'' The japanese WRX may have looked similar to the uk turbo but it was different in many ways. The engine was rated at 240ps (versus 211ps in europe), thanks to a bigger ihi turbo and larger intercooler, run by a different engine managment set-up. The suspension had stiffer springs, the gearbox had closer-set ratios and a more frenetic final drive and there was a solid rear bulkhead.

The list of standard equipment was also much more complete: climate control, electrically-retractable mirrors, rear wash-wipe and superior seats.

Initially, there only was a WRX saloon, joined in 1993 by a sports wagon five-door with only 220ps and a choice of four-speed automatic transmission in addition to the five-speed manual. In 1994 the WRX saloons power output rose to 260ps and at the same time, all four brake discs on the sallon were no ventilated ,in contrast to the uk turbo, which kept solid rear discs for a while''