Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX Type-UK
Especially For Us Brits, Subaru Have Launched An Added Value Impreza Model. Its The Type-UK And Unsurprisingly, Its Extremely Rapid. Steve Walker Reports
There have been a multitude of different high-performance Subaru Impreza editions over the years. Bearing names like WRX, WR1, P1, STi, Type-UK or some baffling combination thereof, it takes a true Scooby aficionado to understand exactly what each one offers. One thing that they definitely all offer, is indecent pace and the WRX Type-UK version of the current 2.5-litre Impreza is no exception.
What it isnt, is any quicker than the standard 2.5-litre WRX Impreza but that shouldnt prove a major deterrent and there are other factors to recommend the Type-UK.
Just for a change, Subaru saw fit to launch an Impreza variant that didnt push the cars already bulging performance envelope any further with power upgrades or handling tweaks. The Impreza WRX Type-UK is mechanically identical to the WRX but it will still tempt buyers with its sparkling value proposition. At no extra cost over the WRX, the Type-UK delivers an anti-theft tracking system, touch screen satellite navigation and a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit. The rally-replica Impreza has never been known for its high-tech gadgetry but this model makes steps toward changing that.
If the only thing keeping your name off the registration document of a new Subaru Impreza WRX is the cost of running such a high performance car, the WRX Type-UK may have the answer. This model is available with free servicing for the first five years or 50,000 miles which has the potential to save you over £1,000. In addition, the vehicle also comes with an extended warranty taking that cover up to five years or 50,000 miles too. The deal is only available for a limited period, so the message is to act now and avoid disappointment.
The WRX Type-UK edition is available for the same price as the standard WRX and you dont need to be a brain surgeon to work out which one most buyers will be going for. Like the WRX, the Type UK is priced from £20,945 and theres a higher-spec SL version costing £22,445. The Imprezas change to 2.5-litre power ensures far more useable grunt low down in the rev-range on the current models, just where you need it for everyday driving.
The downside of the engine change is that CO2 emissions have suffered and with them the cars BIK tax banding. Fuel consumption has also slipped, from more than 30mpg to 27.4mpg. Although, if you drive the Impreza as its manufacturer intended, you wont approach those figures anyway.
"Just remember the Type-UK deal is for a limited period, it wouldnt do to miss out"
Power is fractionally up to 230PS and you can feel the improvement behind the wheel, sixty appearing from rest in 5.9s on the way to a maximum of 143mph. All Imprezas feature aggressive bumpers, a spread-wings mesh grille and hawk-eye headlamps matched by new 3-D cylindrical rear lamps. The gearbox is slicker-shifting too.
Equipment levels are high, including air-conditioning and a single disc CD player. You also get driver, passenger and side airbags and new HID headlamps with pop-up washers. Plus power steering, air-conditioning, remote central-locking, a hill holder clutch, spoiler kit and 15" alloy wheels, so the WRX certainly doesnt want for standard equipment. Factor in a Category One remote alarm and immobiliser, sports seats and four-channel anti-lock brakes, and it looks good value. As befits true driving enthusiasts, the engineers at Subaru have spent most effort fine-tuning the engine, suspension, bodyshell and steering. As with so many evolutionary models, the latest generation Impreza range emerges as a better car, although perhaps not quite so exciting as the original first generation model.
It certainly feels a more mature proposition. The exterior is distinctive and although the single nostril front grille brings to mind some coke-ravaged Z-list celeb, it combines well with the hawk-eye headlights to give the Impreza a more aggressive personality than ever before. Subaru seems to have jumped onto the clear-lensed tail lights bandwagon just as most other manufacturers have jumped off and they dont do a lot to lift the impression of overall quality. Despite its many facelifts and revisions, the Impreza never feels like a thoroughly modern car.
The doors clang shut, the trim feels cheap and hard in almost every area and the seating position is far from ideal. Occupant safety has also been boosted in recent times with the fitment of anti-raindrop door mirrors which stay cleaner longer, thus enhancing visibility. The Impreza also takes a cue from the Forester, featuring active front head-restraints which reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. The brake pedal is energy-absorbing, being designed to snap away under severe impact, protecting the drivers lower limbs.
In the rear seat are two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings. Subaru has had to think long and hard about the positioning of the Impreza 2.5 WRX, and appears to have pitched for the position of best rally replica around. In going head to head with cheaper versions of Mitsubishis Evo, the WRX model has a tough task on its hands, but many will be seduced by the more characterful engine and many more will find the WRX Type-UK value proposition just too hard to resist.
Just remember the Type-UK deal is for a limited period, so it wouldnt do to miss out.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX Type-UK
PRICES: £20,945-£22,445 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 19
CO2 EMISSIONS: 244g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 143mph/ 0-60mph 5.9s ECONOMY: (urban) 19.6mpg / (extra urban) 35.8mpg /(combined) 27.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Drive and passenger airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4465/1740/1440
There have been a multitude of different high-performance Subaru Impreza editions over the years. Bearing names like WRX, WR1, P1, STi, Type-UK or some baffling combination thereof, it takes a true Scooby aficionado to understand exactly what each one offers. One thing that they definitely all offer, is indecent pace and the WRX Type-UK version of the current 2.5-litre Impreza is no exception.
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| Depreciation | |
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| Insurance | |
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Just for a change, Subaru saw fit to launch an Impreza variant that didnt push the cars already bulging performance envelope any further with power upgrades or handling tweaks. The Impreza WRX Type-UK is mechanically identical to the WRX but it will still tempt buyers with its sparkling value proposition. At no extra cost over the WRX, the Type-UK delivers an anti-theft tracking system, touch screen satellite navigation and a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit. The rally-replica Impreza has never been known for its high-tech gadgetry but this model makes steps toward changing that.
If the only thing keeping your name off the registration document of a new Subaru Impreza WRX is the cost of running such a high performance car, the WRX Type-UK may have the answer. This model is available with free servicing for the first five years or 50,000 miles which has the potential to save you over £1,000. In addition, the vehicle also comes with an extended warranty taking that cover up to five years or 50,000 miles too. The deal is only available for a limited period, so the message is to act now and avoid disappointment.
The WRX Type-UK edition is available for the same price as the standard WRX and you dont need to be a brain surgeon to work out which one most buyers will be going for. Like the WRX, the Type UK is priced from £20,945 and theres a higher-spec SL version costing £22,445. The Imprezas change to 2.5-litre power ensures far more useable grunt low down in the rev-range on the current models, just where you need it for everyday driving.
The downside of the engine change is that CO2 emissions have suffered and with them the cars BIK tax banding. Fuel consumption has also slipped, from more than 30mpg to 27.4mpg. Although, if you drive the Impreza as its manufacturer intended, you wont approach those figures anyway.
"Just remember the Type-UK deal is for a limited period, it wouldnt do to miss out"
Power is fractionally up to 230PS and you can feel the improvement behind the wheel, sixty appearing from rest in 5.9s on the way to a maximum of 143mph. All Imprezas feature aggressive bumpers, a spread-wings mesh grille and hawk-eye headlamps matched by new 3-D cylindrical rear lamps. The gearbox is slicker-shifting too.
Equipment levels are high, including air-conditioning and a single disc CD player. You also get driver, passenger and side airbags and new HID headlamps with pop-up washers. Plus power steering, air-conditioning, remote central-locking, a hill holder clutch, spoiler kit and 15" alloy wheels, so the WRX certainly doesnt want for standard equipment. Factor in a Category One remote alarm and immobiliser, sports seats and four-channel anti-lock brakes, and it looks good value. As befits true driving enthusiasts, the engineers at Subaru have spent most effort fine-tuning the engine, suspension, bodyshell and steering. As with so many evolutionary models, the latest generation Impreza range emerges as a better car, although perhaps not quite so exciting as the original first generation model.
It certainly feels a more mature proposition. The exterior is distinctive and although the single nostril front grille brings to mind some coke-ravaged Z-list celeb, it combines well with the hawk-eye headlights to give the Impreza a more aggressive personality than ever before. Subaru seems to have jumped onto the clear-lensed tail lights bandwagon just as most other manufacturers have jumped off and they dont do a lot to lift the impression of overall quality. Despite its many facelifts and revisions, the Impreza never feels like a thoroughly modern car.
The doors clang shut, the trim feels cheap and hard in almost every area and the seating position is far from ideal. Occupant safety has also been boosted in recent times with the fitment of anti-raindrop door mirrors which stay cleaner longer, thus enhancing visibility. The Impreza also takes a cue from the Forester, featuring active front head-restraints which reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. The brake pedal is energy-absorbing, being designed to snap away under severe impact, protecting the drivers lower limbs.
In the rear seat are two ISOFIX-compatible child seat mountings. Subaru has had to think long and hard about the positioning of the Impreza 2.5 WRX, and appears to have pitched for the position of best rally replica around. In going head to head with cheaper versions of Mitsubishis Evo, the WRX model has a tough task on its hands, but many will be seduced by the more characterful engine and many more will find the WRX Type-UK value proposition just too hard to resist.
Just remember the Type-UK deal is for a limited period, so it wouldnt do to miss out.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX Type-UK
PRICES: £20,945-£22,445 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 19
CO2 EMISSIONS: 244g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 143mph/ 0-60mph 5.9s ECONOMY: (urban) 19.6mpg / (extra urban) 35.8mpg /(combined) 27.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Drive and passenger airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4465/1740/1440
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