Subaru confirmed the official pricing of the new 2015 WRX and WRX STI models in the American market. Based on that, the normal versions of the sports sedan can be had for as little as $26,295. If you want the full-fat WRX STI model though, it starts from $34,495.

The standard 2015 Subaru WRX is a pretty serious bit of kit, boasting a 268-horsepower flat-four engine, manual or high-performance automatic transmission, clever all-wheel-drive system, active torque vectoring, and a whole bunch of electronics programmed to make the car faster.

What the nearly extra 10 grand you pay for the WRX STI buys you – apart from sportier looks, and a finer interior featuring leather, Alcantara, and red stitching – is a 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine developing 305 horsepower.

The extra power in the STI version combined with a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster steering (13.0:1 ratio), plus Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS, make for a superb driving experience. It also makes the car astonishingly good value given the kit you receive.

While all version of the 2015 Subaru WRX and STI are very well-equipped, the latter gets a special launch edition that offers some extras such as gold-painted 18-inch BBS, Pearl Blue paint job, and keyless go system.