Upgrades For 2005 Subaru Impreza Range
Published: 17th September 2004
‘Type-UK’ Special Features
The STi is designated and badged ‘Type-UK’ to distinguish it from unofficial imports which do not have the additional features standard on the British versions.
These include a Category One alarm/immobiliser, a special satellite tracking system, enhanced rust proofing to cope with the harsh UK weather, locking wheel nuts and window etching.
Visual differences to the regular WRX include special gold-coloured spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with STi logos.
Also inside is a switch to spray the intercooler with water to retain power during high-temperature/altitude driving. Another device allows the driver to preset a warning buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine.
On opening the bonnet, the engine compartment greets owners with a dramatic mixture of colours and detailing. The intake manifold, for example, is painted in red and the enlarged aluminium intercooler emblazoned with ‘STi’ lettering.
The STi has a top speed of 151.5 mph and 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds from an engine which has been specially developed to meet European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards - unlike the Japanese home-market STi.
Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International Inc, up to 80 per cent of the STi’s all-alloy engine is new compared to the standard turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cam ‘boxer’ unit as fitted to the regular Impreza WRX.
Engine strength and rigidity are boosted by using semi-closed-deck cylinder blocks, reshaping the piston head, fitting screw-in type connecting rods and using forged pistons and shimless valve lifters. Also aimed at high-rev durability are sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow intake valves.
A larger intercooler and air intake provide better cooling and a special intercooler water spray is fitted, operated by the driver with the water tank fitted in the boot.
Also specially fitted to the STi is Subaru’s Active Valve Control System - variable valve timing – which ensures maximum engine response over a wide rev-range.
The result is a maximum power output of 265 PS (261.5 bhp/195 kW) at an accessible 6,000 rpm and 253 lb ft (343 Nm) torque at an equally usable 4,000 rpm.
Subaru Impreza
Our Subaru Impreza Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Impreza range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £12,990 - £25,090
Body Style:
Fuel:
Models in the range: 6
We have road tested the Subaru Impreza, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Subaru Impreza Review - Sep 2006
Subaru Impreza Review - Feb 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
