The 2005 model has very few visible revisions to distiguish the car over the 2003/4 face lift models. There is a slight difference in the interior on the dash board on all Impreza models where the rotary controls are now standing proud of the dash. This was first seen on the new Forester introduced last year. The other big change that is a tell tail to being an MY2005 on the WRX is that the brake calipers are now painted red. These are only the most obvious visible changes. Read the Subaru UK Press release below for full details.
Impreza WRX STi Type-UK Gains:
Impreza WRX Gains:
Impreza 2.0 GX Gains:
All 2005 Imprezas Gain:
Extensive chassis revisions for Subaru’s iconic Impreza range deliver an even sportier drive, while the interior has undergone a thorough upgrade for a plusher ambience.
Biggest changes are to the high-performance Impreza WRX STi Type-UK which costs £25,995 on-the-road – £1,000 more than before.
This is despite the STi’s thoroughly revised suspension and all-wheel drive system which now features a fast-acting helical front limited-slip differential (LSD), driver’s control centre differential (DCCD) and standard yaw-rate sensor.
Externally, the only visual changes to the STi are subtle extensions to the rear wheelarches to accommodate the extended rear track, the deletion of red-paint for the inverted suspension struts and slightly wider gold alloy wheels in a new 10-spoke design.
Meanwhile, the best-selling Impreza WRX gains inverted front and rear suspension struts – previously only used by the STi. This sharpens handling feel and enhances roadholding by reducing wheel movement during hard cornering or when covering bumpy surfaces.
The ’05 WRX – which still starts from £19,995 OTR - can be spotted externally by its red painted brake callipers. Hidden improvements include aluminium front suspension lateral links - which reduce unsprung weight – and more rigid suspension mountings for even more precise handling.
Also aiding handling is a revised steering system with a cannon mount-type attachment for the steering gearbox and steering damper valve which reduces kick-back.
Offering even better value and boasting the same ‘boxer’ engine charm and symmetrical all-wheel roadholding as its bigger brothers is the ’05 Impreza 2.0 GX saloon and 5-door.
These ‘entry-level’ Imprezas now start at £14,500 and £15,600 OTR respectively – reductions of £450 and £300.
Impreza 2.0 GX improvements include new, larger diameter 7-spoke 16x6.5 ins alloy wheels with 205/50 tyres for extra grip. This is further enhanced by the fitment of a rear anti-roll bar.
Like all ’05 Imprezas, the 2.0 GX has a new, smaller diameter 3-spoke steering wheel and plusher, soft-touch cloth door trim which covers a larger area.
The aluminium-effect fascia centre section now swoops down in one cohesive panel, right from above the centre air-vents to the gearlever area.
The air-conditioning controls now comprise three diamond-cut round dials giving a quality look and action and there are two cup holders in the new centre console.
Minor equipment changes for the 2.0 GX include the deletion of side skirts and leather-covered steering wheel, while the saloon no longer has a boot spoiler.
Sure to appeal to enthusiasts, a driver’s control centre differential (DCCD) becomes standard on the WRX STi.
The DCCD is operated via a switch mounted next to the handbrake and allows the driver to manually select the torque distribution front to rear, reverting to automatic mode every time the ignition is turned off.
For example, he or she can choose between having a sharper cornering turn-in or more stable straight-line running.
However, on the new 2005 Impreza WRX STi, the system is further upgraded by the fitment of a yaw-rate sensor and new front helical limited-slip differential.
The new front LSD is quicker-acting than the previous type and improves steering stability when cornering near the limit. It also improves the car’s steering behaviour on slippery surfaces with less side-to-side tug.
Meanwhile, the yaw rate sensor enhances the balance between straight-line stability and turn-in.
The car, of course, continues to employ Subaru’s much-admired symmetrical, full-time all-wheel drive system with a rear LSD.
The 2005 Impreza WRX STi also has a completely revised suspension with new geometry including a caster angle raised by 1.5 degrees and a 15 mm wider rear track and 10 mm longer wheelbase.
Spring and damper rates have been retuned and the front and rear lateral links are now made from aluminium to reduce unsprung weight. Also changed are the anti-roll bars which are now bigger, further reducing body roll and increasing handling sensitivity.
In addition, the suspension mounting points are more rigid including the support arm for the front cross-member and jack-up plate which are now a single unit.
Even the front axle hub units and housings have been redesigned to improve the capacity of the wheel bearings, while the rear differential cushion rubber has been uprated to increase handling stability.
The Impreza WRX STi’s steering has also undergone engineering refinement, making for greater precision and feedback. This is achieved by using a cannon mount-type attachment for the steering gearbox.
Meanwhile, a special damper valve has been added to the system which reduces kick-back during hard cornering or when driving on a bumpy road.
Other technical changes include the fitment of engine and floorpan underfloor covers to improve the aerodynamics.
Like the rest of the ’05 Impreza range, significant changes have been made to the interior to enhance the ambience while retaining the Impreza STi’s sporty character.
Specific new features for the STi include a new design of gear lever and three-spoke steering wheel.
Even the seat trim has come in for re-examination, and while the popular blue suede-effect centre section with red STi logos continues, the black cloth covering the side supports is now of a richer, more grippy material.
The STi is designated and badged ‘Type-UK’ to distinguish it from unofficial imports which do not have the additional features standard on the British versions.
These include a Category One alarm/immobiliser, a special satellite tracking system, enhanced rust proofing to cope with the harsh UK weather, locking wheel nuts and window etching.
Visual differences to the regular WRX include special gold-coloured spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with STi logos.
Also inside is a switch to spray the intercooler with water to retain power during high-temperature/altitude driving. Another device allows the driver to preset a warning buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine.
On opening the bonnet, the engine compartment greets owners with a dramatic mixture of colours and detailing. The intake manifold, for example, is painted in red and the enlarged aluminium intercooler emblazoned with ‘STi’ lettering.
The STi has a top speed of 151.5 mph and 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds from an engine which has been specially developed to meet European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards – unlike the Japanese home-market STi.
Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International Inc, up to 80 per cent of the STi’s all-alloy engine is new compared to the standard turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cam ‘boxer’ unit as fitted to the regular Impreza WRX.
Engine strength and rigidity are boosted by using semi-closed-deck cylinder blocks, reshaping the piston head, fitting screw-in type connecting rods and using forged pistons and shimless valve lifters. Also aimed at high-rev durability are sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow intake valves.
A larger intercooler and air intake provide better cooling and a special intercooler water spray is fitted, operated by the driver with the water tank fitted in the boot.
Also specially fitted to the STi is Subaru’s Active Valve Control System – variable valve timing – which ensures maximum engine response over a wide rev-range.
The result is a maximum power output of 265 PS (261.5 bhp/195 kW) at an accessible 6,000 rpm and 253 lb ft (343 Nm) torque at an equally usable 4,000 rpm.
A popular option – the 305 PS Prodrive-developed performance pack – continues to be available for the ’05 Impreza STi.
Costing £1,995 including 2.5 hours for dealer fitment, the power upgrade also sees torque leap to 299 lb ft. This results in a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, a 0-100 mph time of 12.2 seconds and a top speed exceeding 155 mph.
As with the normal WRX, the horizontally-opposed four-cam, 16-valve ‘boxer’ engine has a bore and stroke of 92x75 mm for a capacity of 1,994 cc and runs on an 8.0:1 compression ratio.
Fast cars need good brakes and the STi features an ABS braking system made by renowned specialists, Brembo S.p.A of Italy while a close-ratio six-speed gearbox exploits the engine’s performance to the full.
All Imprezas marketed by Subaru (UK) Limited come with the reassurance of a three year or 60,000 mile warranty plus 12 year anti-corrosion cover and three year paintwork warranty.
This is in addition to three years’ membership of Subaru Assistance – a comprehensive home and roadside repair and recovery package throughout the UK and Europe administered by Mondial Assistance.
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Page last updated
12th March 2004
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