Subaru is jumping into the electric hot hatch craze

Subaru is teasing a new electric hot hatch that will spearhead a new generation of STI. Is it the WRX STI we’ve been waiting for?

Subaru teases new electric hot hatch

In March 2022, fans were disappointed after Subaru announced plans to end production of the gas-powered WRX STI.

Subaru said the move was due to the shift toward electrification and stricter emissions regulations in places like Europe.

Although the Japanese automaker said at the time it was exploring opportunities for a next-gen WRX STI, including an electrified version, Subaru confirmed it will not be produced on the new WRX platform.

It’s been over three and a half years, but we might finally see the WRX STI return in electric form. After teasing a new electric hot hatch on Wednesday, Subaru said the Performance-E STI concept will spearhead a new generation of vehicles.

The image offers a glimpse of Subaru’s new design with slim, three-line LED lights and a sportier roofline compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) version that Subaru also previewed.

Subaru is keeping most details secret for now, but said the new electric hot hatch offers “a design that evokes the brand’s heritage while providing a driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior.” It will be equipped with new tech, offering “intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences,” the company said.

Subaru will unveil the new STI concepts at the Japan Mobility Show later this month. Atsushi Osaki, Subaru’s president, will deliver a press conference at the Subaru booth on October 29 at 12:30 PM (JST).

The booth will feature the two new STI models, alongside the Trailseeker, Subaru’s second global EV. It will also showcase more rugged Forester Wilderness and Outback Wilderness prototypes, as well as a 1982 Subaru GL Family Huckster.

Subaru is joining Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia, and a few other automakers planning to introduce new electric hot hatches.