IN THIS FEATURE Look under the skin Yaw control - yee-haw Quality upgrade

The revised Impreza WRX STi will cost about £26,000 when it goes on sale late 2004. Subaru has also made an effort to improve the quality feel inside, something which has been an ongoing criticism of the car. To that end, there is more cloth trim on the doors, the aluminium-alike trim on the fascia has been extended all the way down to the gearshift in one panel and the air-con controls are large, round 'diamond cut' items that look almost Germanic.

Subaru is also very keen to keep one step ahead of those who unofficially import cars directly from Japan. The latest STi is badged 'Type-UK' to distinguish it from unofficial cars, and it also sports additional features that Subaru says you won't find on so-called 'grey' imports. These include a Category One alarm/immobiliser (you won't get insurance without this), a satellite tracking system, enhanced rust proofing, window etching and locking wheel nuts.

The UK edition gets a standard alarm and immobiliser

Interestingly, the UK STi also gets a switch to spray the turbocharger's intercooler with water to retain power 'during high temperature driving'. There is also a system that allows the driver to preset a warning buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine.

Plainly, Subaru expects its UK customers to use every ounce of the STi's prodigious talent. It'd be rude not to, really.