Page 1 of 1 At the 2002 Paris Motorshow Subaru launched a face-lifted Impreza. The facelift is shared with the 2003 World Rally Car which will benefit from a similar reduction in drag coefficient and improved high-speed stability. Key design changes include a new front bumper, spoiler, bonnet, wings and 3-Dimensional headlamps. In addition, circular lamps are inlaid in the main headlamp units themselves which have a striking curved dip to their inner edges. At the rear, all models have new bumpers and light units with a curved dip to their inner edges - similar to the headlamps - to enhance design integration. The WRX STi gains a larger high-rise rear spoiler, front corner spoilers and new side sill spoilers which all contribute to improved high-speed stability. Meanwhile, a larger bonnet air intake enhances intercooler cooling.
Great news for WRX fans was an increase in power from 218 to 225 PS for the Turbo-charged 2.0 litre 'boxer' engine. Equally important is improved throttle response thanks to revisions to the exhaust manifold aimed at smoothing the flow of exhaust gases. Meanwhile, the cooling performance of the 265 PS STi engine has benefited from a change in the shape of the intercooler water spray nozzle and the air baffle plate inside the air scoop. The STi also has improved front suspension thanks to strengthened mounts for the transverse linkages and new cross-performance rods. As a result, handling and steering response are even better thanks to a reduction in geometry change during hard cornering. Page 1 of 1