Slusher for STI

SUBARU Australia has confirmed it will release the first automatic-transmission versions of its top-shelf Impreza, the WRX STI, when the upgraded MY2011 model goes on sale in both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan guises late this year.

Due for local release in the final quarter of 2010, the revised STI hatch and new STI sedan derivative were revealed at the New York motor show in April, soon after the appearance of a fresh STI-look WRX sedan.

All four WRX models – including the WRX hatch and sedan, and STI hatch and sedan – have now been confirmed for a late-2010 local release, bolstered by the addition of five-speed auto versions of the both STIs for the first time – based on the STI A-Line revealed at last year’s Tokyo motor show.

“We can now confirm that the revised sedan and hatchback Impreza WRX STIs will add the option of a five-speed automatic transmission,” said Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior, who believes the STI auto will expand the appeal of Subaru’s hottest model to a wider audience.

“We’ve had increasing enquiries about an auto over the last two years and we’re delighted to be able to deliver what a significant number of customers have requested.”

The MY2011 STI sedan will be the first four-door STI available in Australia since the MY07 model was discontinued in August 2007, while a six-speed manual will also be available for both STI models.

MY11 STI pricing and full specifications won’t be revealed until closer to launch, but Subaru Australia’s specialist STI retailers are already taking orders.