Subaru Impreza WRX-S - Special Edition : VERY IMPREZIVE

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Subaru's limited edition Impreza WRX-S is a sportier, more powerful version of the original WRX. Matt Low reports

Based on the Impreza WRX, the limited edition Subaru Impreza WRX-S offers an expensive bundle of added extras at a relatively small premium. Developed alongside rally-specialists Prodrive, it also features some styling tweaks and a more powerful engine, dispelling the idea that Subaru's latest Impreza had gone a bit soft.

The latest generation Subaru Impreza WRX caused some commotion when it was launched. Ever since the original Impreza first emerged in the early Nineties, there was been a reassuring predictability about what the car was all about. It came in either a saloon or an estate body shape, was fairly poorly made inside, had four-wheel drive, went very fast and was more often than not, was a very enjoyable driving experience. That was up until this new WRX was born. All of a sudden, the Impreza was now a hatchback with less focus on tearing up tarmac and a more mainstream family focus. The diehard fans didn't like it. But with the limited edition WRX-S we're looking at here, those diehards can breathe a sigh of relief. Its tweaked engine and more aggressive body give it a sporty edge over the standard WRX and provide performance levels more akin to its iconic predecessor. Banbury-based Prodrive has re-programmed the 2.5-litre `boxer' engine's ECU (electronic control unit) and modified the exhaust system. This means that where the standard Impreza WRX produces 228bhp at 5,200rpm, this special edition Impreza WRX-S gives an improved 251bhp at 5,400rpm. The increase in torque is even greater, with the WRX-S possessing a maximum torque of 390Nm at 3,000rpm as opposed to the WRX's 319Nm at 2,800rpm. Compared to the standard WRX, the `S' edition moves up through the five-speed manual transmission with far greater urgency and in any gear at any revs, feels a lot racier. As in the basic model, maximum speed remains at 130mph but the 0-60mph dash has dropped from 6.1 seconds to 5.5 seconds. This impressive torque upgrade is the important figure as it takes the WRX-S performance near to the levels of the rapid 295bhp Impreza STi - for a £2,500 saving. WRX-S owners can also look forward to all-wheel drive and a rear limited-slip differential with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control. Safety features include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.

"The Impreza WRX-S is really how the standard WRX should have been from the beginning...."

Like the Impreza WRX, the WRX-S adopts Subaru's five-door hatchback body shape, as opposed to the classic old saloon and estate models. In its current guise it gains 45mm in width over the old body style which gives it a much more practical application for family buyers. Following this theme, the boot has a useful 538 litres of storage space. The sideskirts, front and rear spoilers and front grille have sharpened up the look over the standard WRX-S and given it a racier feel. The interior is a big step forward. The tough plastics and staid design of the old car have finally been axed in favour of the superior quality materials and modern layout in this model. At £22,495, the Impreza WRX-S offers £4,500 worth of extras at a £2,500 premium over the standard Impreza WRX. Most of that extra money has gone on the changes under the bonnet, but there have been some equipment and styling alterations too. Alongside the standard WRX fare of climate control, fog lamps, electric windows, a vehicle information display, xenon headlamps, an MP3-compatible CD/radio stereo with a six-disc auto changer and ten speakers, passenger and drivers' side, front and curtain airbags, the `S' edition adds a leather-covered height and reach adjustable steering wheel with mounted stereo controls, a Prodrive exhaust, front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a MOM `Air-Race' effort gearknob. There's also remote central locking with an alarm and immobiliser, 18x7.5-inch anthracite GT1 alloy wheels and rear privacy-glass. The choice of colours includes San Remo Red, the legendary WR Blue Mica, Obsidian Black Pearl and Satin White Pearl. The WRX-S also boasts 18x7 with 225/40 tyres, an STI front grille, STI front lip spoiler and STI rear wing and body-coloured tailgate moulding. The door handles and mirrors are body colour-coded and popup headlamp washers are also included in the price along with WRX-S branded mats. WRX-S branded full leather trim on the interior upholstery can be fitted by the dealer at a further premium of £1,600. Despite its family friendly dimensions and competitive pricing, the WRX-S is unlikely to cross over into the mainstream and the reason behind this is its poor economy. Using a WRX-S as your daily runabout could be tantamount to financial suicide. You'll be lucky to get anywhere near the urban fuel consumption figure of 19.8mpg and even if you do, it's still not very economical now is it? CO2 emissions of 246g/km mean this special edition isn't likely to feature on too many company car lists either. Insurance is likely to be high. One small comfort for owners is the fact that Subaru Imprezas have gained a reputation as being a particularly reliable product and there's no evidence to suggest the WRX-S will be any different. You shouldn't therefore, have to schedule too many trips to the workshop. The Impreza WRX-S is really how the standard WRX should have been from the beginning. The difference that the Prodrive-tweaked engine makes to the handling and performance is huge and is really worth every penny of the £2,500 premium. Diehard Impreza fans may still be coming to terms with the new hatchback body shape but if they get their head round that and have a go behind the wheel, their faith may be quickly restored. The Prodrive engine gives the kind of performance Impreza-fans feared had been lost with the new generation. The extra equipment that comes with the WRX-S is very generous for the extra cost and the sporty looks will appeal to potential boy racers if they can afford it. If you are planning to use the car for more mainstream purposes, the interior is extremely comfortable and spacious and the boot has plenty of room. On the downside, you will probably fork out a small fortune in insurance payments and fuel. But then pleasure always has its priceâ€¦â€¦

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Subaru Impreza WRX-S Special Edition
PRICE: £22,495 - on the road
CO2 EMISSIONS: 246g/km (est)
INSURANCE GROUP: 19 (est)
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 130mph / 0-60mph 5.5s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 19.8mpg / (extra urban) 34.4mpg / (combined) 27.2mpg (est)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: front, side and curtain airbags / ABS / EBD / VDC
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4415/1740/1475mm