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WITH a multitude of victories to its name, the Subaru Impreza – affectionately dubbed Scooby – became a legend in the rallying world, with success after success on special stages around the world.

The legend has lived on thanks to the WRX STI, which has become a legend in its own right as the modern, road-going, high-performance incarnation of yesterday’s rallying legends.

But all good things must come to an end, and the WRX STI itself will soon be consigned to the motoring history books, with the Japanese marque having taken the decision to end production.

But fans of the breed are being given a last chance to mark the end of an era and to own a very special end-of-the-line version in the shape of the WRX STI Final Edition, which has a strictly limited run of 150 models. It’s available now priced at £33,995 on the road.

(Image: Subaru)

The Final Edition has a series of upgrades across key areas of the car, making this the most capable WRX STI sold in the UK and a fitting tribute to its legacy.

Driving performance has been improved by electronic changes to the Multi-Mode Driver’s Control Centre Differential (DCCD) which provides optimum cornering ability.

The wheel size has been increased to 19 inches to house new larger Brembo brakes with yellow painted calipers, which improve fade-resistance and brake performance and provide a consistent pedal feel when driving on the limit.

The front bumper has been redesigned to look more purposeful, with the lower grille blacked out with a geometric textured panel and a larger opening to enhance cooling performance. The hexagonal grille has been sharpened and defined and a black surround has been added.

(Image: Subaru)

The Subaru wing design, which flows through to the C-shaped headlights has been incorporated, hinting at the Boxer engine under the bonnet. A Final Edition badge is positioned on the door.

Inside, high-gloss black inserts are added to the instrument panel, gear stick surround, door panels and steering wheel with red stitching and red seatbelts fitted to tie the scheme together.

The front seats are now heated, and a larger 5.9in multi-function display has been added to the top of the dash. The instrument panel design has also been updated.

The infotainment system now includes DAB radio and a reversing camera is included to make parking easier.

Subaru say that with new models being launched and investment in platform and powertrains going forward, the timing was felt right to open a new chapter for the company and “to allow WRX STI’s heritage to inform future developments rather than being continued”.