Essence of Subaru

04th July


Courtesy of the great people from MotorImage, I had a chance to join a photo shoot featuring my all time favorite motorsports icon..




I have been in love with the Impreza WRX ever since i first saw this car in the pages of "Motoring" magazine years ago. My favorite variant has always been the GC8 body type variant such as this RB5 version..


Over the years, the Impreza has undergone several design changes and tech upgrades. With the exception of the "bug eye" version, all it's reincarnation has kept a faithful theme: kick-ass performance with a "get-out-of-my-way" menacing look. The newest version of WRX however is something different all together. First of all, it's now a hatchback instead of the more familar 4-door sedan. The design has a disticnt Euro feel; classy, mature, more subtle, less in-your-face. You either love it or hate it...


Comparison between the new and the old...


One thing you can be sure when you see the STi logo; underneath the cool exterior is a beast waiting to be unleashed..




With it's 2457cc turbocharged boxer engine, this baby produces 300 horsepower!! The renowned Symmetrical AWD system meanwhile provides a low centre of gravity for supreme poise, balance and all-wheel grip. You can feel the potential of the car just by looking at the gorgeous meter display..


The STi logo is practically everywhere inside the cabin, even on the floor mat, reminding you that this car is a potent road rocket..






Located just beneath the 6 speed joystick is this impressive looking knob and buttons. Definitely not intended to control your Ipod...


According to MotorImage website, the round knob controls the SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive) which allows 3 driving modes:

Intelligent mode: This offers silky smooth performance, comfort and ideal fuel economy around town and on longer cruising. Controlled intelligently, it also allows you to enjoy the level of output you desire.

Sports mode: The recommended mode in a variety of conditions - It provides linear response in everyday driving or on motorways.

Sport Sharp mode: Designed to enable you to fully exploit the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with instant throttle response and precise revving into the red zone. (WOWW!!!!)

The Driver's Control Centre Differential meanwhile adjust the centre differential, along with the helically and electromagnetically controlled LSD helps to ensure that excellent turning capability and stability is achieved in each mode

In short, maximum fun guaranteed at an affordable price of RM258k!!




Overshadowed by the WRX STi, this fella was neglected until we moved to another shooting spot..




The new car unfortunately looked like just another run of the mills SUV. Comparing against it's predecessor, it's clear that the new RM195k 2.5XT Forester was also given the order to grow up...


MotorImage was also kind enough to arrange for a model to join in for the shooting session. She is no other than Jezamine Lim, winner of FHM Girl Next Door 2009.










Jezamine with the neglected brother...








A round of applause to MotorImage and Jezamine for a fun session..