The 2nd generation "New Age" Impreza was introduce in August 2000 and was based on a completely different floor pan and body style to it’s predecessor. It was longer, wider and heavier and available in 4 door and 5 door configurations only. This particular variant of the Impreza earned the nicknamed the “Bugeye” due to it’s front head light styling although it wasn’t long before Subaru put the car through the facelift process!
The 2.0 litre EJ engine was retained for both the WRX and WRX STI models as was the signature Subaru 4 wheel drive system. Big changes to the engine were made with the inclusion of variable valve timing on the inlet camshafts, top feed injector fuel system, larger top mounted intercooler assembly, as well as larger Brembo brakes with the STI model.