MODERN classics expert James Russell of The Motor Grid has picked up an iconic car of the early 2000s – and it’s become his new daily driver.
And with the help of some very special tweaks under the bonnet, it’s the ultimate inconspicuous performance car that also just happens to be great for the school run.
In an exclusive chat with Sun Motors, James, whose Oxfordshire-based dealership The Motor Grid specialises in the very best modern classics, was eager to talk about his latest set of wheels.
The car in question is the sportswagon iteration of the Subaru Impreza WRX – a motor that captured the imagination of millions as the rally car of the World Rally Championship’s golden Group A era.
James said: “Honestly, it’s blown my mind a little bit.
“As I was growing up watching STis and WRXs being driven around by yobbos with blacked out windows and added scoops and silliness, I always wanted one – but one that was stock with no messing around.”
The Impreza, built by the Japanese brand from 1992, started life as a regular four-door family saloon.
But Subaru also released high-performance Impreza models such as the WRX – which paid homage to their rallying success.
The Motor Grid’s James Russell, who specialises in helping car fans find and buy modern classics, firmly believes “a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous” when you’re researching for your next set of wheels, and advises buyers to “stay away from the forums.”
He added: “The forums can be really helpful if you have a very, very specific problem with a car you own.
“But if you go into a forum to try and help you to make a decision on buying a car, it’s probably the worst thing you’ll ever do.
“But the best thing to probably do is actually speak to somebody in person, and they’ll help you find the right car.”
There was also the STi, which was even more powerful and performance-oriented, and complete with a more aggressive suspension setup.
However, as James explains, Subaru failed to make an STi example of the sportswagon – but 2007 model that he recently picked up has been specially tweaked by none other than Prodrive.
Considered one of the world’s best independent motorsport and engineering brands, Prodrive were once the brains behind the BAR Formula 1 team and, of course, Subaru’s rallying efforts.
In a video posted to The Motor Grid’s TikTok page, James reveals that his new Subaru received the full works from Prodrive – including an improved backbox and exhaust, a different ECU, and very fetching Prodrive-style wheels.
It even has a sticker inside that confirms it’s been tweaked by Prodrive – claiming that the motor’s power has been increased to a stonking 266 bhp.
In the video, James said: “This car, for a day-to-day daily… I can get all my stuff inside, everything I need, I don’t need to worry about it too much – but it’s also got the performance.”
With that performance upgrade does come some drawbacks, as James mentioned to Sun Motors that the Impreza’s added oomph means its fuel economy is “dreadful” – but it’s worth it for a motor that “feels like a rally car.”
He added: “They didn’t make an STi sports wagon, they only made the WRX.
“So going through Prodrive makes it the most fun sportswagon money can buy, they’re so cheap.
“This car, kept in this condition, will be a proper future classic.
“People will be looking and hunting for the original versions of these cars.”
James previously spoke to Sun Motors about the best modern classic motors drivers can buy for just £10,000.
Meanwhile, rally fans might be buoyed to know that Lancia are back with their first hot hatchback in decades – and it’s even set to compete on the World Rally stage.
Need help or advice on buying your first modern classic car? Ask James Russell of The Motor Grid.
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