Subaru WRX STI: down to £27k, up to 340hp

Subaru has announced a price cut for its high performance WRX STI, which drops the 300hp four-wheel drive wonder machine down to just £26,995.

That’s a reduction of £6,000 over the previous £32,995 list price – and a healthy reminder that rally-inspired Impreza-based Subarus aren’t done yet, even if the rear-wheel drive BRZ coupé (and its Toyota GT86 cousin) are rather stealing the limelight at the moment.

Road Test Review: Subaru WRX STI 320R (2011 onwards)

First Drive Review: Subaru BRZ (2012 onwards)

At the same time, Subaru has also announced a new 340R upgrade for the WRX STI. This follows on from the 320R, which remains available, and as the name suggests boosts the 2.5-litre flat-four turbo under the bonnet to 340hp. Holy cow.

That’s a gain of 40hp, accompanied by 361lb ft of torque (61lb ft more than standard). It comes courtesy of revised engine management settings and a new exhaust, also said to let loose more of that classic Subaru sound.

As a result 0-60mph now takes just 4.7 seconds – half a second faster than the standard car, and as quick as the very latest entry-level version of the Porsche 911.

That’s not a bad deal for an extra £1,599. Yes, that does mean you can currently get the full 340 horses for £28,594. In-gear acceleration is said to be much stronger, too.

Seems the BMW M135i just got a little bit of competition in the bang-for-buck stakes – but would you choose the Subaru’s four-wheel drive security or the BMW’s potentially more playful rear-wheel drive?

Subaru v the Isle of Man

Subaru takes aftercare to another level

Toyota GT86: speccing the light fantastic

Find out how much a used Subaru Impreza costs on Auto Trader

Road Test Review: Porsche 911 Carrera manual (2012 onwards)

First Drive Review: BMW M135i (2012 onwards)