SINCE its original release in 1999, Subaru’s Impreza WRX STi has carved a formidable reputation as the king of affordable performance cars. While official power figures have hardly changed to the dissatisfaction of many cult fans, each STi model has become a more track-focussed weapon with sharper handling via reworked suspension and a clever driver-controlled centre differential (from MY05) to adjust power delivery between the front and rear wheels. The MY06 STi, meanwhile, has matured and become a more civilised and compliant sportscar without loosing its hardcore rally roots. With the adoption of the US-spec 2.5-litre engine, think of the MY06 STi as a better-trained pit bull terrier. Unfortunate it seems then, that everyone is distracted by Subaru’s new front-end styling, creating controversy once again.
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Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Released: August 04
Ended: September 05
Family Tree: ImprezaFirst arriving Down Under as a limited-edition coupe in February 1999, then as a sedan in October 1999, Subaru's WRX STi has been a full-time range member since December 2001, based on that year's all-new Impreza. A facelift to remove those polarising "bug-eyes" arrived in March 2003, while the model year 2004 car went on sale in November 2003, and the MY05 was launched in August 2004.
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