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Subaru is adding acronyms, initials and new name-designations to its range even faster - it seems - than it launches the new models themselves, and the largest, most powerful mouthful to get your head around is the Impreza WRX STi Type-UK with Prodrive Performance Package. These names matter to Impreza-spotters, who remain committed despite the advent of credible alternatives and the long dominance by Peugeot of the World Rally Championships in recent years. Petter Solberg's drivers' title in last year's WRC has marked a turnaround, however, and the Impreza range might well be on the up again.
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Let's take this slowly: we're talking Impreza as in the 2003-launched, quickly-facelifted line-up, with the ugly-bug headlights smoothed out, also available in farmer-spec non-turbo format. WRX as in World Rally, a badge applied to the turbocharged sporty Scoobies. STi as in Subaru Technica International, all STi models now with a 265bhp engine, a six-speed gearbox, inverted suspension struts, Brembo brakes, front and rear limited-slip differentials, a faster steering rack, satellite tracking and full body kit with high-rise spoiler, previously only available on the 2002 Prodrive Style model. Type-UK to differentiate this officially-sold model from grey imports brought in from Japan, which haven't gone through the European Type Approval process. And finally, the Prodrive Performance Package: this aftermarket kit, fully approved and warranted by Subaru, comprises a revised ECU, high-flow catalyst and sports exhaust silencer and lifts the power to 300bhp. Acceleration 0-60mph is down to 4.6 seconds (compared to the 'standard' STi's 5.2 seconds), top speed up to over 155mph and torque increased to 299lb ft from 253lb ft, giving improved pull in all six gears. Extra cost? £1,995, bringing the total price tag up to £26,990, usefully cheaper than the latest 300bhp Evo VIII MR FQ-300 (from £29,999) and the MR FQ-330.
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