Subaru leaks WRX STI image 09 | 01 | 2014

THIS IS THE NEW Subaru WRX STI which will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show next week. But don't get too excited: Subaru has yet to confirm whether the car will be imported into the UK.

Forever associated with Scotland's world rally champ Colin McRae, the Subaru WRX STI is only expected to come to the UK if the importer can sell the car for less than £30,000.

On the face of it, that appears a big ask, but it's understood ongoing discussions are currently taking place with senior Subaru bosses in Japan.

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On sale in North America and key global markets for Subaru next year, the car is based on the new WRX saloon which was revealed at the LA Motor Show last November.

According to Subaru, the standard WRX — powered by the 264bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged boxer engine found in the new Subaru Forester — is the "the best-handling WRX ever".

Subaru is remaining tightlipped over the changes it plans to make to the engine for the all-wheel-drive STI model, but it's believed the output will leap to at least 300bhp. It will though definitely come with its own aggressive bodywork package, plus new sports suspension and braking systems. 

Related: Subaru boosts BRZ supply

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Jim McGill