SINCE its original release in 1999, Subaru’s Impreza WRX STi has carved a formidable reputation as the king of affordable performance cars. While official power figures have hardly changed to the dissatisfaction of many cult fans, each STi model has become a more track-focussed weapon with sharper handling via reworked suspension and a clever driver-controlled centre differential (from MY05) to adjust power delivery between the front and rear wheels. The MY06 STi, meanwhile, has matured and become a more civilised and compliant sportscar without loosing its hardcore rally roots. With the adoption of the US-spec 2.5-litre engine, think of the MY06 STi as a better-trained pit bull terrier. Unfortunate it seems then, that everyone is distracted by Subaru’s new front-end styling, creating controversy once again.