By Mike Torpey on 2014-01-15 - Driving Force news editor and responsible for organising our daily output. He was staff motoring editor of the Liverpool Echo for 20 years.
Scooby scorches back
to Britain
THE super Scooby is blasting back - less than a year after bidding its farewell to Britain.
Japanese brand Subaru has confirmed that its high performance saloon, the WRX STI, will make its return this spring.
The change of heart is simply down to more favourable exchange rates, as a result of which the new model will be priced at £28,995 when it hits showrooms in May, and that's £4,000 cheaper than its predecessor.
Subaru says it has further honed the driveability of the STI, testing it at various locations around the world including at Germany's Nurburgring race circuit.
The model is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine producing 305bhp and mated to a reinforced six-speed gearbox with shorter throw and sportier shift feel.
Its all-wheel drive has the latest vehicle dynamics control plus Active Torque Vectoring for maximum control and driver engagement, while the spring and damper rates have also been re-tuned.
And a 25mm increase in wheelbase gives the new STI better rear legroom as well as more shoulder and elbow room all round. Visibility is also improved and there's more boot space too.
Other highlights are a new, smaller, D-shaped steering wheel, soft touch materials, 18-inch alloys and carbon effect and metal trim.
LED lighting is employed for the headlights, tail and brake lights while STI badges can be found on the front grille and wings.
THE car most people would love to own from the Subaru range is the turbocharged...
SINCE its launch in 1995, the award-winning Outback has grown into Subaru's...
IF you live in the country, the chance is you'll like a dark horse such as the...
Choose from one or more of the options to find the car for you.
Based on your search find the dealership
nearest to you.