2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Are All About Comfort and Looks

Which is not a bad thing at all

But don't think the fun chapter is concluded. Because, despite no power hike, you'll still be able to enjoy Subaru's flat-four engines as before.

On that note, both the 2018 Subaru WRX and WRX STI hold their previous performance credentials but now display a bolder mug.

That is, the WRX relies on the same 268-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer while the 2.5-liter, 305-horsepower plant inside the WRC STI gets to live another day.

But don't dwell too much on the lack of power upgrades, since Subaru did pony up a couple of interesting add-ons.

For example, the standalone 2018 WRX gets tweaked suspensions for better stability and comfort together with an "enhanced shifter feel" for the six-speed manual.

What really caught our eye is the optional Performance Package, which brings Recaro eight-way power seats, Jurid brake pads, red-painted calipers and double-spoke 18-inch wheels.

WRX STI-wise, the suspension setup gets the same tweaks as in the WRX, but Subaru also went on to revise the DCCD all-wheel drive system, fitting the car with 19-inch wheels in the process.

Stopping credentials also go up one level courtesy of the Brembo Performance Brake System with yellow calipers and drilled rotors front and back.

The same Recaro seats we mentioned earlier found their way inside the WRX STI as an option for the base model but standard on the WRX STI Limited.