More powerful WRX for Japan

Subaru has released its fourth-generation WRX and STI sports sedans in Japan, where both models are fitted with more powerful engines than Australia's versions.

The WRX S4, as it's called in its domestic market, hits Japan with a more highly strung version of the new downsized 2.0-litre FA-series direct-injection turbocharged ('DIT') boxer engine first seen here in last year's new Forester XT.

While the same 1998cc engine in our new WRX produces 197kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm of torque over 2400-5200rpm, Japan's new WRX summons up 221kW (24kW more, matching our STI) at the same revs and 400Nm (50Nm more) over a similarly broad but more relaxed 2000-4800 engine speed range.

It's a similar story with the Japanese domestic market WRX STI, which produces 227kW at 6400rpm and 422Nm at 4400rpm from a port-injected 2.0-litre (1994cc) turbo boxer engine.

That makes it 6kW and 15Nm more potent than Australia's STI, which comes with a carryover EJ25 2.5-litre turbo boxer four.

As in Australia, both models are sedan-only and the JDM STI is six-speed manual-only. However, while Australia's WRX is available with six-speed manual and CVT automatic transmissions, Japan's comes only with a Sport Lineartronic auto.

Japan's WRX S4 is also fitted with Subaru's EyeSight safety system, which uses stereo cameras to detect line markings, other vehicles and pedestrians, but isn't available in our WRX or STI.

The Mk4 WRX sedan was released here in March, priced $1000 lower than before from $38,990, while the new WRX STI followed in April, priced a big $10,000 lower than before at $49,990 plus ORCs and gaining a claimed $7000 of extra standard equipment.

Subaru Australia says there are no plans to introduce either Eyesight or the more powerful engines in WRX or STI models sold here.