Subaru at the London motor show 2008

By Ben Whitworth and CAR reader reporter Jacomoseven

Motor Shows

22 July 2008 14:42

It's the British motor show – so we were banking on Subaru pulling off some outrageous Impreza versions. Sure enough, the UK importer didn't disappoint, with a (quite literally, we suspect) handful of madcap Scoobys aimed at those drivers for whom power is utterly addictive.

What's new on Subaru's London motor show stand?

Quite a lot really – three new power-laden UK-only Impreza models. Dubbed the S Range, these limited-edition models are a direct response from die-hard Impreza fans for a model with sharper teeth. The range kicks off with the 255bhp S, which is fitted with a Prodrive performance pack and £4500 worth of extra gear, but at £22,855 is only £2500 more than the standard WRX. It’s followed by the STi 330S and topped by the 380S. Plenty of choice, then,  but it seems that Subaru is following the fiendishly complex model structure set by Mitsubishi with its Evo range...

The bonkers Subaru Impreza 380S with, yes, you’ve guessed it, 380bhp. It’s a full Prodrive rebuild job and should be the closest thing to a full WRC works car money can buy. Expect it at the end of 2008 with a £40,000 price tag.

Subaru is thinking smart with these limited edition cars – with their power upgrades, brassy styling and Prodrive link – they inject some much-needed dynamism and intent into the pig-ugly WRX range.

Fast, frisky and very blue WRXs – Scooby doing what it does best.

Click here to go to CAR's London motor show A-Z homepage

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By Ben Whitworth and CAR reader reporter Jacomoseven