2002 Subaru Impreza STI Prodrive

The 2002 Impreza WRX STi Prodrive-style Type-UK was a second generation, four-door saloon, built for the UK-market between October 2001 and February 2002. Available in WRC Blue Mica or Midnight Black they were powered by the traditional 1,994cc, DOHC flat-four generating 265bhp fed to the road through full-time four-wheel drive with viscous limited-slip centre differential (VCD-F4WD).

Differences to the regular WRX include special gold-coloured spoked alloy wheels, colour-keyed sill spoilers and an interior featuring blue suede-effect seats with STi logos and red stitching for the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever. Inside - and sure to please enthusiasts - is a switch to spray the intercooler with water. Another device allows the driver to pre-set a warning buzzer and light to guard against over-revving the engine. On opening the bonnet, the engine compartment greets owners with a dramatic mixture of colours and detailing. The intake manifold, for example, is painted in red and the enlarged aluminium intercooler emblazoned with STi lettering. In addition, the STi Prodrive style features a massive high-riding boot spoiler, newly designed sill spoilers and a deeper, squarer front bumper all designed to resemble the WRC rally car. Interior enhancements over the standard STi include dark blue-coloured instruments with red needles.

This smart Midnight Black example was first registered on 17th July 2002 and has been enjoyed by one lady owner since then. It was fitted with a Prodrive performance pack in 2003 by the SubaruWelch Group at a cost of £2,000 with the invoice on file. The current indicated mileage is 44,743, corroborated by the service book containing eight stamps, the last @ 43,859 miles on 5th July 2023 and every MOT from new. It's also accompanied by its current and two previous V5Cs, the service pack and user manuals, both keys and two fobs.

In production for only a few months and with a specification designed to suit UK-buyers, it's not surprising that the Type-UK has consistently remained in demand. This superb example looks like it's been cossetted within an inch of its life by its one owner and seems very sensibly guided.