The Impreza is released in Japan.
The Impreza is released in the UK. Initially only the 5 door was made available with the 4 door available later. Both 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive drive with 1.6, 1.8 and 2 litre engine options.
The Turbo is released in the UK.
First UK special edition released. The McRae was only available in deep blue with 16 inch Speedline Safari alloys, Recaro interior and factory fitted sunroof. Only 200 off produced to celebrate Colin McRae winning the World Rally Championship for Subaru.
The 2 wheel drive and the 1.6 and 1.8 litre models are dropped from the line up.
Facelift body with a more aggressive nose and headlights. The bonnet is resculptured and the bonnet vents either side of the scoop revised. Engine modifications decrease turbo lag and increase torque by using a smaller turbocharger and a straighter inlet path. Power remains the same.
First STi 2 door coupe. 294mm diameter disc brakes and 4 pot calipers seen for the first time on the STi models.
Second UK special edition released. The Catalunya was only available in black with gold wheels with black and red interior and air con as standard. Only 200 off produced to celebrate winning the Catalunyan Rally and the Manufacturer World Rally Championship in 1996
Revised interior using the Forester dash board, Momo steeing wheel and twin airbags. Switchgear and paneling changed on the doors also. Exterior was limited to an upgrade to 16in alloys.
Japanese STi models (version 4) see medium level spoiler.
Third UK special edition released. The Terzo was only available in Sonic Blue with gold wheels with Alcantara trimmed seats and interior with air con as standard. Only 333 off produced to celebrate the third consecutive win of the Manufacturer World Rally Championship.
Japanese release a wide bodied rally replica 2 door coupe with a 2.2 litre turbo charged engine. The 22B was only available in Sonic Blue with wide 235x40x17 gold alloys, high level rear spoiler and revised front nose and bonnet. Only 400 off where produced for the Japanese market to celebrate 40th anniversary of Subaru.
Revised front bumper similar in looks to the 22B and medium level spoiler at rear. Power has increased from 208 to 211bhp and brakes have improved with dual twin opposed pot calipers from the STi models.
22B-UK announced at the NEC Motorshow. Only 16 off to be imported, with conversion to UK specification by Prodrive.
Japanese STi models (version 5) have a high rear spoiler as standard. Suspension is revised with "upside down" dampers.
Fourth UK special edition released. The RB5, only available in Blue Steel Metalic with special graphite coloured Speedline 17in alloys, Alcantara trim and air con as standard. Only 444 off produced to celebrate Richard Burns joining the Subaru WRC Team. The RB5 was also available as an RB5-WR with Prodrive high level spoiler and performance pack.
Revised interior, new 16in alloys and colour coding of mirrors, and door handles.
P1 announced at the London Motorshow. 1000 off 278bhp 2 door coupes to be imported with full European Whole Vehicle Approval. Only available in Sonic Blue with suspension and body styling by Prodrive.
Japanese STi models (version 6) have high level spoiler, some double wing bi-plane style! New alloys also seen on some of the models.
Special editon of the 2 litre Sport model. Available in either Canary Yellow, or Mica Black with matching interior trim and external bodywork to Turbo specification.
New Age Impreza seen for the first time in Japan.
Worldwide launch of the New Age Impreza. Three models to be introduced in the the UK - WRX 2 litre turbo, GX 2 litre and TS 1.6 litre. Both WRX and GX available in 4 and 5 door, the TS only 5 door.
Japanese STi seen for the first time in Japan.
The WRX is released for the first time in the USA and Canada as the MY2002.
First UK special edition of the New Age Impreza released. The UK300, only available in Rally Blue Metalic with gold 18in alloys, Prodrive front and rear spoilers, modified headlights and Alcantara trim as standard. Only 300 off produced. Available as an option on the UK300, this marked the first release of the Prodrive performance pack for the MY2001.
European STi announced at the Frankfurt Motorshow along with an enhanced Prodrive Style model. In Japan the MY2002 WRX, STi8, and Prodrive Style announced all being lightly different to the Euro versions.
Subaru releases a number of limited editions in Japan to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Amongst these are the S202, the first Impreza to officially break the gentlemans agreed 280PS. Also released is an STi with 384N-m of torque (more than a 22B)!
Subaru UK release the Impreza 2 litre GX Sport Special Edition featuring Morrettes headlamps and high rear spoiler for the same price as the standard GX model.
Facelift MY2003 unvieled at the Paris Motorshow. The car features a complete windscreen forward make over and the Bug Eye headlights are no more. The rear sees Lexus style light clusters and on the STi a high rear spoiler as standard. Power on the standard WRX version is up to 225PS from 215PS but there are no changes to the 265PS STi.
To celebrate winning the WRC, Japan announces Petter Solberg Special Edition in both STi and WRX format. Available in rally blue the STi is a limited number of vehicles upto 555 in total, each individually numbered. The WRX is also a special edition but the vehicles only carry the V-Limited plate and are not individually numbered.
Subaru UK release the WR1, a special edition STi featuring DCCD-A, Prodrive Performance Pack as standard, Speedline alloys, driving lights, mesh grills and Ice Blue metallic paint.
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Page created 5th November 2000, last updated 14th March 2004.
Copyright © 2000/1/2/3/4 Steve Breen.