 under the hood. As a result, the Charger GT AWD is not a bad choice when looking for something on the more interesting side – without breaking the bank on fuel costs.
3 Infiniti Q50 3.0t AWD
The Infiniti Q50 is essentially a fancier Nissan Skyline sedan, built on the same platform as the 370Z sports car. The standard V6 is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo unit, called the VR30DDTT, which shares its numerical classification with the 3.8-liter from the GT-R. The base V6 is the same engine as in the Red Sport 400 models, however, it has been detuned to 300 hp, instead of the usual 400 hp.
The Q50 is a good car with great performance and is the only twin-turbo V6 in its class. Thanks to the aftermarket community, the Q50 has many tuner parts to help it stand out from the crowd, or if its owner simply wants to personalize their car.
2 Toyota Camry TRD AWD
Another slightly weird choice for this list, but it comes with an explanation. The Toyota Camry, whilst extremely popular as a family sedan, has always been quite boring and generic – like a larger Corolla. The current generation of Camry was improved by Toyota’s TRD division to spice up the car and not make it feel like just another piece of metal.
The Camry TRD is the best version of the car as it comes with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, producing 305 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission going to the front wheels, or all four wheels as an option. The TRD also has a more aggressive body kit and a rather nifty spoiler on the trunk lid, adding to the sportier look and feel of the car.
1 Ford Focus RS
The Focus RS is and always has been, one of the best hot hatchbacks on the market. The last Focus RS had a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4, with power going to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The RS body kit on the Focus made it look like a rally car for the road, and with some slight modification, it could actually be one.
The Focus RS was discontinued to make room in the lineup for a crossover-SUV. So, whilst the Focus RS will no longer be made, it will stay on the best hot hatches list. It will also stay in the ridiculous list with the second generation RS500, which produced as much power as the model which followed it, all the while being front-wheel drive only. So, whilst nothing can replace the Subaru WRX STI, other alternatives have given it its best shot.