Subaru Sti or Subaru Technica International department is responsible for the new road going versions of the world famous Rally cars.

Since 1996 we have had a varied selection 4wd 300bhp Sti cars both with 2 or 4 door variants ,with each model year bringing a different version of each car and a numbered limited edition, version 5 type R coupes and the 4dr V-Limited example are the most popular versions of what now is fondly known as the classic shape.

Version 5 can be distinguished from the earlier models by having the first of the now mandatory higher rear spoiler, The coupe version had an adjustable differential that changed the bias of the four wheel drive from the front to the rear, the lower geared the four door cars relinquished this in exchange for ABS.

V-Limited cars could be either 2 or 4dr and would be only available in Rallye blue , The Recaro seats where blue with either a Subaru logo or the ‘555’logo , most distinguishable feature was the ‘ Safari roof’ a small vent in the roof that flips open to cool the driver.

In 1998 Subaru introduced a limited edition 2200 cc version of its Type R coupe hand built by Sti with extended arches to replicate exactly its World Rally car, 400 cars where built and sold out in Japan within minutes, prospective buyers had to enter a lottery in order to purchase one leaving no production for the rest of the world.

The cars changed hands in the UK for double the Japanese value and a further 16 cars where brought in by the British Subaru importer . Independent importers like my self and Park Lane in Hampshire where responsible for the most cars that arrived in the UK.

Reputed to be 350 bhp this car has now become a collectors item only 3 years after production, very few cars come for sale either here or in Japan, I have now had 25 cars through my hands and still get offered the odd one, ask me at 22B@wickedkit.com

2001 brought the ‘New age Impreza’ or the bug eye as it is known here

Originally an unpopular shape its superior build quality over the classic shape and its 6 speed gearbox eventually won it over to the UK public and the Japanese 300 bhp Sti version now is the car to have.

2002 brings us the S202, kept a big secret in Japan and based on a lightweight RA type C version but given the driver comforts of air conditioning and electric windows and ABS.

For the first time a published engine power of 320 bhp with front and rear limited slip differentials, fully adjustable suspension, lightweight panels and lighter alloy wheels, produced only in a limited run of 400 and only available in Japan, all cars where sold on he first day of release, we where fortunate to purchase five cars and we believe at the time of writing no more than ten cars are in the UK.

"This is definitely the fastest production Subaru ever made".

You can read the EVO magazine road test here.

With domestic sales slipping Subaru decided to change the bug eye Corolla look to a more angular menacing look and is destined to be the best Impreza yet with a re designed front and rear, This model only just out in Japan and at the moment its an uneconomic import but just watch this space.