2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

The new STi

Subaru has issued a teaser shot of its eagerly-anticipated new Impreza WRX STI which debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show on 24 October. And while the image itself is darkly-lit for a sense of drama, enough is revealed to show the car to be substantially different from the standard model. Developed by a dedicated team of performance-loving engineers, the new WRX STI features big blistered wheelarches for a ground-hugging stance.

Technical details are still under wraps but the turbocharged range-topper looks set to satisfy Subaru's loyal fan-club. Meanwhile, at the other end of the new Impreza's extended model range, highly-competitive insurance ratings have just been awarded. The entry-level Impreza 1.5R is Group 4E – down from the previous model's 9E – while the new Impreza 2.0R carries a 7E rating.

First deliveries are due at the end of this month, but the five-door-only range is already winning widespread praise for its ride and refinement plus symmetrical all-wheel drive security. Prices start at only £12,495 OTR for the Impreza 1.5R despite high equipment levels which include driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, alloy wheels, climate-control air-conditioning and a radio/CD player