Subaru Impreza STi finally unveiled

Another week, another Subaru Impreza STi story... But wake up at the back, because this one is official. And there aren't any big surprises in store - the barmiest new Impreza is just as we predicted in our scoop.

The European-spec hatch-only STi uses the same turbocharged 2.5 flat four that powered today's WRX; Japanese officials haven't confirmed the power output yet, but bank on comfortably over 300bhp, probably nearer 320bhp by the time the car arrives in the UK next year. In Japan, the STi gets a 2.0-litre flat four.

How to spot the five-door Impreza STi? It'll be hard to miss the wide-hipped wheelarches, 18-inch alloy wheels, deep spoiler and gaping bonnet air scoop, four-pot exhaust and a subtle (for Subaru) roof spoiler.

Subaru's racing division is very excited by the new STi - the new hatch bodystyle and squarer stance are said to improve the dynamics and handling. As will the new thumbwheel-operated DCCD, or Driver Controlled Centre Differential, which lets you redistribute the torque split between front and rear axles.

The STi will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in late October 2007; UK sales will kick off in March 2008, with a price tag tipped to hit £27,000.