The 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 195kW @ 6,000rpm = 0-100 in 5.2 seconds Not quite a rally car, the STi comes close At home on the race track as well as the road Momo wheel, suede bucket seats, analogue dials

The Subaru Impreza WRX is the dream car of all tom-boy racers. It's got that mean bonnet scoop that sucks in copious amounts of cool, fresh air - forcing it straight onto the cars air-to-air intercooler.

It's got that trademark rumbling boxer engine, it's agile, yet sure-footed and will get you from A to B quicker than most European exotics. It's quite difficult to put your finger on any one aspect that makes this car so desirable - yet it just is.

Perhaps it's the unique power delivery that only a horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder engine can deliver, with its deep, menacing growl.

Perhaps it's gut-wrenching g-forces felt when the turbo spools up, delivering ludicrous amounts of torque for such a small 2.0-litre, four-banger.

But now there's an even more desirable WRX - the second generation WRX from Subaru Technica International (STi).

Many fans of the punchy little WRX will be pleased to know it will be available in Australia before years end (late December) and dealers are even taking expressions of interest for the STi right now.

The styling cues over the standard WRX aren't numerous, but it's the little touches that finish it off in a most impressive fashion

Thankfully, the STi version does away with those rather bulbous single headlights, opting instead for a much more sophisticated three-lens cluster (aka smoked glass projector beam headlamps).

The result is a more modern, and less droopy-looking front end.

New STi fog-light covers have been added plus a bigger bonnet scoop, large-diameter rear exhaust pipe and gold five spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres finish off the STi with style.

Inside, the car is finished with suede-effect bucket seats, STi logos everywhere and a momo steering wheel. There's even a driver-operated button that sprays the intercooler with water, because cars get thirsty, too!

In addition to the extra water spray, drivers can set an audio warning to sound against over-revving the engine. Expect it to go off often...

All these goodies make for an extremely enticing and gadget-filled car, but rest assured, it's no mule either.

The WRX STi will give drivers a Porsche-like 0-100km/h sprint time - about the time it takes to push the intercooler water-spray button. This amazing acceleration is possible thanks to the technical optimisations made at STi.

The engine is now some 80 per cent changed, compared to the stock WRX's turbocharged 2.0-litre mill. New changes include:

• uprated catalyst

• modified air-fuel ratio sensor

• special multi-hole fuel-injectors fitted

• larger intercooler

• increased engine rigidity via closed-deck cylinder blocks

• reshaped piston heads

• new screw-in type con-rods

• forged pistons and shimless valve lifters

• sodium-filled exhaust valves (better heat dissipation)

• hollow intake valves

Also of note is the specially fitted Active Valve Control System – basically variable valve timing – which ensures maximum engine response over a wide rev-range. The WRX STi pumps about 18psi of boost, compared to the stock WRX, using 14psi.

All these technical statistics translate to some very fine performance figures. The rev ceiling has been raised, allowing a potent 195kW @ 6000rpm. Interestingly, the Japanese STi created even more power, some 206kW - but this is more due to the use of 100 RON petrol. Australia's higest octane rated fuel is 98 RON, with the likes of Shell's Optimax and Mobil's Synergy. That said, there are octane boosters that can help in this respect.

The new WRX STi churns out an impressive 343Nm of torque to all wheels @ 4,000 rpm. This equates to a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.2 seconds. Thanks to the all-wheel drive system, the car exhibits predictable handling in all conditions, but also the takeoff is slightly quicker than equally-powered rear or front-wheel drive cars.

Compared to last years STi sedan, this model represents not a huge amount of difference in performance, though the massive brembo vented discs ensure the brakes are more than adequate to cope with the manic torque and extra weight. Thanks to the car's six-speed manual transmission, getting to the car's top speed of 245km/h is a lot easier than it should be.

A specialised suspension setup provides excellent driving characteristics, which can deal with slow, city cruising or more spirited driving. A slightly wider track, coupled with fatter tyres ensures even better traction than the model before it and, thanks to the new suspension setup, body-roll has been minimised too.

Straight out of the box, this car has an amazingly powerful punch and goes head-to-head with the likes of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo VII. While the Lancer has slightly more torque, it would come down to driving skill or gear changes to split the two in straight-line performance.

At the end of the day, the new Impreza WRX STi is pretty much what we expected. It's fast, looks better than the standard rex and offers amazingly good bang for your buck at $55,130. Like the new twin-turbo Liberty B4, the WRX STi will be a permanent vehicle in Subaru showrooms across Australia. Next from STi - a red-hot Forester.