Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sort UK PPP on the market

We at all times wish to say that PH is a broad church, welcoming automotive lovers of all stripes and persuasions – however there do are typically basic ties that bind us. One in all them is getting all misty-eyed on the mere point out of Colin McRae or Richard Burns threading a Subaru by way of a Welsh forest. You don’t should be a dyed-in-the-wool bobble hat wearer to get what the WRC meant to folks in a sure time and place. Rallying was clearly very cool earlier than the ‘90s – particularly in its Group B pomp – however in the event you’re middle-aged now, there’s one period, and mainly one make of automotive that at all times springs to thoughts. 

It was so particular that the producer continued thriving on our cherished reminiscences for years afterwards. The ‘Hawkeye’ era represents the ultimate flourish of the basic three-box Impreza method earlier than Subaru’s design division took a questionable detour with the hatchback that adopted. This 2007 instance of the more and more coveted WRX STI Sort UK in Sapphire Blue seems to be a correct late-model gem, not least as a result of it options the letter P repeated thrice. 

Whereas normal STIs delivered 280hp courtesy of its 2.5-litre EJ25 boxer, its top-mounted intercooler justifying the trademark bonnet scoop, the Prodrive Efficiency Bundle improve – which included a stainless-steel exhaust, high-flow gasoline pump, and ECU remap – bumped output past 300hp, and ladled but extra motorsport kudos onto the automotive. The STI didn’t essentially want a 15 per cent enchancment in torque – however 332lb ft from 3,700rpm is enough to make the WRX respectably senior even immediately. 

And in all weathers, in fact. The present vogue for four-wheel drive in all method of lively variations completely doesn’t detract from the less complicated, grittier pleasure of Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system – its approach of doing issues continues to be liable to make your head spin. Particularly in the event you do get the chance to enterprise away from tarmac and reap the benefits of the slightly magnificent N12 gentle pod (fitted in 2020) and STI-branded mudflaps. Nothing says “I would take a detour by way of a forest” fairly like purpose-built splash safety.

Crucially, the service historical past would recommend that regardless of carrying the armour of a gravel-warrior, the automotive seems to have been meticulously maintained. Not solely are there 14 service stamps within the guide, however the head gasket – the Achilles’ heel of those engines – was changed in January 2025 at 67,431 miles, together with the timing belt. Moreover, the rear dampers and high mounts had been refreshed in June 2024, suggesting that when one thing wanted doing, the latest of its earlier house owners noticed to it that it was achieved. Even now, there are solely 71,500 miles exhibiting. 

But it surely’s concerning the vibe greater than something. There are automobiles which converse extra on to Subaru’s time within the WRC solar – some sooner nonetheless and plenty of extra invaluable – however in order for you an reasonably priced, gold-wheeled instance of what was particular about so many moist mornings in chilly forests, the WRX STI is an ideal each day for somebody who refuses to let maturity extinguish their inside rally driver. Which, as we’ve established, is definitely most of us.