Japanese Car Auction Find – 2010 Subaru WRX STI A-Line

After we learned that Subaru finally plans to bring a full-on BRZ STI model to the US, it seems fitting to highlight a Japanese car auction find from the Subaru tuning arm. Despite being the only STI model shared between Japan and the US, we went with a Subaru WRX STI because frankly it’s the most exciting STI variant that’s been offered to date. This is a 2010 Subaru WRX STI A-Line Premium package.

The Subaru WRX STI A-Line was introduced in Japan back in 2009 as a 2010 model year. It was essentially a sedan variant of the Impreza WRX STI… If you look at the two cars only from the front, they are nearly identical. However, the A-Line gets a number of additional improvements that help aim it at a slightly older demographic. The A-Line was, after all, meant to be an adult-targeted model.

Looking at the exterior, the Subaru WRX STI A-Line has all the trappings of a performance car. To help emphasize the A-Line’s sedan profile, Subaru pulled the rear overhang back by about 150mm, which adds a meager 10kg to the curb weight. You’ll also find a slight front spoiler, a hood scoop for extra powertrain ventilation, 18-inch forged aluminum alloys, and a rear diffuser with twin sports exhausts. And of course, you can make out the STI badging in the front and back.

Inside, the normal Subaru WRX STI A-Line comes standard with Recaro bucket seats wrapped in black leather and Alcantara. However, since this is an A-Line Premium package, you’ll get tan leather instead of the Alcantara mixture, and you’ll get tan leather wrapped around the steering wheel too.

You’ll also enjoy heated seats, cruise control, paddle shifters (which you can barely make out in the photo) and the central audio remote control. And don’t forget the aluminum pedals and built-in navigation that come standard in any WRX STI.

Under the hood, the 2010 WRX STI A-Line was only offered with a five-speed automatic transmission with downshift control. This is where the WRX STI A-Line really separates itself from the normal WRX – it runs on a twin turbocharged 2.5L boxer four that outputs a hefty 300 hp.

What’s more?

The engine is equipped with an Active Valve Control System to maximize low-mid range torque, and a Tumble Generation Valve that helps optimize combustion. Plus, you’ll have insane stopping control with 17-inch front brake discs and 16-inch rear rotors.

To learn more about this 2010 Subaru WRX STI A-Line, keep reading below for a translation of the auction sheet:

“Interior B, first registered August 2010, STi A Line Premium Package model, FAT, AAC, one owner, brown STi leather seats, power seat, seat heater, xenon lights, Si Drive, power steering, power windows, original AWs, leather, airbag, original TV, original navigation system, ABS, original HDD navigation system with digital TV, paddle shift cruise control, push button starter, indicator door mirrors, coating completed, front windscreen scratched, interior grime, battery flat, minor scratches and minor dents, marks as per map”