The new-look Impreza went on sale for the first time today. The restyling includes an entirely new front end, a response by the carmaker to some criticism of the outgoing model by devotees.

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Changes include a power boost to the WRX – to 225 PS – higher top speeds and fuel economy gains, and lower emissions for all models. And lower prices all round: the WRX saloon is pricetagged at £19,995 OTR – down by £1500; The WRX 5-door is cheaper by a similar amount at £20,495; and the STi Type UK is £24,995 – down £2500 on the Prodrive-Style version it replaces.

Performance enhancements see the 265 PS Impreza WRX STi deliver a top speed of 151.5mph (up 3.5mph) while the 2-litre GX Sport automatic gives 43.5mpg on the extra urban cycle – up 5.8mpg.

Internally, new high-quality cloth is used throughout the 2003 model year range.

Sporty changes for the WRX include gun-metallic finish wheels and the repositioning of the rev-counter to the centre of the instrument display – like the STi.