Select sample for Subaru fans

The S204 is a high-performance version of the standard Impreza WRX STI.

Five of the most powerful Subaru Impreza WRX STIs yet produced have arrived in New Zealand.

The S204 is a limited edition model of which only 600 have been made for the Japanese market. Subaru of New Zealand has secured five of the cars for local Subaru enthusiasts.

This high-performance version of the already shatteringly fast standard Impreza WRX STI has an extra 29kW (40bhp) to take its peak power to 235kW (317bhp) at 6400 rpm, a 14 per cent increase. Torque has risen to 433Nm at 4400 rpm, a 10.5 per cent increase over the 392 Nm the standard WRX STI produces.

Available with a six-speed gearbox and adjustable centre differential for the all-wheel-drive transmission, the S204 is available in silver, black and blue and will sell for $74,990.

There are numerous specification differences between the S204 and the standard Impreza WRX STI.

Externally there is a unique carbon fibre front splitter and boot mounted rear wing to complement the side sills. There is also a rear screen wiper on this four-door sedan.

The S204 sits on 18-inch BBS alloy wheels shod with 235/40 ZR18 Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.

The wheels are filled with four piston Brembo ventilated disc brakes. S204 badging on the front and rear immediately identifies these limited edition cars from the standard WRX STI.

The suspension has been lowered by 20mm and has stiffer springs than the normal Impreza WRX STI.

It includes an engine bay-mounted front turret strut brace. Inside the boot is an STI rear performance damper between the rear suspension strut towers. Alloy componentry is used extensively in the suspension to reduce the car's unsprung weight.

Many of the parts are coloured in STI's distinctive pink to highlight the car's unique character.

Under the bonnet, there is an intercooler water spray system which can be manually operated from within the cabin.

The extra performance is liberated from the quad cam, turbocharged motor by changes to the engine management system and the inlet and exhaust manifolds.

Inside the cabin carbon-fibre Recaro sport's seats are upholstered with a combination of suede and leather. The footrest and pedals are alloy, while the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake are leather covered.

The instrumentation has electroluminescent lighting. Creature comforts are not forgotten with climate control air conditioning, a six stack CD player, electric windows and mirrors.

For security there is remote control central locking with an engine immobiliser and alarm system and Subaru's Data Dot marking system of components.