<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With only 400 units produced the Impreza R205 is a highly exclusive model relatively unknown here in the UK. Having supplied several of these, we have to say it’s a model that just has so much going for it.</span></p>
<p>R205 is a seriously capable machine, taking the mighty STi Spec C hatch and turning it up to 11. Subaru threw everything at it and the results are a blisteringly quick modern performance car with outrageous handling and an ability to cover ground at an astonishing rate. It also happens to have one of the most gloriously raspy exhaust notes. As far as all-rounders go it doesn't get much better.</p>
<p>With modern equipment, great seating, isofix, big boot and compact dimensions you can liken this to many of the current crop of new performance hatches. Totally usable as a daily, well equipped for family duties and with subtle, non shouty styling this offers real exclusivity, supercar eating performance and the chance to pilot something most people don't know about. This is another very special, very rare Subaru.</p>
<p>This particular example is simply stunning. #319/400 Presented in the premium Dark Grey Metallic (61K) it’s just so subtle. A grown up hooligan that doesn't reveal itself until you inspect it more closely, hang on a minute….This thing’s rocking Six pot front calipers and four pot rears! forged STi wheels, STi aero etc etc.</p>
<p>A Grade 4B at USS Tokyo it’s in outstanding condition throughout partly due to having covered only 22,365kms (13,896 miles) from new. Completely original with no modifications and represents this wonderful model very well indeed.</p>
<p>A ridiculously low production number, future classic perfect for a collector but even better for someone that wanted to use this regularly, think Golf R beating daily driver with serious rarity.</p>
<p>Some of Subarus finest work to date, an example not to be overlooked. </p>
<p><br><strong>Written for EVO Magazine</strong></p>
<p>Based around the 2009 WRX STI Spec-C and developed during the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance race, there are several upgrades over the normal STI that set the R205 apart.</p>
<p>The main area STI has tweaked is the suspension. Specially tuned dampers and coil springs are employed, and work with a flexible front strut bar and lower arm stiffener to keep the specially designed Bridgestone RE070 rubber (wrapped around cast 18” wheels) firmly on the ground. Behind the lightweight wheels sit Brembo brakes - six-pot at the front and four-pot at the rear.</p>
<p>Power is 316bhp, and comes from the classic 2-litre boxer four-cylinder, with a new ball bearing turbo to aid spool time. The exhaust is also new, creating less backpressure and making use of a revised sports muffler. An ECU tweak is the final piece in the power puzzle.</p>
<p>Distinguishing the R205 from lesser cars in Subaru’s arsenal isn’t easy. There’s an STI bodykit (which apparently improves aerodynamic performance), an R205 grille at the front and a small badge on the back. Interior tweaks are a couple of R205 sill plates and a serial number plate. It’s safe to say Subaru are intending on letting the performance do the talking.</p>
<p>Only 400 of these cars will be made and all will be sold in Japan, so the only way to get your hands on one is to stick it on a boat and import it. The cost in Japan will be 4,510,000 Yen (£30,395), which is a smidge more expensive than the cheapest 296bhp Mitsubishi Evo X available over here, and over a grand less than the Impreza STI 330S. That makes the R205 seem decent value for money. - Evo Magazine.</p>
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