On sale from late May, the WRX 300 will feature a Prodrive Performance Pack boosting power to 261 bhp and torque to 257 lb.ft for a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and top speed in excess of 145 mph.

Finished in WR Blue, the all-wheel drive saloon boasts special 17 ins alloy wheels with 215/45 tyres, an aluminium gear knob, WRX-branded carpet mats and a ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcSubaru World Rally Team¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? logo on the front seats and front lamp covers.

Also included in the package is an RAC ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcTrackstar¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? anti-theft device plus one-year¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s free membership.

This is in addition to a raft of improvements for the ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?05 Model Year WRX such as a totally revised chassis with inverted suspension struts and sharper-feeling steering for even more precise handling response.

Other changes for this year include enhanced interiors with plusher ? and extended ? cloth door trim, softer-feeling roof linings and a flush-fit centre console with new air-conditioning controls and new, quality-feeling switchgear.