'Ultimate' Impreza to cost from £25,995

Subaru's 'ultimate' Impreza WRX – the STi – enters UK dealer showrooms in January 2002 priced from £25,995 OTR, less than six months after its unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show.

The 265PS, six-speed Two versions are offered for the United Kingdom – the 'standard' STi and the special edition STi Prodrive Style with Prodrive-designed spoilers, grille and front bumper.

Both will be designated and badged 'Type-UK' to distinguish them from 'grey' imports and to reflect the additional features standard on the British versions.

These include a Category One alarm/immobiliser, a special satellite tracking system, enhanced rust proofing to cope with the harsh UK weather, locking wheel nuts and a three year/60,000 mile warranty plus three year membership of Subaru Assistance.

Both models have smoked glass projector beam headlamps, bigger bonnet air intakes and a single large-diameter rear exhaust pipe. Other shared differences to the regular WRX include special gold-coloured spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with STi logos and red stitching for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever.

Also inside is a switch to spray the intercooler with water. Another device allows the driver to preset a warning buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine.

The STi Prodrive Style features a high-riding boot spoiler, newly designed sill spoilers and a deeper, squarer front bumper. The grille and badging resemble the WRC rally car. Interior enhancements over the standard STi include dark blue-coloured instruments with red needles. The Prodrive Style costs £27,495 on-the-road.

The Impreza STi will be available in four colours: WR Blue Mica, Blue Black Mica, Premium Silver Metallic and Pure White, the latter two being special order only. Prodrive Style customers can choose between WR Blue Mica and Blue Black Mica.

The 265PS six-speed STi has a top speed of 148 mph and 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

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