Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type UK

By Ben Pulman

Motor Shows

05 December 2007 10:30

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. 

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.

By Ben Pulman