Subaru unveils new WRX

SUBARU has finally released the first official pictures of its new Impreza WRX.

The keenly anticipated newcomer has been shrouded in secrecy since its conception - at least until a few weeks ago when undisguised spy shots of the car blew its cover.

The official pictures confirm that the new Impreza features a round-headlight nose reminiscent of the Daihatsu Sirion and superseded Toyota Corolla.

It retains the bonnet scoop that distinguishes the current WRX from its lesser siblings but gains flared guards to give it a more squat appearance.

The revamped Impreza range is due to make its local debut in mid-October, simultaneously with the six-cylinder Outback.

Subaru remains tight-lipped regarding details of the new Impreza but a company insider suggests it will be positioned in line with the current model and offered with normally-aspirated and turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer engines.

It is possible the WRX may creep over the $40,000 mark following the launch of the new model. The current WRX costs $38,750 in sedan form and $39,220 as a hatchback.

The new WRX has some big shoes to fill as the current model has earned cult status worldwide as the undisputed "bang for buck" king among performance cars.

It was even voted car of the decade by the notoriously partisan European motoring media.

The WRX's practicality and ease of ownership has made it a popular choice not only among young chargers but also family-car buyers.

It accounts for more than half of the Impreza's total sales in the Australian market.

Initial public response to the newcomer - based on the spy shots - has been lukewarm but this may be because the car's dramatically revised styling requires some familiarisation.

There is no word yet as to whether hot STi versions of the revamped WRX will be introduced in the future.