Come on, I’ve seen the new Impreza before…
You have, but not this one. Subaru chose the Bologna Motor Show for the debut of the UK-spec WRX STi, which unlike the 2.0-litre Japanese model we’ve driven, uses a 2.5-litre engine.
It’s still a flat-four ‘boxer’, but emission regulations, and some premium pride, mean the larger capacity engine continues in the UK.
Even bigger news though is the price, which at £24,995 is about two grand less than initial estimates, and £1600 cheaper than the outgoing STi.
So what’ll she do, mister?
The Impreza 2.5 WRX STI Type UK, to give the car its full name, puts out 296bhp, and 300lb ft at 4000rpm. That means 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and a 155mph top speed.
A part-leather, part-Alcantara interior is standard, along with Subaru’s Si-Drive which offers three engine maps, including ‘Super-Sharp’. Apparently this offers ‘the ultimate in throttle response’.
And fear not, because you can still spec blue paint and gold wheels. Deliveries will start in March 2008, and a Prodrive-tuned version will arrive later next year, too.