The 3rd generation Impreza debuted in May 2007, with the eagerly awaited STI version added to the lineup in October of the same year. This new Impreza was transformed from the previous 4-door saloon to a new 5-door hatchback, and although the wheelbase was extended by 100 mm, the total length of the new car was shorter by 50 mm due to the smaller boot section.

In order to accomodate wider tyres it has large oversized wheelarches, expanding the width by 55 mm. This was the first time that the STI version was given special dedicated body panels in this manner. This was then matched with an SI tuned chassis, greatly improving the handling performance. One detail that differs from previous models is that the car is not equipped with high grip tyres - following the same philosophy as the Lancer Evo X, a greater emphasis has been placed on its performance as a road car, rather than the pursuit of quick laptimes on a circuit.

The EJ20 turbo was beefed up to 303 BHP, and a dual AVCS (Active Valve Control System) variable valve timing system was utilised to reduce emissions. The VDC (more common in the European market),...