Like its forebears the WRX STi is set to use a 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, known as a ‘Boxer’ configuration.

Power is a monumental 301bhp with a thick wedge of turbocharged torque backing it up: 290lb.ft to be exact.

New versions of Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control and Active Torque Vectoring will help to make it even more devastatingly capable at covering ground quickly.

The steering mechanism has been strengthened for a more direct feel and more feedback, while the new chassis’ wheelbase is 25mm longer – without increasing the car’s overall length – to give it more rear passenger legroom.

Interior quality has been much-improved, according to Subaru. Thanks to favourable exchange rates the price is more appealing too, having dropped by £4,000 to £28,995.

That price significantly undercuts similarly performance-biased but less characterful rivals, like the five-door Audi S3.

Subaru has not yet confirmed whether the more efficient WRX model, which uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with around 265bhp, will be sold in the UK alongside the more powerful STi variant.