15 Years Of Subaru Impreza
15 Years Of Subaru Impreza

Do you remember what you were doing in 1994? Subaru does. It was just launching the first Impreza turbo - the iconic Turbo 2000.

To celebrate 15 years of turbo Subaru Imprezas they're rolling back the years to introduce one of its strongest sales incentives ever.

At £17,998 the Subaru Impreza WRX is set to become a recession-busting time machine, as prices for the punchy 2.5-litre WRX Turbo are astonishingly rolled back to exactly the same price as the first car in 1994. That's a massive £2,100 saving on the list price.

This great offer is the last chance for UK customers to buy into the legendary turbocharged WRX brand - with its flexible, 230 PS, 236 lb ft (320 Nm) torque 'EJ25' flat-four 'Boxer' engine, married to Subaru's trusty Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive - as no more WRX Turbos will be built for sale in the UK.

In 1994, the Subaru Impreza was launched in the UK: "Providing exhilarating performance, four-wheel drive and superb handling, yet demonstrating total flexibility and practicality for everyday use." And, on the surface of things, nothing much has changed - these are still core Subaru brand values.

But, in a decade and a half of brand development by Subaru, the current Impreza WRX Turbo is a radically evolved beast from its early 'classic' predecessor - while still retaining its classic Subaru Impreza hallmarks: stunning performance from the (now 2.5-litre, not two-litre as per original) turbocharged engine, unrivalled grip from its symmetrical, low centre of gravity AWD system and ever-increasing comfort, refinement, build quality and practicality throughout.

Over the 15 years of Subaru Impreza WRX Turbos, while the car remains essentially the same in exciting feel and quirky character, there has been a successful, natural period of evolution, heralding many big changes: first and foremost, the Subaru Impreza is now a hatchback, with a shell considerably stiffer than originally designed in 1994, using the latest chassis technology. The wheel base is longer and track is far wider, providing even greater levels of 4x4 grip - working in harmony with the 17-inch wheels (16-inch upon launch), uprated, re-designed MacPherson strut front and highly sophisticated multi-link double wishbone rear suspension (new for 2008), with a heavily re-worked symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (now with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control).

Meanwhile, under the bonnet, power has risen from 208 bhp to just under 230 bhp, with substantially more torque on offer lower down the rev range and throughout the muscular mid-range, and with greater peak figures (210 lb ft in 1994 vs 236 lb ft in 2009), and performance increases to match.

And still offering great piece of mind and security, is Subaru's dealer-backed three-year, 60,000-mile warranty - as it was in 1994. Only now it is even better; with a 12-year anti-corrosion cover and three-year paintwork warranty as standard.

And like this incredible £17,998 price tag, unchanged since 1994, the Subaru Impreza WRX Turbo still remains a 100% focused, 100% practical, 100% addictive "drivers' car" attracting a loyal cult following of dedicated enthusiasts.

Lawrence Good, Managing Director, Subaru (UK) Ltd said: "This is the last opportunity for Subaru WRX fans to buy into the latest, best Impreza WRX Turbo model - at a price they were 15 years ago! It is one of our best dealer offers in our history - ideal in these lean times. The Impreza has evolved a great deal over the years, yet has always offered a brilliant blend of practicality and performance - unrivalled by any of its competitors - while retaining its essential character as a fun, motorsport-honed, interesting, exciting daily driver with many unique charms. We shall miss the WRX Turbo when it is gone."


Published : 02/02/09 Author : Staff

Subaru Impreza News

This is a 15-year+ news article, from our Subaru archive, which dates back to the year 2000.

If in doubt check with your local Subaru dealer as car prices and technical data will have changed since 2009.

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