THE super Scooby is back with a bang - and the promise of even quicker performance, better handling and the return of the four-door saloon.

So far as motoring icons go, the Subaru WRX STI's place was secured long ago and the Japanese company is convinced that those six letters are so synonymous with the marque that the name Impreza has been dropped from the title.

What fans of the brand will get when 2011 models go on sale in the next few days is a car capable of  sprinting from 0-62 in 5.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 158mph.

And for extra effect, that evocative Boxer-engine burble has been re-tuned to sound even better.

The 2.5-litre turbo powerplant produces 300PS at 6,000rpm and massive torque - with a peak of 407Nm at 4,000rpm - even from low-revs, while dynamic changes see the new WRX STI benefit from a stiffened bodyshell and reworked suspension. There's also a lower ride height and wider tyres.

New bumpers and enlarged rear quarter panels help give the car a more muscular presence and inside the cabin materials have been upgraded and there are also new Recaro bucket seats.

The four-door saloon model returns after a three-year absence due to public demand and both this and the five-door hatchback will cost £32,995.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, push-button start, front log lamps, hill start assist, climate control air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows front and rear, a new 10-speaker sound system, AUX and USB input jacks, hands-free Bluetooth and cruise control.