Subaru Impreza: Power to the few

Subaru Impreza Limited Edition.

Subtle extras in a package that hints at top-line rally machines.

With the world's top rally teams in town you may want to channel your inner WRC driver with a spin in Subaru's Limited Edition WRX.

But if you want one you'd better be faster than Sebastien Loeb around the Domain super stage as there are only seven of the vehicles available - four sedans and three hatchbacks.

The Impreza bridges the gap between Subaru's current WRX and WRX STI models, the Limited Edition has 8 per cent more power.

The Subaru WRX Limited Edition's quad cam 2.5-litre turbocharged "boxer" motor has been re-tuned to produce 212kW, compared with the standard WRX's 195kW and the STI's 221kW.

The WRX Limited Edition will also feature uprated STI springs and an STI front suspension strut brace.

Subtle Limited Edition badging and 17-inch black alloy wheels, together with full privacy glass will distinguish the new model from the standard WRX, which has only rear window privacy glass.

Subaru's unique symmetrical All Wheel Drive transmission features a limited slip rear differential, a viscous centre differential in the WRX Limited Edition, together with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Xenon self-levelling headlights with an automatic off system and fog lamps light the way. And the wipers have Subaru's variable intermittent function. There are four exhaust pipes.

There are four wheel disc brakes - the fronts are ventilated - with a four- channel antilock system, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution and a Vehicle Dynamics Control system.

With six airbags the WRX Limited Edition has a five-star safety rating from the European and Australian crash-testing programmes.

There are the usual accessories and the driver can tune an ideal driving position in the high-backed seat with a height and reach adjustable steering column, as well as the height adjustable seat. There is a leather covered steering wheel and alloy pedals.

A central tachometer takes pride of place in the red back lit electroluminescent instruments.

There is a standard engine immobiliser, Datadot security system, deadlock central locking and an alarm system. Cruise control and the 10- speaker sound system can be controlled from the steering wheel and there is USB and Bluetooth connectivity and an auxiliary jack point to aid MP3 and iPod use.

Like all other Subarus, the WRX Ace of Spades comes with a three-year unlimited kilometres warranty.

The WRX Limited Edition will sell for $49,990. The entry level WRX is $45,990 and the STI is available from $63,490.