Category: Affordable Sports 
Price Range: No data available
Imposing wide-hipped looks, rides well, added power and torque have improved drive.
Thirsty, high price premium, less sharp to drive than Evo.
Engine tweaks transform STi into a real contender - shame about the cost.
The Impreza STi 330S may have gained its own specific suspension kit and a freer-flowing exhaust, but it's the engine improvements that dominate proceedings: Subaru has completely revitalised the 2.5-litre boxer engine.
The power is boosted 30bhp to 326bhp, but it's the extra 49lb-ft of torque that really makes the difference. The total 347lb-ft now delivered at 3,400rpm means blistering performance all the way to 8,000rpm - no more all-or-nothing power delivery.
The 0-62mph time tumbles to a scorching 4.8 seconds, while the top speed remains limited to 155mph. The only black mark is that the cheaper 296bhp Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X makes do with 30bhp less and is fractionally quicker.
Despite the new springs, the STi's handling characteristics carry over to the 330S. Push hard into a bend and the STi 330S rolls where the Mitsubishi feels flat.
Our car seemed prone to slight understeer on turn-in, but a dab on the throttle made the car pleasingly tail-happy. The steering does feel a little numb when off-centre, which does little to inspire confidence.
Most impressive is the Subaru's 4x4 drivetrain. We drove the Impreza on snow back-to-back with an all-wheel-drive Audi TT. It was an enlightening experience. Of the two the Subaru was the most capable and fun, with more traction and less reliance on ESP to rein things in.
