Subaru Impreza WRX STi at Tokyo

By Jonny Smith

Motor Shows

25 October 2007 04:21

Hang on, I thought the Impreza had got even uglier?

In non-WRX form it is a despicably hideous beast but this is the STi and it looks cooking. Ok so it's no longer a super saloon but a hyper five-door hatch, which means Subaru has jumped straight into the ring with VW (Golf), Audi (S3) and Ford (ST) and many others. Saying that, Subaru claims the body style with short overhang excels in creating downforce and aerodynamics. Is it us or does the rear look suspiciouly like a BMW 1-series?

STi hallmarks like the flared and vented front wings, wider rear arches, tailgate spoiler, gaping bonnet nostril and M-Sport style quad shotgun tailpipes. Those swollen arches compensate for the wider track (up by 40mm at the front, 45mm rear) and stop those average looking 18-inch alloys from sticking out. Thankfully BBS rims will be on the options list. There are seven STI colours to choose from, which make or break this opinion-dividing body style. Go for metallic grey – it oozes menace.

By Jonny Smith