Road rocket

THAT ain't for the faint-'earted, mate, said the English lorry driver who stopped to admire the Subaru's Impreza WRX STi, as we shared a parking area off a French autoroute.

"You're not kidding," I answered, having just experienced more than 130mph, before getting the wind up and needing a cooling-off break to get over the high adrenaline rush.

But that is what the high-tailed Impreza is all about, speed and adrenaline. And for any confirmation you need only to watch a round of the World Rally Championship to appreciate the credentials of the all-wheel drive Impreza WRX STi.

First and foremost is its aggressive styling. Then there is its engine overflowing with power and finally its ride performance, solid, positive and, as long as you hold on to the steering wheel tightly, direct.

Rally fans keen to get a taste of a lovely, sleek rally Impreza, can now start putting in an order because Subaru has launched road-going versions of its winning car, but with certain obvious and legal restraints.

Rally cars have to be based on road-versions, bodywork, windows, lights and engine, but the engine will have been given a super-duper turbo boost, while the car's suspension will have been specially tuned for the rough and tumble of forest roads, and fitted with extra-large brakes capable of holding the car firmly while zipping in and out of hairpin bends at breakneck speeds.

The road-going versions have all the looks, much of the power and are a darn sight more comfortable than the rally versions.

The latest Impreza WRX was first unveiled in a blaze of publicity in September last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and there are two versions available here. There is a standard STi for £25,995 and then a special edition fitted with sports-car high-tailed spoiler, grille and front bumper, which will cost £27,495. Subaru also produces more sedate and cheaper sports wagon versions of the WRX, but here we are concentrating on the rubber-burning STi, Type UK.

And a word to the wise here: before handing over the cheque for either model make sure your car is tagged "Type-UK", this is to distinguish them from cheaper grey imports which do not have the additional features which are standard on the British versions, including a top specification alarm and engine immobiliser, a special satellite tracking system, extra rust proofing to cope with the British weather, locking wheel nuts to keep the special gold-coloured spoke alloy wheels in place, and a three year or 60,000 mile warranty as well as three year membership of Subaru Assistance.

So what else do you get for your money? Well, based on a drive from Geneva to York, you get a fast motor, economical if you stick rigidly to under 60mph but a guzzler when you want to show off. It is also very comfortable with its racing-style seating, and quite roomy (a bit tight in the back for the long-legged) as well as providing plenty of boot room.

Instantly recognisable as WRX range-toppers, both models have smoked glass projector beam headlamps, bigger bonnet air intakes and a single large-diameter exhaust pipe.

They also share colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with STi logos and red stitching for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever.

Where the more expensive car stands out is with its Prodrive style extras (Prodrive being racing car specialists) such as massive high-riding boot spoiler, newly designed sill spoilers and a deeper, squarer front bumper. The grille and badging resemble the world rally car.

There is a great deal of advanced technology in the 2.0-litre engine, suffice to say that when you open the bonnet you are greeted by a dramatic mix of colours and detailing. The intake manifold, for example, is painted red and the enlarged aluminium intercooler emblazoned with in-the-face STi lettering.

Also specially fitted is an active valve control system (variable valve timing) which ensures maximum engine response over a wide rev-range. For example the maximum power output of 265PS (261.5bhp) is accessible at 6000rpm and the 253lb.ft of torque at an equally usable 4000rpm.

For performance nuts the STi doesn't half go. It has a top speed of well over the top as you will have guessed by my earlier words, and a 0-60mph rubber-burning time of 5.2-seconds. Fuel economy should really be of little concern to a WRX STi owner, but for those who insist on a clue, at the extra urban cycle it works out at around 29.7mpg at 62mph.

The engine is matched to a slick-shifting, short-throw six speed gearbox. The difference between the STi and other WRX models in the range is demonstrated here: the STi's fourth gear virtually matches third on the WRX, and the sixth gear is still a pulling gear rather than an economy-oriented overdrive.

Also the STi's wheels and tyres are slightly larger than the standard WRX version, while its substantial braking system is from the renowned specialists, Brembo of Italy, together with ABS anti-lock and electronic brake distribution.

Finally, just remember one thing when you sit behind the steering wheel, that the Impreza STi is no slouch, that it is a real belter and that it definitely "ain't for the faint-hearted."

Details at a glance:

Model: Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Prices (on the road): £25,995 Type UK, £27,495 (Type UK Prodrive Style)

Dimensions: Length 4405mm (173.4ins), width 1730mm (68.1ins), height 1440mm (56.7ins), wheelbase 2525mm (99.4ins)

Engine: All alloy 2.0-litre, four-cam boxer unit, with variable valve timing. 1994cc. Six speed.

Maximum power: 261bhp (265PS) at 6,000rpm;

maximum torque 253lb/ft (343Nm) at 4000rpm.

Economy: Extra urban 29.7mpg.

Performance: 0-60mph in 5.2-seconds, top speed 148mpg

Warranty: Three year or 60,000 miles plus six year

anti-corrosion. Three years Subaru Assistance

Updated: 10:43 Friday, March 22, 2002