The 2006 model is the third facelift of the New Age Impreza. Taking the chassis advances of the MY2005 model and combining it with a new front end and engine packages. This is the first Impreza to be styled by the Italian and ex Alfa designer Andreas Zapatinas.

Impreza WRX STi Type-UK Gains:

• High torque 2.5 litre turbo with 281 PS and 289 lb ft torque – an increase of 16 PS and 36 lb ft
• Diffuser rear under spoiler and rear window roof vane
• Revised gear ratios giving sharper acceleration and more relaxed cruising
• Revised symmetrical all-wheel drive system for even more agile handling and driver involvement
• New torque sensitive front limited-slip differential (LSD)
• Revised driver’s control centre differential (DCCD) with front/back torque distribution in auto mode of 41:59 (was 35:65 in the MY2005)
• Revised yaw rate sensor now improved with steering input
• HID headlamps
• Improved driver and front passenger safety with the inclusion of side air bags
• Now £26,995 OTR - an increase of £1,000
• Spec D limited edition of 300 vehicles

Impreza WRX Gains:

• 2.5 litre turbo with 230PS and 235 lb ft torque - an increase of 5 PS and 15 lb ft
• Revised shorter gear ratios with slicker shorter throw gear change
• HID headlamps
• Now £20,900 OTR price for saloon and £21,400 for the 5-door an increase of £905

The WRX SL variation continues with leather interior and electric sunroof as standard for £1,500 more than the standard model.

New for 2006 is the R model featuring an uprated 2.0 litre normally aspirated engine, taking over from the outgoing 2005 GX. Two variants of the R are available, an entry level 5 door model and several Sport models featuring an automatic gearbox option.

Impreza R specification:

• Power increase of 35 PS to 160 PS
• Increased range from a larger 60 litre fuel tank
• Manual 5 speed and automatic gearbox options available
• HID headlamps on Sport models
• Sport saloon is now £16,200 (GX saloon was £14,500) OTR with 5-door at £16, 700 (GX 5 door was £15,600).
• Auto transmission option available £1,050 extra.

For further details see the official UK press release.

The following press releases were made in the UK regarding the MY2006.

• 5th October - Subaru UK reveal new Impreza prices
• 6th October - Subaru UK no longer a fringe player

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Page last updated 9th October 2005
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