An iconic machine.

Byline: By Edward Stephens

DO YOU remember what you were doing in 1994? Subaru does. It was just launching the first Impreza turbo - the iconic Turbo 2000.

To celebrate 15 years of turbo Imprezas they are rolling back the years to introduce one of its strongest-ever sales incentives.

At pounds 17,998 the Impreza WRX is set to become a recession-busting time machine, as prices for the punchy 2.5-litre WRX Turbo are rolled back to exactly the same price as the first car in 1994 - a pounds 2,100 saving on the list price.

This offer is the last chance for UK customers to buy into the legendary turbocharged WRX brand - with its flexible, 230 bhp flat-four 'Boxer' engine, married to Subaru's trusty Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive - as no more WRX Turbos will be built for sale in the UK.

In 1994, the Impreza provided exhilarating performance, fourwheel-drive and superb handling, yet demonstrating flexibility and practicality for everyday use. On the surface of things, nothing much has changed - these are still core Subaru brand values.

But, after a decade and a half of brand development, the current Impreza WRX Turbo is a radically evolved beast from its early 'classic' predecessor.

For starters it now has a 2.5-litre engine compared with the original 2.0-litre. Also, the Impreza is now a hatchback, with a shell considerably stiffer than in 1994, using the latest chassis technology.

The wheel base is longer and track is far wider, providing even greater levels of 4x4 grip.

Power has risen from 208bhp to just under 230bhp, with substantially more torque on offer lower down the rev range and throughout the muscular mid-range, and with greater peak figures and performance increases to match.

Still offering great piece of mind and security is Subaru's dealer backed three-year, 60,000-mile warranty - as it was in 1994. Now it comes with a 12-year anti-corrosion cover and three-year paint-work warranty as standard. Lawrence Good, managing director, of Subaru (UK) Ltd, said: "This is the last opportunity for Subaru WRX fans to buy into the latest, best Impreza WRX Turbo model - at a price they were 15 years ago. It is one of the best dealer offers in our history.

"The Impreza has evolved a great deal over the years, yet has always offered a brilliant blend of practicality and performance, while retaining its character as a fun, motorsport-honed, exciting daily drive. We shall miss the WRX Turbo when it is gone."

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Celebrations: Fifteen years of Impreza turbo.