Know Your Subaru Impreza

What model do you have? We've collected as much information as possible here to help you find out...

MY93

The Impreza is announced in Japan in October 1992, the sales brochure has the catchline of "New Driver's Basic"... .

The first four door saloon Imprezas were released in 1.5 FWD, 1.6 and 1.8 4WD models along with the 2.0 Turbocharged 4WD WRX and it's rarer and lighter variant, the WRX Type RA. The first Impreza Wagons were 1.6 FWD and 1.8 4WD.

Europeans would have to wait some time to get hold of their first Impreza, the official launch in the UK was May 17th 1993... and even then the Impreza was only available in 1.6GL 4WD, 1.8GL 4WD saloon and 1.8GL 4WD wagon versions.

The Impreza made its WRC debut at the 1000 Lakes Rally (27th-29th August) where Ari Vatanen/Bruno Berglund finished 2nd.

MY94

MY95

MY96

MY97

MY98

• 2.2 litre engine restricted to 280PS (276BHP) for the Japanese domestic market.
• Seam-welded body shell (supposedly identical in shape to the WRC)
• Driver-adjustable front/rear diff
• Twin-plate racing clutch
• Quick steering rack (13:1 ratio)
• Adjustable rear wing
• Revised suspension and bigger brakes over the STi 4
• 7.5 x 17" BBS alloy wheels with 235/40 ZR17 tyres
• Blue alcantra seats and interior trim
• Nardi (non-airbag) steering wheel
• Uniquely numbered identity plate (1 to 400, with No 13 not being issued

• Special mica blue paintwork (similar but not identical to the current WRC cars)
• Current style 16 inch alloys, but painted gold
• Air conditioning
• Alcantra + suede effect interior trim
• Interior number Terzo plaque
• Cobra 6422 Thatcham Category 1 alarm with remote central locking
• Side and rear Terzo decals
• Special Terzo floor mats
• Non folding rear seat

MY99

The 1999 models all received further cosmetic design changes. All cars got a honeycomb grille, multi-reflector headlights, new upholstery for the seats and door panels, as well as two new colour choices: Arctic Silver Metallic and Cool Grey Metallic. The bumper was revised to give better cooling and enhanced aerodynamics, multi-reflector foglamps matched the new headlamps.

The WRX STi Version V saloons, coupés and wagons had the same power and torque as the Version IV models, but with subtle engine differences. There was a thinner water jacket, the piston rings were made thinner to reduce friction and the intake port design was revised. Better low- to mid-range torque was achieved and the electrical and cooling systems were revised. The transmission casing was reinforced and the centre differential lsd was made smaller and lighter. The Type RA came with a mechanical rear limited-slip differential while other models were equipped with the Suretrac diff from AP.

Subaru had some quirky options for factory-fitted extras this year... including the auxiliary gauges (as MY98), driver's kneepads (???) and a 'Sports Edition' interior which had red trim for parts of the steering wheel, gearknob, centre console, instrument binnacle, fresh air vents and door release surrounds.

November 1998 saw the release of the latest V-Limited editions all in Sonic Mica Blue with gold alloys. There were 1000 WRX Type RA STi Version V Limiteds with front helical lsd, a pink six star grille emblem, titanium gear shift knob, serial number plaque, special seats (blue fronts with STi and Subaru logos stitched into the backs, the rear seas were all black), automatic air-conditioning, colour-coded door handles and power mirrors, electric windows and central locking. The WRX Type R STi Version V Limited was much closer to standard with the extras being a roof vent and pink six star grille badge. There was also a WRX Type RA Limited with ABS brakes, multi-reflector foglights, a Version IV rear spoiler, serial plaque, same seats as the Limited Type RA STi version as were the air con, mirrors, windows and central locking.

In the UK, no less than six regional police forces were using Prodrive Imprezas as pursuit vehicles... a sign of the times. Impreza tops the JD Power survey again scoring 99 out of 100... and the Subaru Legacy comes in second place. Car Magazine votes the Impreza "Car of the Decade".

Limited Edition: Impreza Turbo RB5

To celebrate Richard Burns' first year in the Subaru World Rally Team, the RB5 (5 was the number Richard used during the 1999 WRC championship) was launched to critical acclaim by the press. 444 examples of this car were made available to the general public. A Prodrive "WR Sport" version of the car was available at extra cost, specified at delivery time by the first owner.

• Blue Steel metallic paintwork
• Fully colour-coded exterior (mirrors, door handles, skirts and driving lamp covers)
• Blue 'Alcantra' and suede-effect interior trim, with black 'jersey' surround on seats
• Special graphite trim for the centre console
• Air conditioning
• Unique titanium/pewter coloured 17in, 6 spoke Speedline alloy wheels with Pirelli 'P Zero' 205/45 ZR17 tyres
• PIAA front driving light conversion
• Prodrive quickshift
• Roof-mounted map reading lamps
• RB5 side and rear decals (and also on driving light covers)
• RB5 embossed carpet mats
• RB5 interior-mounted, numbered plaque "Limited Edition" only 444 available
  

WR Sport Performance Package

• Prodrive high wing (similar to the new STi 5 but with the brake light on the wing rather than boot lid)
• Prodrive Performance pack, consisting of Prodrive ECU, exhaust and revised intercooler piping.
  

MY00

The UK Turbo models finally get colour coded door handles and mirrors as standard in 2000. Also new are the WRX style 16" six spoke alloys, a new gearknob, a graphite finish on the centre console and some fresh paint options, including Red Mica (see right).

The Impreza wins JD Power's Customer Survey for the third year running! But the real big news in the UK for 2000 was...

Limited Edition: Prodrive P1

The P1 took a year to develop, bodywork revisions kept the looks familiar but incorporated unique front and rear spoilers available with two different settings, the lipped front spoiler housed Hella driving lights instead of foglamps and directed air to the brakes, whilst the rear had inserts with the P1 logo. Finished in Sonic Mica Blue, with colour-coded door mirrors, handles and side skirts, not to mention the gunmetal grey, ten-spoke 7J x 17 OZ alloys and hefty 'Impreza P1' badge on the bootlid, it really did look the business.

Based on the 2 door Impreza body shell, the car had been developed by Prodrive in conjunction with Fuji Heavy Industries and Subaru Tecnica International in Japan. It had been designed from day 1 to be Subaru UK’s response to both ‘grey imports’ and the phenomenal Mitsubishi EVO 6, which had been receiving rave reviews all year long. "Shock Subaru Announcement - New UK Spec 280 PS Impreza Turbo" was the title of the press release, which ran to a full 9 pages. This car was to be called the Prodrive P1, would have the full 280PS (276BHP) of the Japanese spec cars and carried a full 3 year warranty with support from all Subaru UK dealers. This astonishing car had been painstakingly developed, and not only met all requirements necessary for full European Type Approval, but also set class-leading standards for both ride and handling. The main features of the car are as follows:

• 2 Door Saloon Body
• Available exclusively in Sonic Blue, similar to the WRC cars, and the same as the 22B
• 280PS engine, with an estimated 260 lb/ft of torque
• Top speed of 155mph, 0-60 in 4.6 seconds
• Special Hella driving lamps
• Specially Designed "Titanium" 10-spoke OZ 17 x 7 alloy wheels
• High Ratio Steering Rack
• Ventilated front and rear brakes
• Shorter throw "Quickshift" gearchange
• 4 Channel ABS brakes
• Rear wiper
• Specially designed aerodynamically superior front and rear spoilers
• Category 1 alarm/immobiliser, and RAC Trackstar tracking system
• Air Conditioning

A production run of 1,000 cars was eventually produced.

Meanwhile, over in Japan... the final 'classic' Imprezas were being released, production would cease in the Summer of 2000. Four WRX Limited models were also launched, again all finished in Sonic Mica Blue with 16" gold six-spoke RAYS forged alloys - two Type RAs (WRX and STi versions), an STi Coupé and an STi Sports Wagon. The WRX Type RA STi Version VI Limited saloon was restricted to 2000 models, special features included a front helical lsd, a pink six-star grille emblem, aluminium pedals, a blue dash insert panel, a numbered plaque on the blue centre console, blue seats with logo and an STi titanium shift knob. Colour-coded power door mirrors and handles, air conditioning, electric windows and central locking - an STi double-wing rear spoiler was an optional extra. There were 1000 WRX Type RA Limited saloons, having the same blue interior treatment of the STi, aluminium pedals, numbered plaque, air con, mirrors and locking options, but also came with ABS brakes, a lower rear spoiler, multi-reflector foglights and a black six-star grille badge. The 1000 only WRX Type R STi Version VI Limited had blue dash and console inserts with numbered plaque, aluminium pedals and blue front seats, an STi titanium gear knob, WRC-style roof vent and a pink six-star grille badge. The final offering was the 500 off WRX STi Version VI Limited Sports Wagon with similar modifications, the main difference being a Kenwood CD/MD combination audio system and the blue seats had both SWRT and STi embroidered emblems.

MY01

Welcome to the 'New Age' Impreza...

The previous generation Subaru Impreza was perhaps the only thing to have appeared on more covers in its time than the Spice Girls and Madonna combined, so popular was this car. Journalists sang its praises issue after issue and the highly respected British CAR magazine even voted it their Car of the Decade.

Its successor would have to be brilliant to step into those big shoes and in the months leading up to the new generation Impreza's launch, there were chat rooms dedicated to the discussion of this car's possible look, spec and performance.

When the first pics were released the world was stunned into silence. The new Impreza was, it seemed, incredibly ugly, and in turbo-spec slower than the outgoing versions. Subaru oh Subaru, what have you done!

Well, the 'Bugeye' Impreza, as it became known, was (according to the design team) safer, stronger and offered better all round visibility. Mechanically the new Impreza evolved from it's previous incarnation. And a decision was made to streamline the number of variants of Impreza. In Japan you could choose from a 2.0 4WD WRX saloon or a 2.0 4WD Turbocharged WRX saloon. Wagons came with 1.5, 2.0 and 2.0 turbocharged litre engines in either 2WD or 4WD options.

Then came the STi range... Engine modifications and improvements were made over the standard WRX, the intercooler was bigger and now had the STi logo sprayed in red over the vanes. Power was set at 280PS at 6400rpm with 274lbft of torque. A close ratio six-speed gearbox really set the STi models apart - there was greater rigidity in the casing, internal components and the linkage, lubrication and cooling were improved, with the clutch uprated to cope with the extra torque. Brakes were uprated too, the saloon getting Brembo 4 pots up front and 2 pots on the rear with ventilated discs all round and Super Sports ABS. Type RA and Wagon came with Subaru's own calipers finished in black.

In the UK your model choices were a 1.6 TS, a 2.0 GX and the 2.0 WRX (all available in wagon form). The UK-Spec WRX boasted 218BHP at 5600rpm with 215lbft torque at 3600rpm and a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds (a little slower than the previous incarnation).

 

MY02

Cosmetic revisions were made for the MY02 Imprezas. A modified front mask with deeper air intake combined with the mesh grille gave the car a sportier look. The badge was now mounted in the bottom centre of this moulding. One of the biggest improvements was the use of dark glass on the HID headlight option, whilst standard lights were made to look like HID units. Minor enhancements were also made to mechanical parts for this year.

2002 was the year that the UK market had an official STi release.

2002's limited model was the WRX STi Prodrive Style. This model featured parts developed jointly between STi and Prodrive. Compared with the WRX STi which it was based on, the differences were a new front bumper and grille, revised side skirts and a tall rear spoiler, a roof vent and blue-faced gauges with red pointers. Available in WR Blue Mica or Pure White.

Then there was the Impreza WRX STi Type RA Spec C. The main objective for this model was to lose weight and increase power, losing 90kg in the process and torque was up to 283lbft at 4400rpm. Utilising the same turbo from the 22B, sharper response was achieved with further engine tuning and a revised suspension geometry setup.

Limited Edition: Impreza S202 STi Version

Even more hardcore than the Spec C was the S202 which made its debut in May 2002. It had a highly tuned engine and a modified ECU, silicone intake ducting, a special exhaust system (part titanium) and an aluminium oil cooler. Power was up to 320PS at 6400rpm achieving better performance at the top end of the rev band.

Bodywork changes included projector headlights, a carbonfibre rear wing, foglamp covers and S202 emblems at front and rear. The interior had black seats with the STi logo, special door trim and centre console finish, an aluminium pedal set, blue-faced gauges and a numbered plaque limited to 400 models.

MY03

...time for another face lift!

Welcome to the 'Blobeye' Impreza. So, what did we get? Aggressive, yet more aerodynamic, new front styling; bumper, bonnet, wings and headlamps are all new; stronger throttle response for the WRX; improved engine cooling for the STi; revised dampers to give better handling; STi gained more rigid front suspension and sharper steering; interior quality upgrade - new cloth trim and revised centre console; more safety features added.

In the UK a "Prodrive Performance Pack" was announced for the new STi models, this would bring your scooby up to 300BHP, torque peaking at 299lbft at 4000rpm, a top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph of 4.6 seconds. The standard WRX could be treated to a "Prodrive WR Sport Performance Pack" raising the horses from 218 to 245BHP and torque from 215 to 261lbft.

Japanese Imprezas got a minor design tweak - the WRX had gauges with white on black markings and metallic trim rings and there was a chrome handbrake release button. The STi version featured front corner spoilers, new skirts and a large rear spoiler, inside the meter panel had illuminated red calibrations on black dials and a new small diameter, three-spoke steering wheel.

The STi was now peaking at 290lbft torque at 4400rpm, whilst BHP was still at the restricted 280PS. More torque was gained through changes in the exhaust system to make the most of the twin-scroll turbo, larger diameter intake ducting and a revised inlet manifold. Cast aluminium pistons were specified and the block, crankshaft and conrods were all strengthened.

This year's Spec C was available in 2 guises, the more expensive version had 17" ten-spoke BBS wheels, a driver controlled centre diff with automatic mode, Suretrac front and mechanical rear differentials and a quicker steering rack. The cheaper option had 16" steel wheels covering the less powerful brakes, a driver controlled centre diff without automatic override and basic seats. In April 2003 a Spec C Limited became available, extras included power windows ,air conditioning, central locking, colour coded power mirrors, special seat material and centre panel finish, black door trim, a leather gearknob with matching handbrake cover, a rev indicator and an aluminium pedal set. These were limited to 1000 cars.

MY04

Subaru's intent for 2004 was to push the sporty and functional image of the Impreza line.

The JDM only WRX STi Spec C was now available in WR Blue Mica and the cheaper model had options to upgrade to air conditioning, power windows and central locking. It's front brakes were also uprated.

Peter Solberg's WRC victory prompted the return of the V-Limited specials... The STi version had Arai-tuned suspension lowered and with adjustable dampers, a front underskirt, roof vent, an aluminium gearknob, SWRT decals, a plaque in the console and on the bootlid as well as a commemorative silver keyring. These were limited to 555 models. The WRX version had similar features (without the suspension mods) and was also available with automatic transmission and came with RAYS 5-spoke alloys.

Limited Edition: Impreza WR1

The UK version of the V-Limited became the WR1 and was limited to 500. The STi-based WR1 was given a power upgrade and a DCCD (driver-controlled centre differential) allowing the torque to be dialed in via a switch mounted next to the handbrake, according to conditions and driver preference. In addition to the increase in power (320BHP at 5800rpm along with 310lbft of torque at 4000rpm, thanks to a new ECU and exhaust system) and the driveline changes, the WR1 was given a lowered, uprated suspension, seven-spoke 18" Prodrive alloys with 225/45 Pirelli tyres.

Finished in Ice Blue Metallic, set off by stainless steel mesh grille, driving lamps and WR1 badges on the wings, the interior was also unique, sporting anthracite suede-effect trim on the seats, a special gearknob and new carpets. The WR1 became the fastest Impreza ever sold in the UK with a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds.

MY05

Modifications to the range for 2005 included three-spoke steering wheels, a new centre console, improved switches and controls, a plusher trim and the braking system was uprated to give a firmer pedal. The WRX STi models were uprated further with torque up to 303lbft at 4400rpm, the exhaust system was enhanced as was the intercooler. A new front helical limited slip differential gave manual control over front/rear torque split and its DCCD control module could make lightning quick decisions in automatic mode via the newly introduced yaw rate sensor. Wheels, suspension and geometry were also uprated to make this the sharpest STi model ever.

Normally aspirated 2.0 models were now dropped from the range so that only 1.5 litre options partnered the WRX range. Limited models did appear however... to celebrate the first Japan WRC round, two WR-Limited models appeared, one based on the WRX and the other on the WRX STi Spec C. Then there was the 300-off WRX STi Spec C Type RA featuring a carbonfibre rear spoiler, front corner spoilers, front lip spoiler, STi alloys in silver, adjustable suspension, side decals, a rear emblem, dual airbags, black Alcantra seats, aluminium pedals, aluminium gearshift boot ring, full automatic air conditioning, remote central locking, power windows and colour-coded power door mirrors - it was available in blue, white or red.

Limited Edition: Impreza S203

The S203 was billed as the ultimate development of the WRX STi road car, with special engine tuning (including a new turbo, ECU, hand-balanced internal components, high-performance silicone rubber air intake hoses, a sports catalytic converter and lightweight muffler, and an oil cooler) taking power up to 320PS and torque up to 310lbft. The chassis was uprated via adjustable struts, stiffer lowered springs, pillow ball bushings and aluminium links on the rear suspension, a beefier anti-roll bar, revised discs, a power steering oil cooler and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres on 18" BBS forged alloys. The body was given a carbon front underskirt, an adjustable rear wing, HID lights, tinted glass, silver mesh grille and special badging. Inside, Recaro seats in grey matched the door trim, interior surfaces were painted black, there was a 260kph speedo, STi floormats and a special gearshift trim ring that carried the car's serial number. Usually finished in Crystal Grey, it was also available in Solid Red, Pure White or WR Blue.

UK customers were offered a free Power upgrade on all new WRX and WRX STi models for a limited period. Later they were given a Limited Edition of their own - the Impreza WRX 300. Finished in WR Blue, this Impreza had 17" gold 5-spoke alloys, a 265BHP power upgrade, aluminium gearknob, WRX-branded carpets, a tracking device and the SWRT logo on front seats and foglight covers.

MY06

Say hello to 'Hawkeye' Impreza...

A completely redesigned front end arrived on the 2006 model - new headlights, bumper/airdam moulding, foglights (when fitted), fresh wings and bonnet, plus new side skirts for most models. The STi version also gained an extra aluminium spoiler on the trailing edge of the roof to aid downforce, a smaller bonnet scoop, a smoother underbody and a diffuser under the tail of the car. Revised tail lights were a feature across the board, along with new door handles that did away with keyholes. Interior trim was again upgraded with a revised centre console for all cars. WRX and STi models had black trim with blue inserts, whereas the Spec C was black and dark grey.

Special editions for this year included the WR-Limited and the WRX STi Spec C Type RA, the latter being limited to 350 cars.

Big news for the European versions was the adoption of a 2.5 litre engine for the WRX and WRX STi models. The new UK WRX had 17" wheels in silver and rear spoiler as standard. New features included a rear lsd, aluminium bonnet, red brake calipers, colour-coded side skirts, aluminium pedals and a combination CD/Radio/Cassette unit with 2 extra speakers. The STi featured Brembo brakes, a larger rear spoiler and roof vane, underfloor diffuser, ant-theft tracking system, blue suede trim with STi logo on front seats, red stitching on leather trimmed components and an aluminum gearlever surround.

The STi pushed out 276BHP and 0-60mph could be achieved in 5.0 seconds before reaching a top speed of 158mph. An addition to the UK range was the STi Spec D - d for discreet - all the power and performance with more subtle styling...

Limited Edition: Impreza S204

This special edition model was limited to 600 examples, modifications include a reprogrammed ECU, new pistons, crankshaft, exhaust and an upgraded turbocharger. This helps the S204 2.0 litre engine to 320PS and 319lbft of torque. The Impreza S204 shaves off 13lb with lighter BBS wheels and stiffer suspension lowers the car by about half an inch. The interior differentiates from the standard Impreza WRX STi by an exclusive steering wheel, aluminum inserts with engraved serial number and Recaro bucket seats. The S204 was available in three colors: WRC blue, grey and black.

MY07

Little change was made for 2007, but we were treated to some rather special limited editions...

Limited Edition: Impreza RB320

As a tribute to the memory of Richard Burns, Subaru and Prodrive created the RB320. This car features around £6,000 worth of extra equipment including the 320PS Prodrive Performance Pack, yet costs £29,995 on road - an increase of only £3,500.

Available only in Obsidian Black, the RB320 features bespoke 18 inch alloy wheels and specially developed Prodrive suspension comprising Bilstein dampers, a sports spring kit with revised rear anti roll bar and a ride height lowered by 30 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear. Also standard on the RB320 are a chrome mesh front grille, front lip spoiler, quickshift gearchange, side sill plates and RB320 branded gear knob, carpet mats and exclusive exterior badging. Each owner will also receive an individually numbered black alloy tax disc holder.

Limited Edition: WRX Spec C Type RA-R

There will be only 300 Type RA-R available. They have 320PS @6400rpm, 319lbft torque @4400rpm, a 6 gear manual gearbox, DCCD and they are lighter than the STi (1390 kg) and finished in either white, blue or yellow.

Features:

• large ball bearing twin-scroll turbo
• sports ECU and cat
• low back pressure stainless sports muffler (110mm)
• reinforced silicon air intake duct
• tuning struts
• reinforced 'low-down' springs (15mm lower than Spec C)
• aluminum pillowball lateral links with bushings
• front lower arm bar
• 22mm rear stabilizer bar
• 235/40-18 RE070
• white aluminum 18x8.5 alloy wheels
• silver monoblock 6-pot Brembo calipers with STi logo (front)
• silver 2-pot Brembo calipers with STi logo (rear)
• 18" 2-piston type Brembo grooved rotors (front)
• 17" Brembo grooved rotors (rear)
• front underskirt (with lip)
• front centre grill
• Duracon gear knob

Limited Edition: Impreza GB270

To commemorate the end of an era and the current shape Impreza, Subaru will be building a two-model special edition Impreza WRX to be called GB270. The name is derived from Rally GB - a rally Subaru have won more than any other and 270PS, the power output of the vehicle.

Available in strictly limited numbers as both a WR Blue saloon (300 units) and an Urban Grey Sports Wagon (100 units) they have excellent levels of additional spec over and above the standard WRXs on which they're based.

Standard items common to both vehicles are as follows :
• 270PS WRX Prodrive Performance Pack
• Lowered spring kit
• Quickshift gearbox
• WRX Carpet mats
• MOMO Air-race gear knob
• 18x7.5" GT1 alloy wheels with Subaru "Six-star" centre cap
• GB270 exterior badging and individually numbered interior plaque

The Saloon also benefits from :
• WRC style rear spoiler
• Stainless-steel mesh front grille
• STI front lip spoiler
• Rear under spoiler
• Silver alloy wheels

The Sports Wagon also benefits from :
• Rear waist spoiler
• Front and rear aero splash guards
• Rear privacy glass
• Black stainless-steel mesh front grille
• Gloss black alloy wheels

MY08

Subaru have had another re-think about the Impreza's design... and it's not going down too well...