The S series Subaru Impreza is somewhat unknown here in the UK. This is fairly understandable considering they were only produced in limited numbers exclusively for the Japanese domestic market except for the latest US-only S209. Its perhaps surprising to think that the original S201 went on sale 19 years ago. Since then a further 8 generations have been released. So what makes an S stand out from a standard STI from the same era? In short... its the more focused sibling. But we thought you'd appreciate a more detailed explaination of each generation so we did exactly that...

S201

  • Year: 2000
  • Production numbers: 300
  • Power output: 305PS (300bhp)
  • Kerb weight: 1,270kgs
The original S201 is a sight to behold, well perhaps not in the positive sense. Believe it or not the car below is as it left the production line back in 2000. With a bodykit that resembles a 90's project car that went terribly wrong its difficult to fall in love with its looks. However with only 300 ever produced this is (along with the S207) the rarest of all S series Imprezas. What's more its the lightest too. Does this make it the most desirable though? 

S202

  • Year: 2002
  • Production numbers: 400
  • Power output: 320PS (316bhp)
  • Kerb weight: 1,330kgs

Coming in at 60kgs heavier than the previous S201 but boasting an extra 16bhp the S202 is often considered the sweet spot of the S-series Impreza. Although the 'bug-eye' experienced a lot of critics upon release its become far more popular in recent years. A limited 400 units produced only adds to the appeal. 

S203

  • Year: 2004
  • Production numbers: 555
  • Power output: 320PS (316bhp)
  • Kerb weight: 1,445kgs

Although the S203 is received far better visually than previous models it loses on headline stats. At 555 produced its the second most available S-series. And with an extra 85kgs added to its kerb weight whilst retaining the same power output as the previous S202 its arguably starting to look softer. 

S204

  • Year: 2005
  • Production numbers: 600
  • Power output: 320PS (316bhp)
  • Kerb weight: 1,450kgs

The Hawkeye is widely considered the best looking Impreza to date and has consequently received many admirers over the years. It doesn't stop at the exterior either, the exclusive leather RECARO seats are a work of art which cost considerable money to replace. Although the S204 got heavier again (extra 5kgs) there were big improvements to the suspension set up which helped it corner at breakneck speeds whilst being extremely comfortable.

R205

  • Year: 2010
  • Production numbers: 400
  • Power output: 320PS (316bhp)
  • Kerb weight: 1,470kgs

Exact reasons for the sudden name change are fairly unknown and we questioned its inclusion into this feature, however the R205 is still very much a performance enhanced STI produced in limited numbers which shares characteristics of the previous S204. What's more its a cracking car to both drive and look at. Enhanced damping over the standard STI along with 6 pot front brakes and lightweight wheels should be enough to convince most that this is an Impreza that doesn't mess around. 

S206

  • Year: 2011
  • Production numbers: 300 (100 NBR challenge packs)
  • Power output: 320PS (316bhp)
  • Kerb weight: 1,470kgs

2011 saw a revert back to the 'S' and Subaru did so with serious intent producing 300 cracking S206s. Of these were 100 that included the NBR challenge pack which essentially boasted a carbon fibre roof and rear wing along with a hand built engine. We're super keen to bring one of these to the UK very soon! 

S207

  • Year: 2015
  • Production numbers: 400
  • Power output: 328PS (323bhp)
  • Kerb weight: 1,510kgs

Claimed by Subaru to be... "The World's most enjoyable vehicle"... the S207 was certainly enjoyed by the press. After 5 generations the power was upped by 7bhp to 323bhp but it came at the cost of an increase of 40kgs over the previous S206. The NBR challenge pack remained on a further limited number to attract the most hardcore Impreza fans. 

S208

  • Year: 2018
  • Production numbers: 450
  • Power output: TBC
  • Kerb weight: TBC

The S208 is lighter and has more power, all 450 units sporting a carbon fibre roof.

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