Subaru WRX S4 tS launched

Long live the Japanese Domestic Market CVT special!

Remember the glory days of the JDM Subaru specials? Various Spec C, S202 and two-door rally replicas, usually with incredibly short gears, a super tough ride and one hell of an attitude. This one looks rather good, roof scoop and all.

Mmm, BBS

Subaru does still do it, in fact, with the S207, but now there's an S4 tS also. As you can probably tell by the lack of STI in the name, it's not quite as hardcore as the 207. Instead it takes inspiration from that car, building on the S4 base that Dan drove a couple of years back.

So yes, it's CVT only. And it's just the 300hp from the FA20 boxer. But there are some very interesting upgrades for this tS in that thorough (and quite nerdy) Japanese tradition.

Modifications to the intake and exhaust have enhanced "torque during acceleration" by 10 per cent, Bilstein Dampmatic dampers take on front suspension duties and new Brembo four-piston calipers are fitted up front.

It also looks pretty damn cool, helped largely by the 19-inch forged BBS wheels. See as well the new grille and front spoiler, "black side garnish" and revised rear bumper. Should the standard car not cut it, Subaru is also offering an 'NBR Challenge Package', which brings the carbon wing, an "exclusive" rear emblem and a suede steering wheel.

Boo, CVT

There's more too, including Recaro seats, a new exhaust and a host of STI tweaked parts: a 'flexible front tower bar', a 'flexible front draw stiffener' and a 'flexible rear support subframe'.

All this with a CVT gearbox. Shame. At least it's still available in WR Blue. The S4 tS is on sale now, priced at 4,968,000 yen (c.£38,000) for the standard car and 5,292,000 yen (c.£40,500) for the NBR including consumption tax.