Subaru Impreza (GU)

Back to being a "new driver's basic", the Subaru Impreza is now on its sixth generation, and for the first time, it is offered only as a hatchback, making it a direct competitor to the likes of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla Sport. So, what's it all about the all-new Impreza?

2024 Subaru Impreza

The all-new, sixth-generation Subaru Impreza is a back-to-basics hatchback made for commoners looking for their first ride. Nothing is surprising about this all-new model. Just the basics it possesses.

2024 Subaru Impreza

Beginning with the design, the all-new Impreza is basically a toned-down Crosstrek, which came first before this, meaning those who are familiar with the Crosstrek should have no problem with the all-new Impreza's exterior design, which features striking scales on the front grille, sculpted lines, and contoured facets you would expect for an everyday hatchback like this.

2024 Subaru Impreza interior

Inside, the new model is now focused on minimalism as well as gaining better visibility on the driver's side, making it easy to spot children from any window. Of course, because of the minimalist interior, you can still run into the same Tesla-esque dashboard from today's Levorg. An optional extra not favorable for speedo boys behind the wheel because of touchscreens.

Asked about comfort, the new Impreza's added size made it more spacious and more comfortable than before, and with improved stability, children won't get carsick even on long rides. As for the boot space, the new model has up to 368 liters of boot space for the entry-level ST variant (315 liters for high-end variants like the ST-G and the ST-H) with the rear seats folded down. That's more than the Toyota Corolla Sport and with a couple of useful features such as the hidden compartment below, cargo hooks, and an LED rear gate lamp, it's convenient as well.

2024 Subaru Impreza

Under the hood, the all-new Impreza is powered by an available 2.0L e-BOXER mild hybrid powertrain where the 145PS 2.0L boxer 4-cylinder engine is bolted to a tiny electric motor and Li-ion battery. Mated to a CVT gearbox, it has a fuel economy of 16.6km/L for FF variants while AWD variants get 16km/L. A normal 2.0L boxer-four engine is offered on the entry-level ST variant.

Coupled with the Subaru Global Platform, two-pinion electric power steering, double wishbone rear suspension, and SI-DRIVE, this car behaves like every commoner's car should. Not exciting as such but it feels okay to drive everywhere, even with the legendary Subaru AWD capability on it.

As for safety, the new Subaru Impreza comes with an updated EyeSight system with Pre-Collision Braking, Automatic Emergency Steering, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, and others. With such features, it's no wonder Subaru made a commitment that the Eyesight feature drops the rear-end collision rate to 0.06%. 

The all-new Impreza starts at a reasonable 2,299,000 Japanese Yen and it's available in three variants; ST, ST-G, and ST-H, in FF and 4WD configurations. With such pricing, it's cheaper to own than the Honda Civic by a long shot.

Although not the most exciting car to drive, the all-new Subaru Impreza is mature and well-refined for drivers from all walks of life. With its improved space, sharper looks, refined efficiency, and cutting-edge technology, it's back to being a "driver's basic" just like the first one.

Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Sun Blaze Pearl, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Horizon Blue Pearl, and Oasis Blue.

Photo: Subaru

GT SPORT - The early Heisei JDMs

Today marks the end of the Heisei era and what better way to pay tribute to this golden era than sampling the most iconic Japanese sportscars emerged from the early years of the Heisei era? Of course, since the Gran Turismo franchise is part of those that were born from the Heisei era, our little game of GT SPORT takes us to the heroes of Gran Turismo, the best Japanese sportscars emerged from the early years of the Heisei era.



The FD-spec RX-7, the original Honda NSX, the Impreza STi, the JZA80 Supra, the R34 Skyline GT-R, and any of the pizza-lamped Lancer Evos are known to be the best of the Japanese sportscars to emerge from the early years of the Heisei era and here in GT SPORT, they have what's greater or nearer as the drivers can get from those Heisei era JDM sportscars.

These Japanese sportscars emerged from the early Heisei years are known to be collectibles for speedo boys worldwide because these cars are notoriously known for its street cred and known to be tuned to wake the neighbors after hours. Whether they can let them roar through the Shutokou by nighttime or living the track life by day, these Japanese marvels are everywhere and whether you love them or hate them, Japan is home to those street machines like these and as a tribute, let's take them to the common battleground for testing cars before hitting Japanese roads; Tsukuba.



Ah, Tsukuba Circuit. If my memory serves me correctly, the Tsukuba Circuit is the favorite playground for the over-the-video motoring program known as Best MOTORing. Over the years, we seen professional drivers across Japan testing out the coolest and the weirdest on this very track they called home. Of course, Best MOTORing may be officially dead several years ago but here in GT SPORT, people can do their Best MOTORing homage on this very track while sampling most of the cars offered in-game, just to give them their first impressions.

With the best JDM cars from the early Heisei era stepped to their very own Holy Land of sampling and time attacking, they are ready for a revue they will remember forever.

It's showtime!



After their Tsukuba revue, here are the results...

Impreza 22B-STi Version '98: 1:07.522
NSX Type R '92: 1:10.581
RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) '02: 1:07.700
R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nur '02: 1:06.864
Lancer Evo.IV GSR '96: 1:08.481
Supra RZ '97: 1:07.330



So, there we are. The R34 Skyline GT-R, launched from 1999 to 2002 is without a shadow of a doubt, the best Japanese sports car to emerge from the early Heisei years and no matter the opinion, I placed my fate that this is the best Japanese sportscars to emerge from the early years of the Heisei era.

Next time, let's pit in the Japanese sportscars from the modern Heisei era.

Forza Horizon 3: Baby Back Rib Driver

In the movie Baby Driver, a young man was hired by a crime syndicate to become their getaway driver and the car he drives in this movie is a red Subaru WRX. Of course, you can see him driving a Dodge Challenger but the WRX is the star of Baby Driver and I would like to honor this film by filling his boy racer shoes on this kind of Subie you can see on this film, right here on Forza Horizon 3.



Uh, you know what, the Subie WRX STi we had in this game is better than the WRX the Baby Driver drove in the film. Seen here is a GDB-F Subaru Impreza WRX STi, the final facelifted version of the second-generation WRX STi first launched in 2005 and while it remains mechanically the same as the previous GDB-Type II WRX STi, the front face is donned with Subaru's old trademark grille penned by a former Alfa Romeo designer which traces back to the company's airplane roots. It was powered by the same EJ20 engine as any other WRX STi models you are familiar with, producing 311HP of power and same amount of torques while mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox and this was one of the Japanese emerged from the mid-2000's when the 280HP limit set up by the Japanese government was lifted so carmakers are free to add whatever power they want.



Although this is different than the Baby Driver's Subie, it still behaves just like one and you can imagine how much reenactment you can do with it if you watch this film this weekend. With all that rally-proven performance, this Subie is all about getting its tires dirty while letting its all-wheel drive magic do its thing on and off the road and in the Baby Driver's case, you'll need some mad skills to pull one off in your sleeves.



Speaking of which, let me take that so-called Baby Driver car for a spin round Surfers Paradise with the other Subarists while I, the Baby Back Rib Driver, making the case with this Subie just to see if I can get mad driving with it. Get your coffee and headphones ready because this is no joy ride. This is a joy ride, Baby Driver style!



Okay, I may not have some mad skills like the Baby Driver himself but I'm glad that I'm honoring him with the car that looks similar to the Subie the Baby Driver drove in the movie. I'd expect you Subarists to watch this film this weekend and see if you can match your driving style to this...Baby Driver. You kids are going to love it, trust me.

Subaru New XV (GT)

Subaru's crossover utility hatchback, the XV, is now based on the fifth-generation Subaru Impreza. You know, the latest version with the design that is nowhere near as close to the concept car but won the Japan Car of the Year with its new platform and safety tech that sets the standards for medium-sized cars in Japan. Now, let's take a closer look on Subaru's latest version of the Impreza-based crossover hatch that tries to shrug off against the likes of the Nissan Juke, Mitsubishi RVR, Honda Vezel, and even Toyota's C-HR as well.

2018 Subaru XV

2018 Subaru XV

Like all the others, the all new XV's design has no resemblance from the concept car it was based upon and to them, it looks more like the previous model at all. On the plus side, the XV looks more of a rugged Impreza Sport which was based upon and it's not half bad to look at it especially on the weekends.

2018 Subaru XV interior

On the inside, benefitting from the new platform, the new XV is now roomier enough to accommodate just about everything in the event of outdoor activities, shopping trips, picking up kids after school, and so much more. To help differentiate the new XV's interior from the normal Impreza, it has been given orange stitching on the dashboard so that you know that this is the new XV, not a normal Impreza, per se. Oh, and for additional extra, you can have the XV's interior look more adventurous enough to get their day-off started.

2018 Subaru XV

Like the normal Impreza, the new XV is powered by  a choice of either a 1.6L or a 2.0L boxer engine, both mated to a Lineartronic CVT with a Manual Mode engaged when the Sport Mode in its SI-DRIVE was engaged. Having this feature sounds good to us but just like as experienced in the normal Impreza, it's nowhere near as engaging as the past Imprezas but since this is the XV, who cares about not being sporty for a rugged crossover hatchback? 

A crossover like this one doesn't need to act like a sportscar. It wants to get down and dirty and courtesy of its X-MODE feature, it allows the new XV to increase drivability by optimising integrated control of the engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and brakes to provide additional control when tyres slip and lose traction on a slippery road surface, including downhill.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the XV promises 16.4km/L of fuel efficiency by JC08 Mode standards, which sounds like mediocre compared to the C-HR, Juke, or the Vezel, but these so-called crossovers can't just match the new XV's character that is not afraid to play rough.

If the XV's all about playing rough, its new safety tech makes it want to play nice on the road, courtesy of its EyeSight Ver. 3, as well as High Beam Assist, Steering Responsive Headlights, and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Because the new XV is using the Subaru Global Platform, pretty much like the new Impreza has, this award-winning platform promises the XV to be more rigid, more maneuverable due to its low center of gravity that benefits most boxer-powered cars, and well pretty much about it.

Should you buy it? The new Subaru XV starts at 2,138,400 Japanese Yen and its surprisingly more affordable than the Toyota C-HR. Sounds good and unlike the C-HR, this new Subaru XV is all about taking out for the great outdoors while trying to cross out what's in their Golden Week bucket list...or doing stuff that's not on the list. Nothing like kicking the bucket list with the new XV.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Dark Blue Pearl, Quartz Blue Pearl, Sunshine Orange, and Cool Grey Khaki.

Photo: Subaru

Fifth-Generation Subaru Impreza (GK/GT)

For its fifth generation, the all-new Subaru Impreza, in Sport hatchback and G4 saloon, will rewrite how the iconic car behaves courtesy of its brand new platform that will redefine the future of Subaru's lineup for the next decade as well as some tech that will show its progress as a commoners' car for everyone but at what cost?

2017 Subaru Impreza Sport

2017 Subaru Impreza G4

In the tradition of turning cool concepts into bland production models much as what happened on the Legacy, the new Impreza's design shares almost no resemblance to last year's concept, and as keen observers suggest, it looks more like the previous model. See any resemblance? If there are, looks like they're going to be on a rough day on the job.

2017 Subaru Impreza Sport interior

2017 Subaru Impreza G4 interior

Disappointing the exterior can be, the new interior can be somewhat basic but it's good at every angle. From its new instrumental panel, multi-function display, push-button start, and the Panasonic built-in SD Navi, toying around the new Impreza's interior is just basic stuff but it's good to check it out before you drive, believe them. With the new Subaru Global Platform in place, the new Impreza is now roomier enough to accommodate, and spacious enough for your goods, and when your parents are driving one day by day, the Impreza is a family car done right.

2017 Subaru Impreza Sport

2017 Subaru Impreza G4

Speaking of being the family car done right, the new Subaru Global Platform chassis, combined with a choice of either a 1.6L or a 2.0L boxer engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and EyeSight Ver. 3 is what makes the new Impreza the template for future Subarus. The new platform makes it more stable, more agile, and more comfortable than the old one. It's 70% more rigid than the old one as well.

Although the way it behaves as a family car is welcomed by the commoners, speedo boys won't be going to like it because, for a choice of either a 1.6L or a 2.0L boxer engine, the only gearbox you'll be getting is a Lineartronic CVT. That's right. It's CVT or nothing. How sad because Imprezas of the past are enjoyable to drive when they got manuals but with the new model, the days of being a fun Impreza is well and truly over as its radical shift from sportiness to comfort doesn't sound like great news for the Subarists. Although the Lineartronic CVT gearbox comes with a Manual Mode when the Sport Mode in its SI-DRIVE was engaged, it's nowhere near as engaging as the past Imprezas. So, what we have here is an Impreza that doesn't feel like the fun-loving Imprezas of the past, and having one of these can be somewhat as regular as a regular show on TV. Oh, and did you know that some models will promise you up to 17.0kmpl of fuel efficiency? Thought I almost didn't say it but whatever.

The all-new, fifth-generation, Subaru Impreza starts at 1,922,400 Yen for the Sport hatchback and G4 saloon, making it a value-for-money car for first-timers so, the things we like about the new Impreza is its new platform, tech, interior, and pricing while the things we don't like about it was its redundant styling that has no resemblance from the concept and the loss of its fun factor that past Imprezas had in almost two and a half decade since the first Impreza launched in 1992. Need I say more?

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Dark Blue Pearl, and Quartz Blue Pearl.

Photo: Subaru

Forza Motorsport 6: 500 miles a day

Subaru's classic JDM 4WD grand tourer, the Alcyone SVX, is undoubtedly one of the most requested rides to be featured on Forza Motorsport 6, and with the release of the Alpinestars Car Pack, we have been given the chance to try out this classic Subie noteworthy of its "500miles a day" slogan. Why? Because it said so in the TV commercial back in the 90's. Anyway, so what's it all about the SVX?



Launched in 1991, the Alcyone SVX served as Subaru's flagship grand tourer coupe with the slogan "500miles a day".

Apart from its Giugiaro-inspired styling and its glass-to-glass round canopy, the Alcyone SVX comes with a water-cooled 3.3L boxer-six engine and Subaru's first variable torque distribution electronically controlled four-wheel drive (VTD-4WD). The engine produces 230HP of power and 228lb-ft if torque while mated exclusively with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with strut suspension on both front and rear wheels as well as ventilated disc brakes.

Despite the heavyweight body, the SVX drives just like a luxury grand tourer with its comfort and accessible handling suitable for long-distance cruising ahead.



It's a shame that despite its futuristic styling reminiscent of its arch-rival, the first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, its auto-only gearbox is what made the SVX failed as a sportscar made for the discerning car enthusiasts looking for some alternatives to the R32 Skyline GT-R and no matter how far you'll go, the SVX doesn't feel as exciting to drive as today's WRX STi or BRZ, but despite its massive flaws, the SVX remains a future classic not by its fanbase and its Giugiaro-penned styling but it's the rarity that makes it hard to find one nowadays. I kinda admit I was swooned by nostalgia because every time I drive the SVX in-game, it is kinda reminiscent of the classic commercial. Makes me wanna fall asleep and dream that I'm seeing the SVX's Japanese commercial again and again and again, day in and day out.

Anyway, no time for a nostalgia trip because I head on the Top Gear Test Track on a rainy day to compare against other coupes Subaru made throughout its history.



What I brought here are the past and present Subaru coupes the SVX will face today. On the top, it's the perfect version of the Impreza Retna called the 22B STi, styled in honor of the WRC-winning rally car, and at the bottom, it's the Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive coupe built in collaboration with Toyota. Relax, this is just a Toyota 86 in Subaru's clothing.

Anyway, since it's raining outside the track, I'd expect the 4WD Subies will perform just the way it was made, especially the SVX, because the BRZ's rear-wheel drive and rear-wheel drives can be problematic in the rainy weather...or is it? You see, despite the BRZ being short on power compared to the SVX, it's surprisingly lighter even though it comes with rear-wheel drive. So, without further ado, let's drive these two-door Subies around the Top Gear Track, even when it rains!



After a lap around the Top Gear Track, the results are in. The SVX did in in 1:41.825 while the 22B STi did it in 1:36.916, and the BRZ in 1:40.754.

The conclusion; even though the SVX failed to meet its sportscar credentials in Subaru history, it still is a not-so-bad grand tourer that you can enjoy for as much as the driver likes. I wanna drive this car for just 500 miles a day. Whoop! There goes the commercial. Ha ha ha... Still, it's good to have the SVX part of the FM6 car roster.

Forza Horizon 2: Probably one of the best STis ever made

What's not to like about the mythical Subaru Impreza 22B STi for the time being? It maybe a road-going version of the rally car that dominated the World Rally Championship in the 90's but amazingly, this blast from the past can really handle any road surface it see fit. Because most Scoobys are renowned for its breakthrough 4WD drivetrain that is beyond compare than any other 4WD systems, even its rival Mitsubishi trying to imitate to the very end, the 22B STi, which is based on the coupe version of the first-gen WRX STi, which is based on the Impreza Retna, enjoys its cult following among speedo boys everywhere even when it was ceased to exist from history, not even the rear-wheel drive BRZ cut its mustard from its face.

Yes. I do love driving the BRZ because it's a rear-wheel drive coupe that gave Subaru a new spin (despite the fact that it was actually a Toyota 86 from a Subarist's point of view) but this one is still one of the best Subarus ever made in history.

It's probably one of the best STis ever made because it was heavily inspired from the championship-winning rally car from its glorious past. It's too bad Subaru lost its rally heritage ever since its withdrawal from the WRC but it has found competitive spirit on the track even at the Nurburgring.



Since this is Horizon 2, I want the 22B STi to relive its glorious past, either on and off the road, and to find out, I've signed into a championship made specifically for 90s rally cars like this Subie. But first...



Now that's a look only speedo boys would love. Since body kits are adding the weight of this car, I decide to counter it with the cheapest weight loss available while retaining its performance index suitable for this car. Although, the power output hasn't been fiddled due to its performance index that I'm afraid I might go over from its limits, the weight loss and the added drag should be enough to be more competitive in a race of 90s rally icons.



With the 22B bagged me a step closer towards the finale, I guess I decided to give this car a little break by taking a road trip back to the Horizon Festival. Hard work really pays off to fulfill the dream of reaching the finale!



Looks like it's time for me to take a break for now but with only six more championships left before unlocking the finale, our journey continues.

Subaru Impreza Sport and G4 - 2015 minor change

2015 Subaru Impreza G4

2015 Subaru Impreza Sport

The Subaru Impreza, currently on its fourth-generation state, has been mildly facelifted for the 2015 model year and for this minor change, both the Sport hatchback and the G4 sedan are now more technologically advanced than ever thanks to the application of Subaru's Eyesight Ver. 3 first seen on the Levorg tourer, which is based on this model. Let's explain about what's new for this 2015 minor change.

2015 Subaru Impreza G4

2015 Subaru Impreza Sport

The first thing you'll notice about this latest facelift is the front end that has been refreshed with a new lower fascia while we can expect good-looking foglamps for high-end models. There's not much change occurred on the back though. On the inside, it's now heavily revised with an available infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen. On the instrumental panel. there's a new LCD color display in the middle as well as updated dials.

2015 Subaru Impreza G4 interior

2015 Subaru Impreza Sport interior

For 2015, both the Impreza Sport and G4 now come with Subaru's breakthrough Eyesight Ver. 3 found in the Levorg. Eyesight Ver. 3 integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning, among many others. You can also expect heavily revised interiors as well, slightly enhanced powertrain, and some of it.

Under the hood, they still come with the same 2.0L and 1.6L boxer four-cylinder engine as before. The 1.6L engine develops 115PS of power, 148NM of torque, and can be mated with either a 5-speed manual or a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. With the CVT gearbox and idling stop at hand, fuel economy is 17.6 km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. The 2.0L engine, on the other hand, produces 150PS of power, 196Nm of torque, and it's available only with the CVT gearbox. As for fuel economy, Subaru states that it can achieve the same 17.6km/L fuel economy as the smaller 1.6L one although your actual fuel mileage can vary so don't ask.

The Sport model starts at 1,958,400 Japanese Yen (around $20,000) while the G4 model starts at the same price as the Sport hatch so it's a fair value for money if you were given a choice to buy one of these.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Subaru teases 2015MY facelifts of Impreza, XV, and Forester

Teaser image for 2015 Subaru Impreza, XV, and Forester

Subaru revealed a rather irrelevant teaser for the upcoming 2015 facelifts of Impreza (in Sport hatch and G4 sedan), XV crossover, and Forester crossover SUV. Although no further details are told about the upcoming facelifts of these models, the teasers said COMING SOON. That's it.

Wait...when they said that there's going to be a facelift on the Subaru Impreza Sport hatchback and Impreza G4 sedan, are they referring to this?

Expect these facelifts to come with Subaru's breakthrough Eyesight Ver. 3 found in the Levorg. Eyesight Ver. 3 integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning, among many others. You can also expect heavily revised interiors as well, slightly enhanced powertrain, and some of it.

Further reading: http://carview.yahoo.co.jp/news/newmodel/20141114-10214001-carview/?t=0

Gran Turismo 6: A fitting tribute to the third-generation WRX STi

For many years, the WRX has become the pinnacle of the history of Subaru. From its God-given talent tried and tested for rally racing to the twists and turns at the Nurburgring, this Subie has been a favorite among Subarists everywhere.



According to some dealership print ads from Japan, the third-generation WRX STi will be phased out late February 2014 and some say, it will make room for the next model. However, we're not letting this third-generation STi go without a proper sendoff so here in GT6, a good send-off to the current and outgoing WRX STi, available in GR-spec hatchback and GV-spec sedan forms, lies to the question of...Which is the best of the third-generation STi? The winner will face off against...the last Subaru ever entered the WRC before its withdrawal from the World Rally Championship.



Here she is. Now all I have to do is to gather round four different flavors of the WRX STi and meet up at the Ascari.



First off, the GRB-spec hatchback STi. For a quick background, this car was launched at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and sales of this model commenced moments later. Unlike its predecessors, which are comprised of high-performance saloons, the GRB WRX STi is a hatchback and this model do thrown a curve to the enthusiasts. Even though it's based on a hatchback Impreza, it's still a high-performance Subie that behaves just like its predecessors. Unlike the Evo X, this STi tries to be more of a comfortable car on the long road ahead rather than showing off its razor-sharp reflexes on the corners. Despite that, it sure loves to cut through corners even though this car was born from the rally bloodlines.

Two years later, a Spec C was offered and for this model, it sheds off 20kg of weight, making it a driver-focused WRX STi hatch that you can use it on the road or on the track. Anyway, can the 20kg advantage of the WRX STi Spec C do better?





These two STi hatches gave it a good thrashing round the Ascari and again, thanks to the Spec C's 20kg weight loss and the host of numerous improvements such as the sport-tuned chassis, it means it can scamper away from the standard model. The only downside is that since they wore hard tires, they can tend to understeer in some parts of the Ascari track. In just a few minutes later...I have the result...

GRB - 2:27.962
GRB Spec C - 2:26.473

The Spec C ate the normal STi before tea time in a second. So, what about the sedan models?



In response from numerous Subies because they still prefer the styling of the sedan because of its clean shape and long history as the top model of the Impreza, they unveiled the much-awaited 4-door version at the 2010 New York Auto Show and sales in Japan commenced in the Summer of 2010, just a few moments before Gran Turismo 5 hit stores late November 2010 after double delays. It may have the same mechanical stuff from the 5-door model but for this 4-door model, this is by no means the ultimate Subie ever made because it went round the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 55 seconds. This Subaru managed to broke the 8-minute barrier at the fabled German race track and thanks to its sleek aerodynamic styling, it feels more well-balanced.

This Subie racked up class wins at the Nurburgring 24 Hour and to commemorate this achievement, STi made a special S206 NBR Challenge Package which features numerous upgrades including a carbon fiber roof and a rear spoiler. They even updated the engine so that now, it develops 315HP of power and this model is limited to 100 units, available exclusively to the Japanese market.





Both of them are track-focused and usable on the road. These two STi sedans sure knew how to shake it up in the midst of their prime and it's kinda odd because I thought the S206 NBR was supposed to be the swan song for this current-generation STi but in general, the tS Type RA is the real swan song. Anyway, while the tS Type RA is not here, it seems that the S206 NBR gave the normal STi sedan a good roasting and moments later, I have the time. Let's see...

GVB - 2:26.593
GVB S206 - 2:24.764

This leaves now to the Spec C hatchback and the S206 NBR saloon and now, let's move to the Brands Hatch GP Circuit to see which of these two will be facing off against the WRC 2008 rally car.



Look at these two, all primed up and pumped up for their one last vow. Remember, I'm using the GP version of the Brands Hatch just to add a little challenge to these two STi models. For an added twist; let's not forget that the Spec C hatchback is a few kilos lighter than the S206 NBR saloon but because this S206 NBR saloon has more power than the Spec C hatchback, I'd expect this to be more of a similarity.





In the first half of Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, both of the Spec C hatchback and the S206 NBR Saloon are doing pretty well while in the latter half of the track, things are looking to get a bit more struggling and it seems that a small mistake from the Spec C's understeer cost two seconds behind the S206 NBR. After one lap, there can only be one winner...

GRB Spec C - 1:44.755
GVB S206 - 1:42.899

The GVB-spec Subaru S206 NBR Challenge Package is definitely the best of the third-generation WRX STis offered on GT6 but will it be enough to take on the Impreza WRC 2008 Rally Car?



To find out, I went to Monaco Cote d'Azur and this is where the stage is set for the ultimate send-off for our third-generation WRX STi. Who will triumph? Road car or rally car?





Both the S206 and the Impreza Rally Car are like playing a game of cat and mouse as while the rally car can outrun the S206 on a straight line, the S206 found some advantages when it faces a corner, sneaking past the Impreza rally car! As they approached to the final parts of the Monaco Cote d'Azur, it's a fight to the finish and it's kill or be killed.

In this kill or be killed match, the S206 came out a second slower than the Impreza rally car.

Impreza WRC 2008 - 1:47.664
GVB S206 - 1:48.421



So there we are, even though it came a second slower against the Impreza WRC 2008 Rally Car, I can therefore conclude that here on GT6, the S206 NBR CHALLENGE PACKAGE is the best of the third-generation WRX STi models. Now the only idea left for me is...how can I say goodbye to this and waiting for the new model to arrive in the Japanese market and in GT6 as well...