What's the news?

It is the news that fans of Mica blue paint and gold Speedline alloys have been waiting for: the WRX STI will return to the UK. The new model has just been revealed to media at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and will arrive on UK shores during the summer. Even better news is that it will be £4,000 cheaper than its predecessor at £28,995.

Exterior

The STI is based on the WRX model that debuted at the LA Auto Show last year, but has been pumped full of automotive steroids with the oversized protrusion at the rear being the most obvious sign. The bumpers and wings also differ from the WRX model, being more aggressive on the STI - and even the scoop on the bonnet has been redesigned to allow better visibility in the higher performance car.

Compared to the old model the wheelbase has increased by 25mm, which will be good news for rear seat passengers, while the bottom of the A-pillars have shifted 200mm closer to the grille to provide better visibility for the driver.

Interior

Soft touch plastics abound as Subaru aims to bring a more upmarket feel to the STI. The new materials can be found on the centre console armrest, door trim and dashboard, while new dials and carbon effect and metal trim are also used. The new car also gets a new tiller with the steering wheel being a D-shaped unit, of smaller diameter than before.

Mechanicals

At the heart of the new STI is a turbocharged 2.5-litre 'Boxer' flat-four engine that is said to be good for 305hp and 393Nm of torque. To cope with the power the six-speed manual gearbox has been beefed up and the throw between gears shortened for a quicker shift. Spring rates and dampers have also been retuned for better composure and a more compliant ride and Subaru says the STI has been extensively tested to ensure optimum drivability including a lot of time spent at the Nürburgring.

Subaru's trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive uses the newest generation Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring meaning drivers should be able to channel their inner Colin McRae, safe in the knowledge that the car will keep them safe. The steering rack has also been reworked and is said to provide a more direct 'feel' and response than before.

Anything else?

Subaru UK will this week launch a dedicated STI area on its website (www.subaru.co.uk) where prospective owners can register their interest. If you are interested in the new car we wouldn't hang around either, as Paul Tunnicliffe, Subaru UK Managing Director commented: "The new model will only be available in limited numbers when it goes on sale in summer."