Expect to see more Subarus on the roads in coming years. That's if the plans of Subaru UK's boss Peter Kinnaird come to fruition. He also presaged a discreet version of the iconic Impreza -- less loud perhaps, but probably just as ugly.
He said: "Early in the New Year we will introduce a special STI Spec-D version with 300 units initially available. The specification has to be finally decided so the price is not known yet. This car is aimed at people like me -- D stands for discreet, no bright blue paintwork, big rear spoiler or gold coloured wheels.
"The Type D will come with beautifully restrained grey metallic paintwork, nice alloy wheels, a much smaller rear boot spoiler, sober black leather interior, more sound deadening, satnav and an upgraded stereo system. It is for customers who want the performance of the 158mph WRX STI, but not the high profile looks."
On his wider plans, at the launnch of the new Impreza, Kinnaird said that he would be trumpeting the Subaru's best-kept secret. "With the launch of our new non-turbocharged 2.0-litre Impreza four, and often forgotten five door models, each with 34bhp more power, we have a genuinely sporting AWD car with prices starting at just £16,200 on the road.
"Last year we sold 8,800 Subaru cars in the UK, this year it will be around 9,250 and, in 2006, I am aiming for 11,000 sales which is entirely possible with our new range and the additional Subaru Tribecca SUV models to be introduced late next year. We feel the Subaru range should be attracting 12,000 to 15,000 customers annually and we have the potential to reach 20,000 annual UK sales in five years."
He said he would be growing the dealer network from 85 to over 100 in the next year, and will be setting up "a retail showroom and Subaru exhibition site instead of taking part in the re-located 2006 British International Motor Show. The half million pounds or so it would cost us to attend the show can be better spent promoting the Subaru brand and products directly to customers in London 365 days a year."