Subaru's WRX and its more powerful bigger brother the STi have long been the key hot hatches alongside the Lancer Evolution. They epitomise the pinnacle of boxer engine technology and with their Symmetrical AWD handling they have been the benchmark against which a thousand and more arguments have raged in pubs, coffee shops and dibnner tables across the country.

Now the 2011 MY turbocharged twins, the Subaru WRX and WRX STI are dressed in new metal jackets and muscular engineering showing that despite middle age they are bold, mean and agile. 

Both high performance Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive variants are available as aggressive widebody sedans, as well as the established hatch body.

And for the first time WRX STI offers an automatic choice – the fine-tuned five-speed paddle-shift until now only available in Japanese domestic market A-line versions.

Incredibly, despite extra engineering and specification, WRX pricing still starts from $39,990 Manufacturer’s List Price* for both sedan and hatch variants. The WRX with optional SatNav, leather trim and sunroof is $1000 less than the superseded equivalent model.

WRX STI has reduced by $2000 and now starts from $59,990 for sedan and hatch, auto or manual.

Optimizing performance, WRX STI’s auto is mated to the A-line’s 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 221 Kilowatts of power at 6200 rpm and 350 Newton metres of torque between 3000-6000 rpm.

Manual WRX STIs retain the current engine, producing 221 kW at 6000 rpm and 407 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

WRX STI is five millimetres lower, literally taking handling to a whole new level.  WRX and WRX STI share the sporty blistered guards that now set all performance variants apart from the normally aspirated Impreza range.

WRX STI suspension is totally revised, highlighting its renowned road holding. Sedan versions wing it with a large aerodynamic spoiler that confirms its sporty status. Increased WRX tyre and track width enhance driving performance.

Both cars offer Bluetoothâwireless technology compatibility.

Among the many major changes, WRX adds:

·          Widebody sedan and hatch design

·          New STI exhaust system – four tailpipes

·          New lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels with gun metal grey finish

·          New bumpers

·          Wider front and rear track

·          Wider tyres

·          Rear suspension upgraded

·          Bluetoothâwireless technology compatibility

WRX STI highlights include:

·          Introduction of widebody sedan

·          Automatic option – STI-tuned five-speed paddle-shift

·          A-line engine for auto – ideally set-up for sport performance

·          Large aerodynamic rear spoiler on sedan

·          Sporty new bumpers and grille

·          Suspension totally revised for better cornering performance, handling and overall stability

·          5 mm lower - adding to sporty appearance

·          New stainless steel exhaust tip design unique to model

·          New wheels - lighter standard ENKEI 18-inch alloy wheels

·          New finish on BBS 18-inch alloys on WRX STI spec.R

·          Darker instrument panel and door trim

·          Bluetoothâwireless technology-enabled audio system

·          USB jack in centre console – non SatNav cars

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: “All our turbocharged variants now look considerably different from the normally aspirated cars.

“That’s a conscious decision to appeal to the performance fans and enthusiasts that represent the loyal core of WRX and WRX STI customers.

“We constantly try to offer refinements and improvements over time and the significant upgrades to both models won’t disappoint.”

He added: “We’re delighted by the fact we’ve managed to maintain the same price levels for entry level WRX, while actually reducing pricing for the WRX with optional SatNav, leather trim and sunroof, and also the WRX STI.

“This makes both choices absolutely incredible value, especially when you factor in the variety of engineering and cosmetic changes to the models.”

As with every new Subaru sold in Australia, both the WRX and WRX STI have an independent five-star crashworthiness rating for occupant safety from the respected Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

They’re also protected by DataDot security.