Here's my baby. Sometimes he's like a child to me, sometimes he's like a lover.

What, a mere car? Has she finally lost her mind?

There's a boundary that can be crossed by anyone, any time. That boundary defines two sides; those that see a car as a means of transportation, and on the other side, those that see a car as a project, a passion, a goal in life, a canvas...more than simply something that gets you from A to B.

To quote a Mazda ad - this car not only takes me from A to B, but takes my soul from A to Z.

What is it? This is a 1998 Subaru Impreza HX20s sedan. It has a 2.0L boxer engine (also known as flat-four, horizontally opposed - for those not in the know, normal pistons move up and down. These ones move side to side, facing each other - gives the car a low centre of gravity, making it somewhat safer), AWD drivetrain (All Wheel Drive, not to be confused with Four Wheel Drive. Full-time AWD is the stronger form of the two as the parts are all dedicated to all four wheels having power), but no turbo. It runs at 130-140hp at the moment, but there are some major developments on the horizon for this vehicle.

For those that have been following its progress...you'll notice he's a different colour now, for one. Yes, I finally got the body kit painted...the colour is the MY99 Subaru Blue Steel - gunmetal grey with a hint of blue in it. Gorgeous, isn't he?

Up until now he's only had minor modifications too - a few exhaust items to make his growl deeper and more defined - click here to hear a pathetic onramp LAUNCH - as well as the obvious body kit and wheels. He also sports version 8 STi Recaro Bucket Seats in the front - they're wonderful, they really grip your arse as the car goes flying around a corner!

But yes, as I said, major developments on the way. More sound and power on the the agenda with new Borla high-flow headers (extractors?) - the exhaust will again deepen and have that Subaru raspy 'burble' about it - a vibration in the tone, a rumble, rather than the flat tone you can hear as above. Also coming is an air filter upgrade - give this boy some more grunt! Make him breathe! Lowering to be done via either adjustable suspension or STi coupe struts, I have yet to decide. Full brake upgrade since I have enough room in the rims - need that stopping power. Cosmetic stuff like dashboard, pedal and steering wheel upgrades possible. This thing is going to be awesome when I'm finished with it...




Enjoy staring at this puppy. He's even more fun IRL than he is on screen And he's all MINE.

For those of you going to Armageddon...mate, this is the ArmaWRX I hope you know. If you need a ride to and from the DA stand at the convention, SIGN UP. I have three seats left.