SUBARU is heralding what it describes as one of the performance car bargains currently available in the UK by lopping £6,000 off the price of its WRX STI model.

It takes the price of the super saloon to £26,995, while at the same time adding an engine upgrade so that Scooby fans can create a new All-Wheel Drive flagship, the WRX STI 340R.

The power boost, which adds £1,599 to the price, is available alongside the 2.5-litre 320R - with 320PS and 450 Nm - which was launched last year, and both upgrades can be applied retroactively without affecting warranty.

The WRX STI 340R boasts 340PS and 490 Nm of torque making it one of the fastest point-to-point cars on the road with a 0-60mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.5 seconds over the standard WRX STI.

Subaru UK chief Darren James said: "The 340R power upgrade turns our most performance-oriented model into one of the most rapid and charismatic cars available in the UK.

"The WRX STI was already an exciting car, but improved power and torque, as well as the unmistakeable Subaru exhaust note, make the car even more tempting. We've turned the WRX into one of the best value and most accessible performance cars available in the UK."

Subaru has also announced some finance offers, allowing buyers of base level models, except the BRZ and WRX STI derivatives, two year's interest free credit.

For higher-spec models, interest-free credit is available over one year, while low-rate finance at 3.9 per cent APR is now available for Personal Contract Purchase buyers without a deposit.