For quite a  lot less money than the current batch of new hot hatches to hit our shores you can buy the ultimate in hot hatches, the fire breathing all wheel drive Subaru Impreza WRX STI with factory performance exhaust, for only R379 000.

This week we bring you a 2010 model that has a mere 19 700 kilometres on the clock. 
Kean Pienaar of Subaru Centurion is the guy you need to speak to on 012 653 7309 or 083 712 7395. Or you can drop him an e-mail at kean@subaru-centurion.co.za to secure this little red monster.

Let’s be straight. Few cars have captured the imagination of the performance car enthusiasts like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

This is perhaps because most important to many, it remains extremely quick.

Official Subaru SA testing at reef altitude shows that the STI is capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.18 seconds, and a standing kilometre of 25.12 seconds at 204.8 km/h while going on to around 250 km/h.

The power peak of 221 kW is set at 6 000 rpm. And while an engine of this nature isn’t primarily configured for low-down lugging power, there is already 275 Nm available at 2 000 rpm.

It reaches its peak of 407 Nm at double that engine speed.  This much torque requires a strong gearbox, and Subaru have it in their proven six-speed unit.

At the heart of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a conventional mechanical centre differential integral with the gearbox, and an electronically-controlled cam-type limited slip differential.

This generates a thrust force to activate the differential according to the actual torque  between the front and rear.

It comes into effect when exiting corners and in transient manoeuvres, with the effect of increasing stability.

In addition, you are able to tailor the engine’s torque delivery characteristics according to your wants or needs –  thanks to a development of the Subaru Intelligent-Drive system.
 You can choose one of three settings: Sport (the default setting selected at start-up) Sport-Sharp, and Intelligent.

This Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) reaches its technical zenith in the STI.
It provides choices that give you the opportunity to take more control and bring a tightening or loosening of the centre differential’s locking tendencies.

This translates into a natural poise which not only makes every Subaru a pleasure to drive, but also results in highly predictable and secure handling.

For the first time the STI adds Vehicle Dynamics controls (VDC) to the equation – precisely configured especially for this specific application. In this guise it has three settings, rather than the on/off positions as fitted to other Subarus.

Once again, Brembo remains Subaru’s partner of choice for providing peerless stopping ability. Fixed caliper brakes with four pistons are used in front and two piston calipers at the rear.

A number of special features set the interior apart. And, without exception, they have been included primarily to enhance the driver’s control and improve the interface between man and machine.

These include a smaller steering wheel with satellite controls for the audio system on the right and speed regulation on the left, a new gear linkage and leather bound knob.
There are also aluminium pedals with rubber pads and, of course, the exceptionally supportive Recaro seats - manufactured exclusively for Subaru.

You also get a high-end 10 speaker, front-loader CD sound system with  multimedia compatibility, automatic climate control, and electrically assisted folding mirrors.

There are electric windows with driver one-touch, full-sized spare, headlamp washers, luminescent gauges, and Xenon head lamps which are  often cost options on other premium brands competing in this sector.