That"s the conclusion...
That"s the conclusion of÷ the Berkshire-based Transport Research Laboratory.
Based on the facelifted...
Based on the facelifted Impreza WRX STi - which we drive for the first time this week on Page 28 - the car should D-light owners with its engine tuned by Prodrive and an interior that offers greater luxury than ever before.
However, the main appeal of the newcomer is expected to be its toned-down styling, as our exclusive images show. Peter Kinnaird, boss of Subaru UK, said: "Not everyone likes the STi"s bold lines; some drivers would prefer a more reserved car - and I"m one of them.
"As a result, we"re looking at replacing the big wings and gold wheels with a far more subtle bodykit. Inside, we"ll add leather seats and maybe sat-nav."
Kinnaird refused to be drawn on speculation about the engine modifications; while he admitted "Prodrive will always find more power", he wouldn"t say how much.
However, Auto Express has learned the target for the rally car builder, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, is around 330bhp. That much power should enable the new four-wheel-drive Impreza to cover the 0-60mph sprint in around 4.5 seconds - matching Subaru"s arch rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX.
The car is described as a limited edition, and an initial production run of only 200 examples is planned. But if it proves a hit, more are likely to be built.
Although prices have still to be confirmed, the Spec-D is tipped to carry a premium over the í‚á£26,995 Impreza STi due to its interior and engine upgrades.
Meanwhile, Subaru has confirmed prices for the rest of the Impreza range. The entry-level 2.0-litre delivers 157bhp, and costs í‚á£16,200, while the 226bhp 2.5-litre WRX weighs in at í‚á£20,900.