Introducing the latest generation of a no-holds-barred, no-nonsense, high-performance automotive icon: the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. For the uninitiated, what follows is an invigorating introductory course on this fantastic 5-door. An incredible 305-horsepower 2.5L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine. The supreme poise, balance and traction of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Some of the most advanced automotive technology on the road, including the Multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD), Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive) interactive engine management system. The option of choosing the boisterous base model or the scintillating Sport-tech Package with enough cool features to send your brain spinning. Now. any questions?

If looks could thrill, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI would be a thriller of unimaginable proportions. But while the exterior features of this adrenaline-packed 5-door definitely fall into the "eye candy" category, they also serve important functions. A large front grille and hood scoop directs cool air towards the engine and turbo intercooler, while front fascia ducts and side cooling vents help dissipate heat build-up. Ground-effects side skirts, wide-body front fenders and powerful rear quarter panels contribute towards the car's immensely muscular stance. Towards the back, the aerodynamically-sculpted rear diffuser, large roofline spoiler and quad-tipped exhaust complete the look. Fierce form, fierce function.

These HID headlights look fantastic and cut through murky weather like a knife through hot butter. Better visibility when behind the wheel translates into improved safety at all times.

This rally-inspired spoiler serves two distinct purposes: create a meaner profile and deliver improved downforce for those tight, twisty bends in the road.

Another racy add-on that combines form with function, the quad-tipped exhaust creates improved exhaust airflow, increased power, a healthy roar and a dynamite look.

These power-adjustable, heated side mirrors feature integrated LED turn signals for improved visibility and safety, even at night or in bad weather.

The WRX STI comes standard with monstrous, 18-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels featuring a stylish gun metal grey finish. Opt for the Sport-tech Package and your WRX STI comes equipped with 18-inch BBS forged aluminum alloy wheels available in gold or silver, depending on the car's exterior colour. Dunlop summer performance tires* come standard on each model.

*Please review owner's manual for usage details.

Of course, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI boasts some true rally-inspired touches including heavily bolstered rally seats, drilled aluminum pedals and red electroluminescent gauges. But the cabin also offers space for five adults, top-quality Alcantara® upholstery and luxurious leather-trimmed seating. With the optional Sport-tech Package, there are even more creature comforts on tap: a power moonroof, navigation system, DVD player, Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity, and an outstanding audio system. (It turns out the WRX STI is built for speed and massaged for comfort.)

Standard with the WRX STI Sport-tech Package is an advanced multimedia centre including a DVD-based GPS navigation system and DVD player with intuitive touch-screen controls and Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity. An AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with Audyssey MultEQTM audio enhancement, auxiliary audio/video input, integrated audio steering wheel controls and a 3-month free trial subscription of SIRIUS® Satellite Radio complete this package.

The WRX STI base models comes standard with a booming AM/FM/6CD/MP3/WMA audio system featuring SRS CS-Auto TM audio enhancement, auxiliary audio input, integrated steering wheel audio controls and pre-wiring for satellite radio+.

+Dealer accessory and subscription required.

The power glass moonroof , standard with the Sport-tech Package, offers a breath of fresh air (power tilting) or gallons of fresh air combined with heavy doses of vitamin D (power sliding).

These rally-inspired heated front seats feature premium Alcantara® upholstery and leather side bolsters offering massive amounts of support through the corners. The striking red stitching and STI embroidered seatbacks add an even racier touch to the interior.

There's a reason why Subaru vehicles regularly rate among the best in the world in terms of safety: commitment. The Subaru Impreza WRX STI shows this commitment in action, beginning with unmatched active safety systems such as standard Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD, Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control and Super Sport ABS. In the event that an accident is unavoidable, advanced passive safety features such as the incredibly strong ring-shaped reinforcement frame and a full complement of airbags are standing guard over you and your passengers. Safety first, last and always.

A super-strong, energy-absorbing safety cell comprised of the roof, door beams, side pillars and floor. This cell envelops the entire passenger cabin, helping to dissipate impact energy coming from all directions. During a severe frontal impact, the main frame compresses gradually and the engine slides under the passenger compartment.

The innovative braking system on the Impreza WRX STI features Brembo® 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes controlled by 4-sensor/4-channel Super Sport ABS. This system operates the 4 pistons in each front caliper and 2 pistons in each rear caliper separately, aided by sensors that instantaneously monitor steering input, yaw rate and lateral G forces. Electronic Brake-force Distribution further enhances stability when the car is loaded down, while Brake Assist is ready to help take the panic out of panic stops. Lastly, a clever Hill Holder system uses the brakes to smooth out starts when on an incline.

At Subaru, the engineers are anything but passive about passive safety systems. So the WRX STI comes standard with dual front airbags with dual-stage deployment and built-in occupant sensors, dual front-seat side-impact airbags, and dual side-curtain airbags.

The ISO-FIX/LATCH child seat anchor system and three-point seatbelts for the rear seats enable you to safely share your love of the open road with even the youngest of passengers.

The direct descendant of the Subaru WRC car, the Impreza WRX STI is also the rolling showcase for the unique technologies that make a Subaru, a Subaru. Over 18 years of intense competition, the Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD has been honed to perfection, delivering massive amounts of traction, grip and control all at once. And the proprietary Multi-mode Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) technology has taken all-wheel drive thinking to the next level. The 4-wheel independent long-travel suspension system has undergone a similar baptism by fire; it now ensures all wheels are generating forward momentum over even the roughest roads. The legendary turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine has been further strengthened by the latest in engine management technology, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE). Power, precision and control: It's all here.

The award-winning* high-performance 2.5L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine is at the very heart of the WRX STI. This engine features Dual Active Valve Control for smooth everyday driveability at low and medium speeds, as well as tremendous power at higher speeds, increased torque, improved exhaust and combustion performance. Aided and abetted by a high-pressure turbocharger and high-capacity intercooler, the higher output is also achieved through the use of a transverse-mounted, low restriction muffler and four-pipe exhaust. The inherent design of the horizontally-opposed engine also gives the WRX STI a supremely low centre of gravity for improved handling.

Output: 305 hp @ 6000 rpm; 290 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm
Features: Dual Active Valve Control System, SI-DRIVE
Characteristics: Awesome acceleration, torque all the time, surprising smoothness

* For the second time in three years, the 2.5-litre turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine was voted Best 2.0- to 2.5-litre engine in the International Engine of the Year Awards 2008, presented by Engine Technology International Magazine.

With the SI-DRIVE engine management system, drivers can choose among three different drive modes to match the mood. Intelligent Mode (I) delivers smoothness in low-traction conditions and boosts fuel economy by as much as 10%. Sport Mode (S) is for all-around everyday use and Sport Sharp Mode (S#) delivers instant throttle response for maximum enjoyment.

The short-throw, 6-speed manual transmission is designed for outright shifting speed, superb feel and bulletproof reliability. Tailor-made to withstand the significant torque of the SUBARU BOXER engine and the superior traction of Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD, this transmission is both crisp and responsive, setting the stage for countless miles of sheer driving pleasure.

The Multi-mode DCCD allows the driver to adjust the electromechanical centre differential to ensure precise handling in all conditions. The Auto mode is for all-around driving; the torque distribution automatically varies between 41/59 and 50/50 (front/rear). The [+] Auto mode enhances traction and stability on slippery roads by tightening the centre differential, targeting a 50/50 torque split. For greater turning capability and more responsive handling, the [-] Auto mode is the answer; it targets a 41/59 (front/rear) torque split. Lastly, the Manual mode offers the driver a 6-step adjustment of the centre differential locking.

For maximum flexibility, there are also three different VDC system settings to choose from. Normal mode provides the integrated safety and stability of VDC, traction control, and Super Sport ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Traction mode cancels the engine torque reduction traction control and delays the intervention of Super Sport ABS and Vehicle Dynamics Control. With this mode, the driver maintains more control over the performance of the vehicle. Off mode cancels all other controls apart from Super Sport ABS and the Hill Holder system; this is used mainly when attempting to drive out of a snowy or muddy situation or when the driver insists on full control over the vehicle.

┼ VDC may also be referred to as Electronic Stability Control.

Years of punishment on the FIA World Rally Championship circuit have paid off handsomely. Net result: the highly rigid MacPherson inverted KYBTM strut type front suspension with forged aluminum arms and the specially-designed double wishbone rear suspension. While the front suppresses vibration to deliver increased comfort and control, the rear absorbs imperfections in the road and ensures the wheels are always perpendicular to the ground and always generating traction. This inherently brilliant design has been performance-tuned to offer the kind of experience driving fans live for.

While most purebred performance cars demand all sorts of compromises (no carrying anything bigger than a briefcase, no driving in anything less than perfect weather), the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is as practical as it is high-powered. The 5-door body style and 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats make transporting bulky items surprisingly easy. The slick interior boasts ample space for passengers and a variety of handy storage compartments. So, while the WRX STI may be the ultimate expression of Subaru's advanced technology, it's still a Subaru - with everyday practicality and ease of use built right in.

The WRX STI may be a purebred performance car, but it's also a versatile everyday commuter. Witness the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats that allow you to take full advantage of the spacious cargo area.

While driving may be your main pursuit, the WRX STI does come equipped with integrated crossbar brackets should you require extra cargo-carrying capacity for hobbies such as cycling, kayaking and skiing.

Small storage compartments abound in the Impreza WRX STI, including front door compartments, passenger seatback pockets, an armrest console and a red illuminated tray in the centre console for loose items.

This handy retractable cargo area cover hides the entire cargo area - and all the valuables contained within it - hidden from view.