If I am on a steep hill, I use the ebrake to help out. I know the 09' wrx has that brake assist for hills that you're talking about.

 

Personally I've never heard of hill assist but I'm sure a lot of manufacturers are doing this, just like the little light on some vehicles that tells you when to shift! I would not buy a vehicle with hill assist as I don't coast backwards on hills, like a lot of people are saying simply release the clutch a little before you go and give it gas. You can even feather the clutch if you're unsure of the technique we've mentioned.

 

go faster with your foot work, and don't be scared to rev it above 1500rpm if needed to catch the clutch.

 

I just use mad skillz.
If you don't have them, or you are at the peak of Mt. Zubba Bubba, the e-brake works in a pinch.

 

x3

 

For the OP. There are no two ways about it... This car is a b!tch to get going on steep hill.

Unless you live in a hilly area with stop and go, most people probably won't notice this. I have a pretty steep driveway and realized this the first time I brought it home from the dealer. After 16 months and 12000 miles of going up my driveway everyday, I still struggle the majority of the time. There is a very thin line between bogging and smoking the clutch. You can compensate with technique to a degree but I have about 20 years driving manual trans cars, including 5 years with an WRX and have come to the conclusion that the Evo X is completely different.

My current theory is that the pill in the clutch master cylinder is affecting how quickly the clutch engages. I have heard that others that removed the pill are getting a more consistent engagement point. So I may go that route to see what (if any) effect it has. I am also considering the SSP master cylinder as an upgrade, but will probably wait until I replace the stock clutch.

 

I gotta get this pill removed too I