Everyone wants a JDM performance car until they see what the market is asking for one. The GRB Impreza WRX STI quietly remains one of the last few bang for your buck buys left in Japan. This one is even more special as it's the STI 20th Anniversary edition, one of just 300 built, and it's just landed with us fresh from Japan.
The Hatch Nobody Wanted to Love
When the hatchback STI arrived in 2007 the purists weren't happy. It didn't have the charm of the Hawkeye or the classic saloon silhouette that won all those world championships. But Subaru didn't take a step back from the Hawkeye generation, the move was still a step in the direction of better rally performance.
The shorter wheelbase made the hatch better suited to rallying, exactly what Subaru needed as the WRC moved into its Super 2000 era. And commercially the hatchback was a safety net into the mainstream market, because at the time it had to compete with some seriously spicy hatchbacks like the Golf GTI and the Focus ST. What you actually got was a wide arched, aggressive looking five door with proper rally DNA underneath. The looks weren't for everyone, but get the right wheels on a GRB and there's no mistaking it for anything other than a performance car.
What Makes the 20th Anniversary Special
STI built this car around one theme: the pleasure of turning. To celebrate 20 years of Subaru Tecnica International they took the standard GRB and gave the chassis the full works. Bespoke STI tuned dampers and springs at all four corners, upgraded wishbones and anti roll bars, pillow ball bushed rear lateral links, an STI flexible front strut brace, a front cross member support kit and an STI flexible lower arm bar.
Four pot Brembo calipers handle stopping duties up front, while wider 245/40R18 rubber sits on STI 18 inch alloys with an STI front under spoiler and a large roof spoiler finished in a special matte black.
Every single one of the 300 cars was retained for the Japanese market, which is exactly why you've probably never seen one on UK roads and exactly why importing is the only way in.
Inside you get black RECARO bucket seats with cherry red stitching, STI logos on the gear knob and ignition button and a 20th Anniversary emblem on the rear. The factory offered a choice of Pure White, WR Blue Mica or Obsidian Black Pearl.
SI-Drive and DCCD Explained
The STI runs two setups that dictate how it behaves. SI-Drive handles the throttle mapping with three modes. Intelligent (I) softens everything off for traffic and low grip conditions, Sport (S) is the everyday setting and Sport Sharp (S#) unlocks full boost and response for back roads or track days.
The DCCD then controls how torque moves between the axles. Auto picks the ideal split for you, Auto [+] sends more forward for grip in the wet, Auto [-] pushes it rearward for a sharper feel and Manual lets you dial the centre diff lock in yourself. Two dials, one car that can be a docile daily on Monday and a weapon on Sunday morning.
The JDM EJ20 Advantage
This being a Japanese market car, under the scoop sits the JDM EJ20 producing 308PS at 6400rpm with 422Nm of torque. The GRB runs equal length headers so you lose the classic off beat rumble, but the flat four still sounds like nothing else low in the revs and there's no mistaking it for anything but a Subaru.
The twin scroll turbo boost delivery is old school in the best way. None of that flat, sensible, linear stuff. You get a proper rush as the boost builds and a punchy mid range. You'll find third gear quickly becoming your best friend. If you play within the EJ20's limits it will take a power increase that quickly puts it in contention with most modern performance cars, especially once the road gets tricky. People are tuning these beyond 400hp, though the standard output is plenty for UK roads in this beautifully balanced package. Boost things up to around 350hp and you'll never get bored.
The driveability is where this car really earns its money. Turn the traction control off and you quickly learn what you can and can't do, and what you find is an unbelievable amount of mechanical grip from the front and rear LSDs working with that centre diff. The boxer engine keeps the centre of gravity low, so the whole car feels planted in a way that flatters you on a damp B road. This is proper performance you can actually use in the UK, in every condition, all year round. Try saying that about a rear drive coupe in February.
Available Now
We currently have a WRX STI hatch in the showroom ready to go, complete with the RECARO interior. View it in our showroom.
We also have two more STI hatches on the way from Japan, both in WR Blue, and both are available to reserve now. Cars like this don't hang around at this end of the market, so if you've been waiting for your window into STI ownership this is probably it.
Get in touch with the team to arrange a viewing or secure one of the incoming cars.
