Extensive revisions to Subaru's Impreza WRX means feeling more comfy at high speed, says MALCOLM BAYLIS.

THERE's been few on the road to beat the performance of the Subaru Impreza WRX, but that has not ruled out extensive changes to models for next year.

Most of them are to the chassis and are designed to boost ride and drive, especially when cornering or covering bumpy surfaces, but other changes have been made to make the all-round experience even more comfortable. There is a plusher cabin interior and new console and switchgear, making the WRX series, public road-going versions of the acclaimed world rally car, a car to lust after.

There are three to consider: the STi Type-UK, the WRX and the 2.0-litre GX, and all have been markedly improved. There have been on-the-road price revisions, too, for the STi and the entry-level GX. The STi costs £1,000 more now at £25,995 while the GX versions are cheaper, with £450 knocked off the now £14,500 saloon and £300 off the £15,600 five-door model. Prices of the WRX stay at £19,995 for the saloon and £20,495 for the five-door.

The extra £1,000 for the STi comes about because of the extensive revised suspension and all-wheel drive system, which now gives added driver confidence with its fast-acting limited-slip differential, driver's control differential and a yaw-rate sensor. What it all means is that the driver can select power distribution front and back, and choose a sharper cornering turn-in or a more stable straight line.

However, hard cornering has never been better and safer, and the 0-62mph dash is recorded at 5.2-seconds. The engine, incidentally, is virtually new, up to 80 per cent has been changed, providing maximum power of 261.5bhp at 6,000rpm and 254lb ft of torque at a usable 4,000rpm.

Outside, the only visual changes are to the rear wheel arches and the fitting of slightly wider gold alloy wheels with a new 10-spoke design.

Meanwhile, the best-selling WRX gets new suspension struts and various under-cover improvements to help with more precise handling, while the lower-priced GX has been kitted out with new, larger diameter seven-spoke alloy wheels, rear anti-roll bar and a new, smaller diameter three-spoke steering wheel. However, the GX does lose its side skirts and leather-covered steering wheel, while the saloon no longer has a boot spoiler.

All the models have been given new roof-linings, and flush-fit aluminium-effect centre console, together with new air-conditioning controls and switchgear. The centre console also provides a couple of cup holders.

Finally, for those who like to ensure there car is a real head-turner, there is a special performance pack for the STi: it costs £1,995, including nearly three hours of technician fitting, to provide an engine boost to 299lb.ft cutting the 0-62mph sprint to 4.6-seconds and hiking the top speed to the very illegal.

Updated: 09:02 Friday, October 08, 2004