Subaru has seemingly returned to its pure performance roots with the new Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 - a car that'll do 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds but costs a fiver short of £50k.
This is the first genuine Cosworth-developed road car since 1996, and as a limited-edition Impreza the production run will be restricted to just 75 examples.
The Cosworth-tuned hatchback has a 2.5-litre turbocharged 'Boxer' engine under the bonnet and it has been transformed to produce 33% extra power over the standard STi to deliver a total peak output of 394bhp at 5,750rpm. Top speed has been limited to 155mph.
It includes a range of Cosworth-engineered components in the engine, turbo system, exhaust, suspension, brakes and wheels. It also gets subtle improvements to the exterior and interior to set it apart from other Impreza models.
The Cosworth tweaks also mean an increase in torque higher up the rev range that delivers improved in-gear acceleration. Subaru says the car will not only be suitable for day-to-day road use but will also not be out of place on the racetrack.
Changes include a lowered ride-height, wider track, a new shape front bumper, new fog lights, upper and lower mesh grilles and a new rear spoiler. It runs on unique, lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels and Cosworth badging is featured on the lower grille, front seats, brake calipers and floor mats. Individually numbered plaques are fitted on the engine and door sills. Each Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 is supplied with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
Inside, there's Recaro sports front seats, a ten-speaker six-disc radio/CD player, satellite navigation, smart-entry and push-button start, plus front, side and curtain airbags.
Marketed exclusively in the UK in right-hand-drive form, it is available in a choice of three colours: silver, grey and red, and is priced from £49,995.
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