It is the first time Subaru's performance flagship model has been available in New Zealand with an automatic, which will have steering column mounted paddle shifts. Until now the STI has only had a manual change transmission, which will continue in six speed form.

The introduction of an automatic transmission will generate wider appeal for those in search of high performance and profound stability without compromising everyday driving comfort, said Graeme Woodlands, the Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand. These people spend a lot of time in city traffic during the week and appreciate the auto's ease of operation.

And for 2011 the STI will see the return of a sedan model with a large rear wing. For the last three years it has only been available as a hatchback.

In other changes the STI will come with a new stiffer wide track suspension and front bumper which integrates into the front wheel arches. The latest STI will sit on new design alloy wheels.

In the cabin Bluetooth hands free calling and Bluetooth audio streaming will be standard and there will be USB and auxiliary connection for iPod and MP3 players.

There will also be changes to the Impreza WRX for 2011, although it will still only be available with a manual gearbox.

It will have a wider body more akin to the STI to set it apart from the standard Impreza models. Like the STI it will come with Bluetooth capability and USB and auxiliary ports.

Performance of both cars 2.5 litre turbocharged engines will be similar to the current WRX and STI models. Full technical details, specification and pricing will be announced at the time of the launch.