Subaru’s mad STI Forester is back

Performance SUVs are almost ten-a-penny these days, but did you know Subaru produced one of the originals?

Ten years ago Subaru saw fit to pop the 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer four engine from the Impreza STI into its Forester soft-roader, thus creating the Forester STI. Despite being made for the Japanese market, it quickly gained a cult following and many found their way out of the county as personal exports.

Just as cars like the Porsche Macan and Audi RS Q3 start to try and claim the market as their own, it looks as though the hot Forester is back. These teaser shots show the fourth-generation Forester wearing pink STI lipstick and badges as well as slinky wheels and beefy brakes.

Other than that, information is scarce in the lead-up to the car's full reveal on November 25. It surely can't wear an STI badge without an engine that's at least related to the one you'll find in Subaru's bewinged sports saloon, though, so expect a turbocharged flat-four engine with north of 250bhp to be driving all four wheels.

It ought to yield a 0-60mph time that dips below six seconds and a top speed of around 150mph, while trick differentials and numerous buttons with which to adjust them are likely, too. We're hoping Subaru sticks with a good and proper six-speed manual, avoiding its occasional penchant for a dronetastic CVT.

Whatever happens, we'll eat more than our hats if it officially makes its way to the UK. Time to find your nearest friendly grey importer...