2002 Subaru Impreza STI Prodrive Style Type-UK

Highlights

• Desirable UK-market special edition
• Recently rolling-roaded at 341bhp
• Clifford alarm with turbo timer and remote start
• Blitz Nür stainless exhaust system
• Robust history file

Overview

The Subaru Impreza has, quite rightly, gone down in automotive history as one of the all-time good ideas; a car as usable and practical as it was devastatingly rapid, its superlative agility matched by its rugged robustness.

Of course, there’s always been a celebrated and self-aware nerdiness that’s underpinned the Impreza’s legacy, fed by the fact that a frankly mind-boggling array of variants, evolutions and special editions were released in assorted markets across the globe. Most petrolheads would likely be able to point out a 22B or an RB5, but then there’s the Terzo, the Holzer Edition, the Type RA STi Version II V-Limited, the WRX CB1, and about a billion others. Unpicking the granular knowledge of these spec, trim and power levels has always been part of the fun.

So what are we looking at here? Well, this is an Impreza WRX STi Prodrive Style Type-UK. Based on the second-generation ‘bugeye’ Impreza, the WRX STi Prodrive Style was a worldwide edition, with the Type-UK being (as the name suggests) the one officially available in the UK market. Sold for a very short period – it came to the showrooms in October 2001, and was deleted from the line-up by the following February – the spec included the iconic 2.0-litre boxer in a 265bhp state of tune along with water-spray for the intercooler (controlled by a switch), gold wheels, blue suede interior trim with red stitching, redesigned front bumper and sideskirts, with a choice of Midnight Black Pearl or Mica Blue for the body.

Desirable specs indeed, and – as is the case with most Imprezas – this particular example has been artfully tweaked to augment and improve the standard-issue stuff, teasing out its potential to make it the best possible version of itself. The rally-stage looks are now backed up by a meaty 341bhp, thanks to a very recent remap and rolling road session. With a reassuring history file and that iconic three-box Impreza profile, this is a truly attractive performance machine.

History and documentation

• Registered 31 May 2002
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Original books and manuals in correct wallet
• 2x keys, 2x alarm/immobiliser keyfobs
• Six former keepers
• Part service history, with service book stamped in Jul 2002 @ 1400 miles, Apr 2003 @ 10,727 miles, Apr 2004 @ 19,445 miles, Apr 2005 @ 27,912 miles, Mar 2006 @ 34,397 miles, May 2007 @ 44,206 miles, Aug 2009 @ 62,228 miles, Feb 2011 @ 75,120 miles, Sep 2012 @ 84,582 miles, Dec 2013 @ 86,718 miles, Jan 2016 @ 99,309 miles, Apr 2024 @ 108,279 miles, Sep 2024 @ 111,274 miles
• Current MOT with no advisories, expires 16 Aug 2025
• Sheaf of previous MOT certificates
• 2024 – printout from Surrey Rolling Road, showing peak power of 341bhp
• 2021 – certificate for installation of Clifford alarm, turbo timer & remote start
• 2020 – invoice for checkover and compression test
• 2002 – certificate for installation of RAC Trackstar
• Substantial sheaf of invoices for servicing and maintenance parts from Import Car Parts
• London ULEZ compliant
• HPI clear

Interior

• The blue suede trim with red STI logos is a classic noughties look, and the seats are in decent condition front and rear
• No warning lights illuminated on the dash
• STi Genome gauge controller
• Aftermarket Pioneer double-DIN head unit with Apple CarPlay
• OEM Momo steering wheel is in great condition
• Good carpets throughout, and STi-branded overmats
• Alloy pedals
• Clean boot with space-saver spare
• Tidy door cards and clean door shuts
• Dashtop-mounted boost gauge
• Unleash your inner rally god with the button for the intercooler water spray!

Exterior

• Model-specific aero gives it real rally flair, with the high-rise rear spoiler and redesigned front bumper and skirts providing lots of road presence
• Correct gold alloy wheels are a stylish design; a little kerbing but presentable overall
• Light lenses and window glass all in good order
• Straight panels with neat gaps
• There are a few age-related scuffs and chips to the paintwork, but nothing major
• Rallyflapz mud flaps fitted
• TGR Motorsport titanium wheel nuts
• Matching Avon ZV1 tyres with decent tread
• The underside of the car has been restored, including sand-blasting and undersealing
• Paintwork sparkles like glitter in the sun; paint code 08V for Midnight Black Pearl is also known on other models as Blue Black Mica, and it does have a deep blue lustre
• Supremely forthright and impressive example of a true modern classic

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre flat-four turbo – recently rolling-roaded at 341bhp
• Under-bonnet upgrades include Prodrive intercooler, induction kit and yellow colour-coding
• Pipes replaced and engine compression tested
• 6-speed manual gearbox
• OEM Brembo brakes with drilled and grooved discs
• Current mileage is 111,384
• Blitz Nür stainless steel exhaust system fitted; original Prodrive exhaust is also included in the sale

Summary

The Impreza’s raison d'être is to be driven, and the seller assures us that this is something the car does very well: it always starts first time, every time, even if it’s been left sitting for a while. It pulls strongly through the gears and the power delivery is exhilarating and addictive, as you’d imagine with 341bhp on tap. The handling is pleasingly limpet-like through the twisties, the Brembos are devastatingly effective at shearing off speed, and that brutal Blitz exhaust ensures that the flat-four warble is broadcast as a Wookie howl. A limited edition sports car that’s hilarious fun, and at the same time eminently practical and affordable enough that you wouldn’t be afraid to use it. Could this be the perfect early-2000s performance car…?

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. The car is located near Ipswich, Suffolk.