finchyboy

P.S Tony you missed out the retired gamekeeper who buys an impreza because of the reliability of his old pickup maybe you could file him under group 10

lestippp

I agree with Tony, I think the new STi might just be a beaut!!! You only have to look at some of the impressions to have an idea of how it might look and with 320 small but hugely powerful japanese horses under the lid... it ain't gonna be slow!!

Mikkel

I agree with the point it should be an entirely new model as a hatchback and either maintain the Impreza as a saloon or discontinue it.

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Well there is always the possibility of a saloon version....

I don't fall into any of the catagories either.......

Always liked Subarus (from the Legacy turbo), but have had for a while a Ford that was my 'silly project' car and didn't want another, also the saloon wasn't practical enough for my daily driver and I've never been convinced about the wagon, nor did I want a second 'chav at the traffic lights' magnet, so now I have Forester which is kind of best of both worlds, although you'll see from View My Scooby its seeming to get more tampered with than originally intended!

Simon

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

Latest Evo has a roadtest of a WRX. It looks far better than the cooking models we are to be given in UK until the STI arrives. They give it 4 stars and say it's rapid and handles well, the interior is far better and in general the car is a lot smoother.
Think I'll pass judgement when the STI arrives rather than speculate.

Prasius

iTrader: (1)

I don't really fit into any of the catagories either But I can see the point Tony is trying to make.

I think the issue in the UK is that Subaru has really only ever sold performance Imprezas in this country; the sales of Sports/GX's has been fairly small. Now, globally speaking from the position of Subaru; the UK market is probably the only market in the world they have where their biggest seller is the Impreza WRX/STI. (Saying that, the UK is probably one of the few markets in the world where the Impreza is their biggest selling model full-stop).

I think many UK Subaru owners miss that point. Subaru needs a mid-sized car that is competetive. The Impreza is their mid-sized car; and the blunt truth is more non-turbo'd safe reliable 4wd Impreza workhorses are sold in the world to Subarus various markets than WRX's and STI's. Common business sense says that the non-turbo'd, non-performance orientated buyer is the one they have to concentrate on globally.

With all that in mind, I do think its an horrific mistake by Subaru not to sell the WRX in the UK (one that I wouldn't be surprised will be rapidly changed in the next 18 months).

Sonic'

I would like to see where you think which Sterotype role I fit into, because you haven't created one

scubasteve

IMHO the 2008 model will fair better in the WRC as it is lighter,smaller and probably more nimble in the tricky bits so should compete well against the Citreon and fords.

But why use the IMPREZA name?

Thats what i and most people cant get there head around, It would have been fine to stamp a new label on it and broaden the Subaru range to include a hatchback and yes some people will go and trade in there Saloons for the new Subaru " ******* " if it suited them.

I'll be keeping my money in my pocket thank you.

Paddi70

Geeez Tony, are you Ok. thats a hell of a lung full. listen its not your fault its a bloody mess and looks like Mazda 3.
Stop taking it so personal.

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

I think the new STi will be awesome it will be a matter if your personal preferences tend towards a Hatch back or require a Saloon IMHO

Tony

COLZO

I have owned a Turbo 2000, P1, 03 STI and now a 05 STI PPP, all except the P1 being bought from brand new. I bought these because I loved the looks and performance/handling. The shape of the new one does not appeal to me at all, ok the STI will probably look better but right now I`m thinking no more Imprezas for me. If it has to be a Hatchback its going to be an Audi S3 for me. IMO it looks great got 4WD 260BHP and won`t rattle every time you go over a bump! I love my 05 STI and will find it hard to part with but I`m looking for the finer things in life and the pics and reviews of the new model don`t come up to scratch. Even my local dealer is shaking his head thinking what have they done, not a good sign at all..........

daijones

I'm looking forward to the STi. I won't be able to see what it looks like while I'm sitting in it, so I'll concentrate on the lighter weight and lower CoG, better low down torque, and multilink rear suspension. The improved interior and reduced NVH will be an added bonus. I need a 5dr for the dog, and not being able to get the current wagon in an STi is a bitch.

D

bluenosewrx

iTrader: (2)

I see Litchfield is taking orders for the MY08WRX @ £19,995 for 260BHP.sounds good on his write up but i reckon the STI will be a belter but will be different to the JDM and we will gwt a poorer version.

Mac

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

Mac,

I've owned 2 UK cars and 2 JDM's Yes the JDM's were much better BUT in the last few years the differences are far less.

IMHO i reckon the STi JDM and STi UK won't be that much different bar Immissions sp.

Tony