Subaru released the first official image of its Australian spec 2009 Impreza WRX which features a different grille than the car we saw at the New York Show earlier this year. To say that the all-new Impreza has received mixed reactions is probably an understatement so it’s only logical that Subaru would attempt to make a change or two before the car goes for sale in certain markets. Mind though that this is not the first time we’ve seen the revised mesh grille which certainly looks better than the standard Kia style “egg-crate” grille. In May, a 2009 Impreza WRX with a mesh grille was driven by Subaru of America representative, Garrick Goh at the ESX meeting in Hollywood (see here). -Continued: Click "Read More..." below Mesh-grille apart, Subaru Australia announced that the new Impreza will be available exclusively as a hatchback down-under. In addition to WRX, there will be three naturally aspirated Impreza versions. Although Subaru decided to withhold specifications until the Impreza goes on sale in Australia this September, we’re “guessing” that the three naturally aspirated versions will be powered by the JDM 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter powerplants producing 110 and 140Hp respectively along with the US spec, 170Hp 2.5-liter boxer engine.
We should note that it’s unclear whether the Australian Impreza WRX will get the US spec, 224Hp strong 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer unit or the 250Hp 2.0 turbocharged boxer fitted on the Japanese version of the WRX dubbed S-GT.
Link: Subaru Australia