1996 Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza UK special editions (Saloon), 1995-1999

The Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000's first special edition model was introduced in 1995, and the last in 1999. All were based on the standard car; a front engine, all wheel drive saloon seating four adults.

First to be introduced was the Series McRae in June 1995, featuring a tilt/slide sunroof, Pirelli P-Zero tyres, 8 spoke gold alloy wheels, open style head restraints and a new seckled cloth for the upholstery, an individually numbered plaque, special wing and badged with a Series McRae motif. The cost when new was £22999.

In March 1997 Subaru offered another special, the Catalunya. All were finished in black with gold 5 spoke alloy wheels, colour coded mirrors and door handles. They offered a short throw gear lever, air conditioning, red seat accents and a carbon fibre look dashboard surround. Special mats and decals completed the £21610 package, and just 200 were produced.

In March 1998 Subaru offered the Terzo special edition. Finished in a unique colour called Terzo blue, these cars had grey alcantara trim and gold alloys once more. Air conditioning and Cobra remote central locking were featured, with a matching alarm and immobiliser. Numbered plaques, special mats and decals were fitted. As befitted the uK's third special edition, 333 were built and sold at £22820.

The last two special editions for the UK market were introduced in April 1999, first of which was the RB5. In Blue Steel metallic paint, it had PIAA colour coded foglamps with RBS covers, 17" Speedline six spoke alloys, grey alcantara trim and a graphite effect centre console. 444 were built, and sold at £24995. It was also possible to specify your RB5 with the Build 444 Prodrive option pack, which boosted power to 236bhp, added a new boot spoiler with integral high level brake light and new badging. These listed at £27545.

The final UK special edition, again introduced in April 1999, was the P1. This was the only two door Impreza officially brought into the UK, and featured extensive modification by Prodrive. 276bhp was the result - finished in iconic Sonic Blue paint, it incorporated a number of suspension tweaks by Prodrive to suit UK roads and new front and rear aerodynamic aids styled by Peter Stevens. At £31495 it was the most expensive limited edition Impreza, but also the most desirable of the UK models. 1000 were built.