Tuesday 17th September

Subaru Impreza Cosworth CS400 | Spotted

Subaru scaled back its ties with Prodrive after ditching the WRC in 2008. Enter Cosworth...

---

Ford and Cosworth. It just sounds right, doesn't it? It’s a partnership that spawned the legendary DFV, the all-conquering Sierra RS500 and the outrageously-winged Escort RS Cossie, to name but a few. So intrinsically linked are these two giants that they’ve become synonymous with one another, even though they haven’t done anything together for many years. Ford’s Europe arm has been producing its own performance models largely in-house for the last couple of decades, while Cosworth has continued to do what it does best: building some of the greatest combustion engines known to man.

More recently, that’s been the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 that powers the GMA T.50 and T.33, as well as the 6.5-litre screamer found in the Aston Martin Valkyrie. And speaking of Adrian Newey-designed hypercars, the engine builder is currently working on a 15,000rpm 4.5-litre V10 for the upcoming RB17, which is still believed to be pipeline despite the legendary F1 designer’s switch to Aston. But it wasn’t that long ago when the company turned its hand to building an engine for something a little more attainable for the average Joe. No, it wasn’t a Ford, but a Subaru Impreza instead.

Specifically, the Cosworth CS400, like the one we have here. Quite why Cosworth chose to rework Subaru’s marmite hatch is a bit of a mystery, given that souped-up Scoobies were as prevalent as the humdrum models they were based on (if not more so), with the Japanese marque’s rally partner Prodrive smashing out special editions like they were going out of fashion. Which they were, in a way, as Subaru pulled out of the WRC in 2008 and, with it, drastically scaled back its involvement with Prodrive. With no UK-spec specials on the horizon, and perhaps a desire to distance itself from its Ford past, Cosworth swooped in. 

True to form, the CS400 was all about the engine. While the capacity remained at 2.5 litres, Cosworth stripped it back to the bare block and rebuilt it with new pistons, bearings, condos and gaskets. The intake was also reworked, the turbo scaled up and the exhaust freer flowing to bring power up to 400hp. Far more powerful than anything STI or Prodrive had come up with before, resulting in a claimed 0-62mph time of under four seconds. The firm also chucked in some serious hardware to sharpen up the chassis, including Bilstein dampers with firmer Eibach springs, AP Racing front brakes with six-piston callipers and lighter 18-inch alloy wheels.

It all looked very promising, though initial impressions at the time were lukewarm. Some journalists found the engine too laggy, which called into question the blistering acceleration figure, and the steering light and lacking in feel. Others, meanwhile, praised the CS400’s abidance of traction and nuanced damping. As with all limited-run specials, the CS400 is viewed in a vastly more positive light nowadays and is regarded as one of the most sought-after Impreza hatches ever made.

That’s partly down to so few being built, of course. Cosworth cobbled together just 75 cars, many of which were further tuned by their owners or wound up in a ditch. Or both. Fortunately, neither of those fates befell this example, which has covered just 12,000 miles and boasts an all-Subaru service history. That does mean it packs quite a premium, with the seller asking for £53,995. A slight rise over its original £50k price tag, and a good deal more than some other CS400s that have passed through the classifieds of late. But none of those were as tidy nor as original as this, and that’s always going to command serious money. Alternatively, there’s this one-of-20 Litchfield Type 20 available with over 500hp on tap for half the price of the Cossie, though you’ll probably want to put some cash aside to repaint the wheels and rip out all the aftermarket dials.

---

SPECIFICATION | SUBARU IMPREZA COSWORTH CS400 

Engine: 2,457cc four-cylinder boxer, turbocharged
Transmission: six-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400@5,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 400@3,950rpm
MPG: 26.9 (standard STI)
CO2: 243g/km (standard STI)
Year registered: 2010
Recorded mileage: 12,000
Price new: £49,995
Yours for: £53,995

See the original advert here

[TREMAiNE]

The hatch-shaped Impreza has definitely grown on me over the years and even now I think it represents a good mix of an old-school car but with a much more modern interior compared to a bug-eye or blob-eye.
I don't think I'd stomach the premium to buy a Cosworth though, as epic as a good example may be, it's a massive amount of money for a near-15-year-old Subaru, even considering the fact it wears a Cosworth badge which means it very well may be worth 6 figures in a decade or so...

Anyway, story time with my only experience with one of these...
A friend bought one of these used a few years ago for around £40k.
He's owned half a dozen Subarus and seems to know them fairly well. He'd wanted an Evo for some time but after test-driving an 8 (I think), felt underwhelmed before he eventually bought one of these.

The day after he picked it up, the turbo blew and I believe there were a few other problems. He returned it immediately.
He seemed to enjoy the 30 or so miles he did in it!

It had only done 11k miles but he suspected after it broke that it may have been clocked. Apparently, it had lots of heavily worn parts that you wouldn't expect to wear so much after 11k... Or maybe it was just ragged around the track all of its life? It looks like it's still on the road, having only covered a couple of thousand miles since then and new its next test in a month or so.

Had he not have bought a lemon, he'd have probably made a profit on it.

He's still running an old blob-eye WRX which he's had for a few years now.

Looking through our group chat to find a pic, searching for "Cosworth" brings hundreds of comments we've made to him since he bought it, taking the piss.

[GravelBen]

TREMAiNE said:

The hatch-shaped Impreza has definitely grown on me over the years

Same here - I didn't like them at all when they first came out, but in STI form with the wide arches I really quite like them now. Good proportions and basic shape, just let down by some design details like those horrible rear lights.

[FaustF]

I don't know about others but I'd be fascinated in seeing a review between one of these 'old school' hyper hatches and something like the A45 AMG, Golf R, RS3.

[Bright Halo]

FaustF said:

I don't know about others but I'd be fascinated in seeing a review between one of these 'old school' hyper hatches and something like the A45 AMG, Golf R, RS3.

That is a really good shout, great idea!

[Augustus Windsock]

“While the capacity remained at 2.5 litres, Cosworth stripped it back to the bare block and rebuilt it with new pistons, bearings, condos and gaskets”

Condos, making this a very cheap way to get onto the property ladder.
Irrespective, I’m sure that this will have its supporters but I’m afraid I’ve never found it pleasing to mine eye.
Having only ever owned a mint, low-miles ‘Classic’ and a WR1, they are the only way I could ever see myself getting back into Subaru ownership.
And antediluvian that I am, that Litchfield Max Power special should be killed with fire..

[86wasagoodyear]

GravelBen said:

TREMAiNE said:

The hatch-shaped Impreza has definitely grown on me over the years

Same here - I didn't like them at all when they first came out, but in STI form with the wide arches I really quite like them now. Good proportions and basic shape, just let down by some design details like those horrible rear lights.

Another late convert to the hatch here. I was car-less & immobile during covid, *needed* to buy a car on a particular day, and with everything locked down was severely limited in where I could physically get to on the crucial day. A normal, non-turbo, Shed-like one of these was available & reachable, so I went for it. Look-of rear lights aside, it turned out to be brilliant for what it was. Bet this hot one is fun, silly money though.

[sortedcossie]

One of these a few doors up from us, leaves it parked on drive and in the street sometimes, i'm surprised it's not gone walkies.

[cerb4.5lee]

I remember this model launching to lukewarm reviews as well. But I did like the Cosworth link with me being a Ford man though.

[Konan]

GravelBen said:

TREMAiNE said:

The hatch-shaped Impreza has definitely grown on me over the years

Same here - I didn't like them at all when they first came out, but in STI form with the wide arches I really quite like them now. Good proportions and basic shape, just let down by some design details like those horrible rear lights.

I never disliked then I'm particular. But I always thought the mid size 4 door saloon hiding under the scoops and wings was an ungainly looking Japanese styling oddity.

Can't help but think Rover 25 when I see the hatch though

[GreatScott2016]

I test drove one of these when initially launched, but was slightly underwhelmed if I've honest. My overriding memory though was the induction noise and how cheap looking the rear lights were Ah well, this does look to be a lovely example but my £54k would go elsewhere.

[LotusOmega375D]

That linked blob eye Type 20 is horrific. The guy I bought my 22B off turned up to deliver it with a friend in a new white Hawkeye Litchfield Type 20. It looked very purposeful. I remember him showing me the water spray bottle attached to the rear bulkhead in the shiny white unlined boot.

[Rough101]

The condos were a bit flat on the original.

Abundance of grip was a definite improvement.

[J4CKO]

sortedcossie said:

One of these a few doors up from us, leaves it parked on drive and in the street sometimes, i'm surprised it's not gone walkies.

I dont think they are the target they used to be, its all RS/S Audis, Fiesta ST's, JLR stuff etc being nicked now, these are seen in such small numbers there isnt perhaps the demand from abroad for the car or at home for parts.

[smilo996]

Seem to recall that Subaru completely stuffed the marketing campaign on these and launched the humdrums first, completely killing the kudos and iconic name of the Imprezza.
Brother had a fast one in the US. Rally liked it. Slightly more sophisticated interior and nicer place to be. Fast and for him, reliable.
Halfway into it's second decade with a very highly srrung engine. How often would anyone actually thrash the pants off one of these. Collector heaven?

[andycats]

I dont think anyone liked the hatch when first released ....I remember many people car and non car people laughing at how bad it looked ...I know its happened to most cars these where -£30k before covid
hopefully these dont have the usual 2.5 litre problems..
would love a go in one though

[Water Fairy]

One of my sons has the non turbo RX hatch in red. Lowering springs and a fruity exhaust have been added so far, along with brand new dampers and a few bushes.

I quite like it tbh. Something a little different which is what he wanted.

He loves it. He's only 21 but a WRX is the plan next for him.

[Baldchap]

I was always 'Team Evo', but I agree this shape has aged quite well.

I also add my vote to the Impreza/Evo/RS3/A45 group test. It would be very interesting to see how time has changed the class.

[C5_Steve]

Baldchap said:

I was always 'Team Evo', but I agree this shape has aged quite well.

I also add my vote to the Impreza/Evo/RS3/A45 group test. It would be very interesting to see how time has changed the class.

I second all of this comment.

Not sure I like the hatch shape enough to stump up this much cash however, I'd be quite happy with an STi in blue/gold trim please.

[thehardman07]

A well known drunk in my home town had a P1 bought for him by his father in an attempt to prevent him from drinking. After crashing that he bought him a WRX STi hatch. In grey with the larger multi spoke Prodrive alloys it looked a proper weapon, like a more modern Integrale Evo.

[untakenname]

Prefer the look and added practicality of the new age Impreza's, £50k is strong money for something which doesn't have the same rally pedigree as the previous two generations.