Subaru Impreza WRX

A high-powered version of the Subaru Impreza, a small sedan, this vehicle has become an icon for automobile enthusiasts wherever it is sold for its high performance, excellent grip and handling, practicality, and relatively affordable price (approximately 45,000 Australian dollars).

Originally released in 1992 (?) in Japan, then soon after in Australia and Britain (countries which, like Japan, have cars with steering wheels on the right-hand side of the vehicle), it had a turbocharged 2-litre engine originally producing 155 kilowatts, constant four-wheel-drive, wide, low-profile tyres, larger brakes (further improved in later versions with the fitment of four-piston calipers and larger discs), and firmer, better quality suspension components. Offering the performance and handling of vehicles of far higher cost, it rapidly became popular with enthusiasts across those countries. Indeed, it rapidly gained the reputation of being the most popular getaway car for robberies, as even inexpert drivers were able to drive it very quickly.

A series of low-volume versions with even greater power and grip were built by Subaru's inhouse modifier, Subaru Technica International (STi).

In 2000, an all-new version of the car was released, finally appearing in the United States. While more comfortable, quieter and more refined, it has not been as popular with enthusiasts as its greater weight has hampered performance slightly (although a higher-powered engine fitted to Japanese-market version remedies that problem) and the styling is regarded as somewhat unattractive. It still remains by far the fastest-accelerating, grippiest, and in many people's eyes the most exciting sports car available for the price. It is regarded as perhaps the definitive sports car of the 1990s.