Is there a more bewildering car than the Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI of 2000 to 2007?
Not only are there three versions (two facelifts and a larger-engined model known as, according to their headlight design, bug-eye, blob-eye and hawk-eye), but there are also saloon, estate and wide-track bodies, not to mention Prodrive Performance Pack (PPP) variants and countless custom-tuned examples whose claimed power outputs inevitably tumble in the face of a rolling road. Add official special editions and it’s clear you need to know your Imprezas before you set foot on a seller’s forecourt.
However, perhaps overwhelmed by instructions not to drop the ball, the designers did just that when they gave the new car a pair of ugly headlights. Immediately, it became known by enthusiasts as the bug-eye. A couple of years later, they gave the Impreza a fresh set of peepers, only to have the car renamed the blob-eye. At least engine power rose to 222bhp. More important, the WRX STI was rolled out. It produced 261bhp and had a strengthened six-speed gearbox in place of the WRX’s five-speeder. Experts reckon this engine is the best. The STI also got quicker steering and a limited-slip front diff.
In 2005, Subaru hoped to turn the page on bug-eye and blob-eye with a third, heavily revised version that became known, more flatteringly, as the hawk-eye. Out went the venerable 2.0-litre turbo boxer to be replaced by a much modified but, some insist, more fragile, 2.5-litre unit. WRXs produced 226bhp and STIs 276bhp.
The hawk-eye also had a wider track, which is why it’s also known as, in the way Impreza owners like to call a spade a spade, the wide track.
Just to confuse you, the last of the blob-eye cars were known as STI 9s. Some reckon they’re the best of the best since they use the hawk- eye’s running gear and later cars’ switchable Driver Control Centre Differential (DCCD) – which allows the driver to send 65% of the power to the rear wheels – yet retain the 2.0-litre STI engine.
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Had some STi's in the past
Had some STi's in the past done up for some track work.....
Really just a whole lotta fun.....
Would luv another 07 STI.....!!!
Superb cars.
I used to own one, 03 WRX that I had the Performance Pack, lowered springs, and STi wheels fitted to. All Subaru / Pro Drive parts.
I found the standad suspension too soft, with not enough body control. So I had the springs changed. I have to admit I only asked the garage if they were stiffer and only found out after they were fitted they also lowered the car! The set-up was just perfect, controlled body but still able to handle rough roads just right.
Performance Pack by Pro Drive made the engine response much better. You didn't have this sudden whoosh of power as it was by standard, but more linear and of course more of it too. Made the car much more driveable. And because it was Pro Drive you knew it was safe for the engine; not some idiot in a shed playing at being an engineer.
And finally, those wheels. I discovered that the WR1 came in to the UK on STi wheels (they were a gun metal rather than bright gold finish), only for them to be changed in the UK to ProDrive wheels. So bought the WR1's original wheels & tyres and that gave me slightly wider rubber. It really worked nicely.
In nearly 100k of running the car the only fault I had to get fixed was the drop-outs on the suspension as they were making a noise, done under warranty. Otherwise it was 100% reliable. Unlike my next car, the BMW...