SUBARU'S 280 horsepower Impreza P1, developed by Banbury motorsport firm Prodrive, is to cost £31,495 on-the-road with first deliveries still on course for March.

And because of the phenomenal interest shown at the London and Scottish Motor Shows, Subaru (UK) has increased its order from 500 to 1,000 units - the maximum the factory can produce.

Already a cult car, the Impreza P1 boasts a top speed of 155 mph, 0-60 mph time of 4.66 seconds and 0-100 mph time of 12.28 seconds.

More importantly, the two-door 'grey' import beater will be available throughout Subaru's 110-strong dealer network, carries a full three year/60,000 mile warranty and meets the most stringent European Whole Vehicle Type Approval regulations. It is finished in 'Sonic Blue' mica - similar to the World Rally Car.

Story date: Wednesday 29 December

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.