Latest WRX and STI hit Aussie roads

Subaru's muscled-up 2011 model high performance all-wheel drive hero cars have arrived in Australia, the Impreza WRX and WRX STI.

The new MY11 models bring with them a pumped new look, more features and for the first time outside of Japan an automatic gearbox for the WRX STI model.

The MY11 Subaru Impreza WRX consists of just one variant now, priced at $39,990 for either sedan and hatch before on-road costs are added. But unlike the STI models no automatic gearbox is available on WRX -- five-speed manuals only at this stage.

Subaru will also offer a luxury pack for $43,990, adding sat nav, leather trim and a sunroof.

Pricing for the WRX STI in sedan or hatch body styles, with six-speed manual or five-speed auto, has been reduced by $2000, starting at $59,990, with spec.R models commanding $6000 premium (see pricing below for more details). The automatic gearbox is a no-cost option for the WRX STI.

Both the MY11 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models are powered by hard-charging 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engines in various states of tune, starting with the WRX's 195kW/343Nm unit.

Next up is the more powerful 221kW/350Nm 'A-line' boxer engine found in the automatic variants of the WRX STI, which develops the same power but 57Nm less than the manual STI with 221kW/407Nm.

As part of a concerted effort to improve the WRX’s performance image, 2011 models now boast widebody kits in both sedan and hatch, bringing them in line with the STI models.

Nick Senior, Subaru Australia's Managing Director, commented on the new look for the range, which includes the return of the giant rear wing for STI sedan models: "All our turbocharged variants now look considerably different from the normally aspirated cars. That’s a conscious decision to appeal to the performance fans and enthusiasts that represent the loyal core of WRX and WRX STI customers.

"We constantly try to offer refinements and improvements over time and the significant upgrades to both models won't disappoint."

WRX models gain quad tailpipes, new-look 17-inch alloy wheels with wider rubber, the wide bodywork and wider track, plus revised rear suspension and Bluetooth wireless technology compatibility.

The WRX STI gain the previously unavailable sedan body shape complete with large rear wing, along with aforementioned five-speed automatic with paddle shift and specially tuned A-line engine. New look bumpers and grilles are in evidence as is recalibrated front and rear suspension with a 5mm lower ride height that delivers "better cornering performance, handling and overall stability," according to Subaru.

Subaru has also added a USB jack in the centre console, a darker interior motif, new stainless steel exhaust tips, and 18-inch ENKEI alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight and shave 7.2kg off the cars overall mass.

Senior continued: "We're delighted by the fact we've managed to maintain the same price levels for entry level WRX, while actually reducing pricing for the WRX with optional sat nav, leather trim and sunroof, and also the WRX STI.

"This makes both choices absolutely incredible value, especially when you factor-in the variety of engineering and cosmetic changes to the models."

Stay tuned to the Carsales Network for road and racetrack impressions of the new 2011 model year Subaru WRX and WRX STI sports cars.

WRX STI manual hatch $59,990
WRX STI auto hatch $59,990

WRX STI manual sedan $59,990
WRX STI auto sedan $59,990

WRX STI spec.R manual hatch SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec.R manual hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990

WRX STI spec.R auto hatch SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec.R auto hatch SatNav with Recaro seats $66,990

WRX STI spec.R manual sedan SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec.R manual sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990

WRX STI spec.R auto sedan SatNav $65,990
WRX STI spec.R sedan SatNav with Recaro $66,990