A rumor on a UK web site suggests Subaru might kill off non-STI versions of the Impreza WRX in 2010, at least in the UK.
The story goes on to add that the subcompact Justy hatchback is also a goner, along with the cheapy front-drive versions of the base Impreza sold in Japan and elsewhere. Ostensibly, the reasoning behind such moves would be for the company to redirect its focus on higher-performance versions of the STI (like the UK-only variations co-developed with Prodrive), and says the report, on diesel technology. The story ends on a hopeful note with the suggestion that a twin-turbocharged version of the company's boxer diesel is in the works.
So far as we know, though, there's nothing to this story. "I cannot comment on global FHI future plans, but the WRX will continue for the U.S. market," Dominick Infante, manager of public relations for Subaru of America, told us.
moparbad says:
01:07 PM, 09/29/09
When will ANY version of Subaru diesel be available in U.S.A.?
estreka says:
01:33 PM, 09/29/09
In the US, I believe WRX sales make of a significant portion of the Impreza's bottom line. I guess that's not so true in Britain?
redliner says:
09:56 PM, 09/29/09
For once, it sucks to be them (Europeans). Usually we are the ones who never have the pleasure of driving some of the cool small cars.