Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2010) – the saloon is back!

Subaru has today confirmed it is bringing the US-spec four-door Impreza saloon bodystyle back to the UK. In news that will hearten Scooby fans, Subaru will again offer a sedan bodystyle alongside the five-door hatchback.

Why is the bodystyle so important? Because Subaru built its reputation as a maker of sturdy four-wheel drive Impreza saloons – topped by the icing of the affordable performance versions such as the WRX and STI – but then pulled a gigantic U-turn in 2007 when it announced the current hatchback shape.

That’s why the new WRX STI announced today will be music to some fans’ ears. After a three-year hiatus, the boxy look is back and comes equipped as a range-topping £32,995 STI high-performance variant.

Are people still interested? We worry that many fans of fast Subarus and Mitsubishi Evos may have moved on, but there’s still plenty to digest here.

The new WRX STI has a stiffer bodystyle and a new Spec C suspension set-up, including lower ride height and wider tyres on 2kg lighter alloys.

The 2.5-litre boxer turbo four is present and correct, tuned to produce 296bhp and 300lb ft from 4000rpm. Nought to 62mph takes 5.2sec and the four-wheel drive system has been upgraded, claims Subaru, with new differential settings to apportion torque 41%/59% front/rear or as per the driver’s instruction (four different settings can be selected).

If you actually liked the five-door Impreza, fear not. You can order the 2011 model year WRX STI as a hatch or saloon – the price is the same for both.

By Tim Pollard