» Subaru updates the WRX again

Another facelift: Subaru has updated its Impreza WRX (left) and WRX STI (right) models for the second time.

In a sign that its ploy of offering a more sophisticated car has backfired, Subaru has taken the knife to its latest-generation Impreza WRX for the second time in three years, returning the car to more hardcore roots that have made it a boy-racer’s favourite for years.

The latest-spec WRX offers a wider-bodied, more aggressive appearing version of the cult hatch and sedan.

The latest iteration features a wider stance and revised suspension for the standard WRX model, giving the car reduced body-roll through the corners. The WRX will also get bigger guards and more heavily-flared wheel arches, and the sedan version will feature a new rear wing to give it a more aggressive look.

Highlighting that its top of the line WRX STI hasn’t been selling well, its new iteration comes with a AU$2,000 price cut and a new paddle-shift auto option at no cost. It has also been lowered to improve cornering stability.

Engine profiling has remained unchanged, with power coming from the 2.5-litre turocharged 4-cylinder horizontally opposed (‘boxer’) engine, with the WRX producing 190kW and the more powerful STI pumping out 221kW.