Today Subaru Australia previewed it's new generation WRX sedan at the Australian International Motor Show, the new sedan has a 26 Kilowatt power increase and 23 Newton meters more of torque and an upgraded suspension package.

Subaru say that the 2009 WRX sedan and hatch should be available by early December and just in time for Christmas you get a larger turbocharger and increased boost, optioned leather trim with sunroof and sat navigation which are welcome inclusions from previous models.

The new Impreza WRX versions will all share the new beefed up suspension package, Subaru say the new set up will provide even sharper and responsive handling which is crazy given that Subaru have always been known for their rally style proformance.

Some of the new features of the new set up include increased spring and damping rates, and thickened stabilizer bars, while on the styling front of things the new WRX will feature new mesh grille inserts and badge, red powder coated brake calipers and wider tyres for even more grip.

Red seems to be the order of the day with the seating picking up red stitching that goes hand in hand with the brake calipers.

MY09 Impreza WRX will produce 195 Kilowatts of power at 6000 rpm and 343 Newton metres of torque at 4000 rpm, while fuel consumption is improved in the combined cycle from 10.7 l/100km to 10.4 l/100km.

Carbon dioxide emissions are down from 252 g/km to 247 g/km.

Recommended Retail Pricing is maintained at MY08 levels - both hatch and the newly introduced sedan will start from $39,990 rrp.

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said: "We're not only introducing big power and torque increases, we've dramatically sharpened handling too.

"We've spent a lot of time with the engineers on Australian roads and in local conditions, developing a suspension package that appeals to the driving enthusiast.

He added: "Drivability of Impreza WRX is sharper and, combined with the power and torque benefits, this is a compelling, aggressive package.

"For the first time we're also offering a leather trim with sunroof option as part of the regular Impreza WRX line-up, addressing clear customer demand seen in our retail network.

"The extra power, torque, upgraded suspension and other refinements on entry-level Impreza WRX will come at no extra cost.

"Equivalent sedan and hatch pricing will also be identical, making it a straight choice for customers between body styles."

The New WRX comes standard with a bigger intercooler system and turbocharger seeing maximum boost increased from 78 kPa to 103 kPa and with the increased power Subaru need something to help the car breath introducing a new exhaust system providing a 30 per cent reduction in gas flow restriction, to match the new turbocharger performance and increase engine power.

With an improved transmission sees the driver experience an improved shift feel this is achieved by using a ball type key design for the 1st and 2nd gear synchro hubs and the change to key groove on 3rd to 4th synchro sleeve.

Materials for the main shaft and 1st driven gear have been strengthened and the operation of the clutch slave cylinder now makes use of an orifice valve to help protect the drivetrain under rapid clutch use.

The Steering sees the use of a damper valve in the steering gearbox to help reduce kickback, when cornering on rough roads, while the wheels and tyres were chosen to complement the suspension springs, damping and bushing, to ensure optimum grip and ride comfort.

Tyres are increased in width to 225/45 from 205/50, benefiting the grip department and handling performance to match the more sharp and snappy sports suspension set up.

MY09 Impreza WRX is also fitted with a Dunlop SP Sport 01 225/45R17 tyres and 17 x 7 JJ alloy wheels.

In line with Subaru's safety commitment, Impreza WRX sedan maintains the five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

All Imprezas also share the highest four-star rating for pedestrian safety.

With the imminent introduction of Model Year 2009 Liberty and Outback, every Subaru will have standard electronic stability control.

Impreza WRX MY09 Recommended Retail Pricing:

• Impreza WRX sedan and hatch $39,990
• Impreza WRX sedan and hatch with leather trim and sunroof $42,490
• Impreza WRX sedan and hatch with Sat Nav $42,980
• Impreza WRX sedan and hatch with Sat Nav, leather and sunroof $45,480.