Ah, the Subaru Impreza. Once upon a time, it was the four-wheeled equivalent of a snorting rally hero—spitting flames, bouncing over gravel, and wearing gold wheels like a crown. But fast-forward to today, and the sixth-generation Impreza has become the sensible family hatchback of choice for people who like the idea of AWD but think horsepower is something you measure in lawnmowers.

Still, Subaru Australia seems determined to sprinkle some nostalgia dust on the humble hatch. Their latest concoction is the Impreza S-Edition, a special edition that looks like it got lost on its way to the Tokyo Auto Salon—and that’s not entirely a bad thing.

From the outside, it certainly talks the talk. The most obvious change is the new set of 18-inch Enkei alloys, finished in black and adorned with a cheeky red STI emblem—just in case your neighbours weren’t aware that your Impreza is, in fact, a bit special. Add a gloss-black front splitter, rear skirt, and roof spoiler, and you’ve got yourself a hatchback that looks like it’s trying out for a cameo in Gran Turismo. Subaru even throws in a unique sports grille, which is corporate speak for “it’s the same grille, but with fancier mesh.”

You can have it in just three colours—Pure Red, Crystal Black Silica, or Crystal White Pearl—basically, Ferrari, stealth mode, or stormtrooper. Inside, there’s an STI-branded start button and shift knob, because nothing says “performance” like red letters staring at you while the CVT hums like an electric toothbrush.

And here’s the rub: beneath all that cosplay, this is still the regular Impreza AWD 2.0S. Same 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer, same 154 horses, same Lineartronic CVT. In other words, plenty of grip, but not much go. Subaru calls it “racing spirit from grille to tail.” We’d call it “STI in appearance only.”

At least it’s a sensible deal. Only 100 units will be made, each costing AU$42,490—about AU$3,500 more than the standard Impreza AWD 2.0S. But here’s the kicker: you’re getting about AU$6,500 worth of goodies, which means, on paper at least, Subaru is paying you to look fast while being… not fast.

And because Subaru loves to share, there’s also the Crosstrek Onyx, which gets its own set of dark alloys and a black rear spoiler. That one will set you back AU$43,890, which is basically a grand and a half extra for paint and wheels.

So, what have we learned? The Impreza S-Edition is the car equivalent of wearing a rally jacket over your office clothes. It looks the part, feels a bit special, and makes you smile in the mirror—but don’t expect it to suddenly turn into a WRX when the traffic lights go green.

It’s Subaru giving enthusiasts a wink, not a punch.

Source: Subaru Crosstrek Onyx