Subaru to launch Impreza WRX STI saloon in Britain (UK)

Subaru to set to launch the 4dr Impreza WRX STI saloon ahead of Winter this year.

The car first premiered at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in Spring. The saloon is designed to overturn poor demand for the cult performance classic, which changed to a 5dr hatchback body style in 2007.

The WRX STI saloon forthcoming arrival shine doubt over the future of the hatchback, which hasn’t been imported as new into the UK since the 2008 MY.

At the Impreza’s WRX STI saloon launch, Subaru America chief operating executive Tom Doll said the saloon “will expand the appeal of the iconic performance model” and its introduction was driven by “strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners”.

It went through extensive development work at the Nürburgring circuit and has major suspension upgrades for the 2011.

Subaru describes it as the “best-handling WRX STI ever”; changes include a lower ride height, stiffer bushes, higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear anti-roll bars. New lighter 18” alloy wheels appear beside advanced Brembo brakes.

Externally, the fascia includes sharper creasing on the bumper, a new grille, lip spoiler, new headlights. The side features wider wheel arches and the rear gets a revised bumper.

Powering the car will be a turbocharged 2.5 litre, flat four petrol engine, kicking out 301bhp to all four wheels via a 6 speed manual gearbox. Three driving modes are available that change driving characteristics: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.

An internal source didn’t confirm whether the 5dr Impreza STi would now be killed-off.