Subaru is set to delight its performance fans with not only the surprise addition of a WRX model to the new Impreza range but at a highly competitive price.

Available from November, the new Subaru Impreza 2.5 WRX turbo will cost a remarkable £19,995 on-the-road – a full £1,102 less than the previous model.

The new 230 PS Impreza WRX – which was originally not planned for Europe – will be available in limited numbers prior to the range-topping WRX STI going on sale in spring 2008.

Meanwhile, the non-turbo range – featuring a new, roomier five-door body with new multi-link rear suspension – will enter dealer showrooms later this month starting at £12,495 for the 1.5R.

All Imprezas have all-wheel drive, alloy wheels, climate-control air-conditioning, radio/CD player, height and reach steering-wheel adjustment, foglamps, front and rear electric windows, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags plus vehicle information display.

The new WRX – which reaches 60 mph in 6.1 seconds – adds 17 ins alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a rear bumper diffuser, leather-covered steering-wheel and gear-knob, a rear limited-slip-differential with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control, 10-speaker, six-disc radio/CD player and xenon headlamps.