AS this is the first STi version of the second generation Impreza, it naturally benefits from all the changes that occurred to the base car when the second generation range was launched in October, 2000. The previous STi model (Version VI sedan) had a larger, WRC-style rear spoiler, separate front lip spoiler and rear windscreen wiper to distinguish it from the standard WRX, but retained the base car's alloy wheels although they were gold. The new STi keeps the WRX's rear spoiler and front bumper/spoiler set-up and no longer gets a rear wiper, but has new alloy wheels and a larger bonnet scoop.