Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- In Subaru’s Japanese catalogue, GRB identifies the 2.0-litre six-speed STI five-door, which Subaru launched in Japan on 24 October 2007; GVB identifies the corresponding sedan, and the Japanese 2.5-litre A-Line hatch uses GRF
- UK-spec and JDM outputs differed at launch: Top Gear’s December 2007 test quoted 296 bhp for the UK-market 2.5-litre STI, a comparison car outside this page’s 2.0-litre GRB scope, against 304bhp for the JDM-spec 2.0-litre STI
- The chassis grew: new double-wishbone rear suspension, per Subaru’s Japanese launch specification, with the front track up 40 mm and the rear up 45 mm over the preceding Japanese STI, and a 2,625 mm wheelbase
- Hagerty’s US history identifies MY2014 as the final model year for the STI hatchback, and Hagerty’s October 2025 report describes the WRX STI’s retirement at the end of 2021
- No GRB clears the US 25-year import exemption yet — Hagerty UK dates the third generation's launch to 2007, so the earliest cars won't qualify under 49 CFR 591.5(i)(1) until around 2032
Should You Buy a Subaru Impreza GRB?
Why You'll Love It
- Longer wheelbase and wider tracks Subaru’s Japanese launch specification reports a front track up 40 mm and rear up 45 mm, and a 2,625mm wheelbase, on new double-wishbone rear suspension.
- A driver-adjustable center differential Subaru’s Japanese launch release lists a driver-adjustable center differential.
- A five-door STI body Subaru offered the STI as a proper five-door for this generation; Hagerty’s US history identifies MY2014 as the final model year for the STI hatchback.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- US buyers hoping to import a GRB under the 25-year exemption today — no car from this generation is old enough yet
Differences between JDM & USDM
At launch, the JDM and UK-spec STi diverged on engine size and output: Top Gear’s December 2007 test quoted 296 bhp for the UK-market 2.5-litre STI, a comparison car outside this page’s 2.0-litre GRB scope, against 304bhp for the JDM-spec 2.0-litre STI. Top Gear judged the UK-market launch STI quieter and more comfortable than its predecessor. Subaru’s Japanese launch specification lists a 2,625 mm wheelbase, with the front track up 40 mm and the rear up 45 mm over the preceding Japanese STI, on new double-wishbone rear suspension. Hagerty’s US history identifies MY2014 as the final model year for the STI hatchback, and Hagerty’s October 2025 US report describes the WRX STI’s retirement at the end of 2021.
Generation History
GE/GH Impreza (2007-2011)
- Impreza becomes hatch-focused in many markets
- WRX/STI move to wider-body performance models
- Base cars are practical AWD commuters
- Less collector heat than GD; value-driven buys
GR/GV Impreza WRX/STI (2008-2014)
- WRX/STI on wider platform; hatch + sedan (STI)
- STI hatch has cult following; rising premiums
- Stronger chassis feel; heavier than GD
- Watch ringland risk on EJ257; mod sensitivity
GP/GJ Impreza (2011-2016)
- Non-WRX era: efficiency, safety, daily usability
- FB engines; CVT common; lower enthusiast demand
- Great winter car; values tied to condition
- Oil consumption reports on some FB variants
VA WRX / VA STI (2014-2021)
- WRX gets FA20DIT; STI retains EJ257
- Big tuning scene; stock examples premium
- Modern safety/comfort; strong daily-driver appeal
- STI final-year demand supports top prices
GT Impreza (2016-2023)
- Global Platform improves ride, NVH, safety
- 2.0 NA + CVT; practical hatch/sedan
- Not a collector play; best as reliable daily
- Values stable; condition and options matter
VB WRX (Impreza split) (2021-present)
- WRX no longer Impreza-based in branding
- FA24 turbo torque; strong tuning potential
- Impreza remains NA hatch; RS adds 2.5
- Market separates WRX buyers from Impreza buyers
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE/GH/GR/GV (3rd gen) | 2007-2014 | unknown | Impreza vs WRX split complicates totals |
| GP/GJ (4th gen) | 2011-2016 | unknown | Global production not consolidated here |
| GT/GK (5th gen) | 2016-2023 | unknown | Global production not consolidated here |
| GU (6th gen) | 2023- | unknown | Ongoing production |
Motorsport Heritage
| Series | Years | Result | Car | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Rally Championship (WRC) | 1993–2008 | 3× Manufacturers' Champion; Colin McRae / Richard Burns / Petter Solberg Drivers' Champions | Impreza WRX STI (Group A / WRC) | Colin McRae / Richard Burns / Petter Solberg |
Sources: FIA WRC official records
How It Compares
| Feature | GRB | Honda Civic Si/Type R | Mazda MX-5 Miata ND |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout/AWD system | Symmetrical AWD (most trims) | FWD (most); LSD on Type R | RWD; LSD on many trims |
| Turbo performance trim | WRX/STI turbo variants | Turbo I4; FWD hot hatch | Turbo I4; FWD hot hatch |
| Stock power (icon trims) | STI ~305 hp (US GD/GR/VA) | Evo IX ~286 hp (US) | Golf R Mk7 ~292 hp (US) |
| Handling character | AWD grip; safe understeer stock | Sharper turn-in; FWD rotation | Neutral AWD; track-focused |
| Tuning headroom | High; depends on engine/gen | High; strong ECU/turbo support | Very high; 4G63/4B11 robust |
| Reliability risk factors | EJ ringlands, HG, oiling (varies) | DSG/mechatronics; carbon buildup | AYC/transfer case; hard-use wear |
| Manual gearbox feel | Good; STI 6MT is benchmark | Excellent; short, precise | Good; not as heavy-duty as STI |
| Winter usability | Excellent AWD + ground clearance | Good tires help; FWD limits | Very good AWD; heavier |
| Collector desirability | High for clean WRX/STI; rare trims | High for Evo VIII/IX; limited supply | High for Type R; newer premium |
| Running costs | Moderate; higher on turbo + mods | Moderate; DSG service adds cost | Higher; parts + AWD systems |
| Practicality (hatch/wagon) | Strong; hatch/wagon availability | Strong; hatchback benchmark | Good; hatch, but tighter rear |
Comparable Alternatives
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Closest AWD turbo rival; sharper feel; higher upkeep
VW Golf R (Mk7)
Modern AWD turbo hatch; refined daily; DSG common
Ford Focus RS
AWD hot hatch; playful chassis; watch head gasket history
Audi S3 (8V)
AWD turbo compact; premium cabin; higher service costs
The Buyer's Read
This generation’s JDM GRB is a 2.0-litre six-speed STI five-door — Subaru’s Japanese launch specification reports a front track up 40 mm and rear up 45 mm, and a wheelbase stretched to 2,625mm, on new double-wishbone rear suspension, with a driver-adjustable center differential. For comparison, Top Gear’s December 2007 test quoted 296 bhp for the UK-market 2.5-litre STI, a comparison car outside this page’s 2.0-litre GRB scope, against 304bhp for the JDM-spec 2.0-litre STI — confirm which spec any individual import actually carries rather than assuming.
The UK-market launch car was also judged different in character: Top Gear judged it quieter and more comfortable than its predecessor, a change Top Gear attributed to broadening the car’s appeal beyond the existing fanbase.
Hagerty’s US history identifies MY2014 as the final model year for the STI hatchback. And if you’re hoping to import one under the US 25-year rule, you’ll need to wait — no GRB is old enough yet. Browse what’s currently available across the GRB range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the third-generation WRX STI launch?
- Subaru launched the third-generation WRX STI five-door in Japan on 24 October 2007.
- How much less powerful was the UK-spec STi than the JDM version at launch?
- Top Gear’s December 2007 test quoted 296 bhp for the UK-market 2.5-litre STI, a comparison car outside this page’s 2.0-litre GRB scope, against 304bhp for the JDM-spec 2.0-litre STI.
- Is the WRX STI hatchback coming back?
- In its 29 October 2025 report, Hagerty said Subaru had not announced production plans for the Performance-B STI Concept, shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo. Hagerty reported a boxer engine, all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual, while noting that detailed specifications and production plans had not been announced.
- Can I import a GRB into the US yet under the 25-year rule?
- Not yet. Hagerty UK dates the third generation's launch to 2007, so under 49 CFR 591.5(i)(1) the earliest cars won't qualify until around 2032. Confirm the individual car's manufacture date and current requirements when that date approaches.
Sources & References
Sources (15)
- Subaru Impreza — encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia Verified
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI — STI variant history — Wikipedia Verified
- Subaru Impreza WRX — WRX variant history — Wikipedia Verified
- Subaru Impreza 22B STi — limited-edition homologation special — Wikipedia Verified
- Subaru World Rally Team — WRC programme history — Wikipedia Verified
- Subaru Tecnica International — STI corporate background — Wikipedia Verified
- Colin McRae — 1995 WRC champion with Subaru — Wikipedia Verified
- Richard Burns — 2001 WRC champion with Subaru — Wikipedia Verified
- Petter Solberg — 2003 WRC champion with Subaru — Wikipedia Verified
- WRC official news archive — World Rally Championship Verified
- Subaru EJ engine series — engineering tech feature — MotorTrend Verified
- Subaru Impreza — Edmunds research overview — Edmunds Verified
- Subaru Impreza — US News research overview — US News Verified
- Engineering Explained — 7 reasons to buy a Subaru Impreza — Car Throttle Verified
- Subaru Crosstrek / Impreza recall coverage — CNET Roadshow Verified
Sources last verified: