Subaru Impreza WRP10 2005 review

If that's not impressive enough, even the top of the range fire-breathing STi costs just $56,000 these days, which might explain why they have become a commonplace sight on the road.

The Rex as the WRX is affectionately known still sets the benchmark by which most performance cars are measured, especially in the all important "bang for your buck" stakes.

Put simply, nothing else comes near it for the price.

The super quick, turbocharged Sooby has a growing list of competitors these days, but most continue to fall short in key areas such as cost or performance.

However, in terms of price, there's a big gap between the standard model and high performance STi, one which Subaru has moved to fill at least temporarily with a limited edition model called the WRP10.

The motoring fraternity loves acronyms and the WRP10 badge is sure to lend a little mystique to the car, just as the club spec models that have come before.

Subaru explains the WR represents Impreza WRX's success in World Rally competition, P the enormous rallying contribution from Pirelli tyres and 10 the years since launch of the original Impreza WRX.

Unlike the club spec series, however, the WRP10 is more powerful than your standard Rex and also gets a bag full of extra goodies.

Only 200 of the limited edition cars have been put together and our test car was numbered 76.

Available only in metallic grey and as a five-speed manual sedan, the WRP10 includes a STI engine performance upgrade kit that lifts power from the standard 168kW to 175kW at 6000rpm.

The kit includes a replacement Electronic Control Unit, upgraded exhaust components and a large single tip muffler.

A carbon fibre strut brace and WRX suspension lowering kit, with stiffer springs that drop the ride height by 15mm.

The result is a more aggressive stance and a better handling car.

WRP10 sits high performance, lightweight 17 inch five-spoke forged alloy RAYS wheels with 215/45 series Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The car looks fabulous, particularly the dark alloys that highlight the bright red brake calipers.

The ride is firmer and flatter than a standard Rex, but the the small increase in power is not evident.

The Rex has a a reputation for being quick off the mark and the WRP10 is no exception.

Power comes on hot and strong, with a surge as the turbo boost kicks in just before the tacho reaches 3000rpm.

But the car can be lumpy and unresponsive down low, particularly if you are caught in the wrong gear without sufficient revs.

Drivers familiar with the engine's characteristics learn to accommodate these shortcomings.

Having said that, the limited edition model is sure to be a hit Rex enthusiasts.

The Subaru Impreza WRP10 is priced form $48,490.