The fast turbo versions of the Subaru Impreza were also very successful in the Netherlands in the early years. However, that changed quickly when the car became more and more expensive due to CO2-related bpm rates. This third-generation Subaru WRX is a real rarity here.
The Subaru Impreza ‘GT Turbo’ from the 90s, whether or not as a 555, was called ‘WRX’ with the arrival of the second generation. Then STi versions appeared, with even more power and an even higher rear wing. We saw all these variants, in most cases in sedan form, quite often on our roads. Those who wanted a lot of power for as little money as possible could not ignore the car, where the boxer engine and the heavily spoilered carriage provided extra spectacle.
With the arrival of generation 3 everything changed. The Impreza came in 2007, the WRX lost the ‘Impreza’ name in most countries and the station wagon version was replaced by a hatchback. The sedan remained, but no longer played the leading role in most countries. The force majeure in terms of power was somewhat less than in the early years and from 2010 the car became very expensive very quickly, thanks to the CO2 table introduced in that year for calculating the bpm. For comparison: The last WRX STi of the second generation was already at the price with more than 52 mille, but the new one did a very big scoop on top with 65 and later more than 70,000 euros.
Subaru WRX
Ready, so, but elsewhere in the world the WRX went on smoothly. Power increased to over 300 hp and the body became wider and wider. The latter was initially reserved for the WRX STi, but from 2010 the regular WRX also received this extremely developed body. Please note that this is not about glued-on wheel arch extensions, but about separate, unique front and rear screens and rear doors.
The car we see here is registered as WRX STi. However, it seems to be a ‘normal’ Subaru WRX, but from after that widening. The only reason to believe this is that there are no STi badges and instead just ‘WRX’ adorns the grille, front fenders and tailgate. According to the specifications, the 2013 car has 268 hp, according to the license plate 300. Anyway: more than enough!
This is not an original Dutch WRX, but most likely an American one. The lack of flashing lights in the mirrors and the orange reflectors in the headlights give that away. The car is still quite original by WRX standards, although the wheels and exhaust have clearly been upgraded. Even without those elements, this is an almost unique appearance in the Netherlands.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl