The all wheel drive performance, WRX STI SPEC-R automatic is basically the Australian version of the Japanese market-only WRX STI A-Line. The auto option over the six-speed manual, does not cost extra but the car does have a hefty $66,000 price tag.

Unfortunately the five-speed automatic robs the compact car of torque compared to the manual model. Power remains the same at 221kW, but peak torque drops from 400Nm to 350Nm, while the 2.5 litre turbocharged flat-four engine suffers from turbo lag under 2500rpm. Fuel economy is claimed to be 10.6l/100 km, comes with a standard three-year , unlimited kilometre warranty and a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Everything about the build feels solid and if you can afford the optional Recaro front seats for lateral support then get them to complement the adjustable steering column and the metal gear-shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

The WRX STI SPEC-R is also a very practical car as it comes with Bluetooth phone hook-up, steering-wheel audio controls, light sensing head lamps, fog lamps, cruise control, climate control and a 10-speaker stereo sound system. SPEC-R comes with leather upholstery, satellite navigation, two-way sunroof and 18inch German alloys and performance tyres. The whole package sounds and feels like a race car.

There’s a bit of sharpness to the suspension but the STI SPEC-R delivers a high level of grip on any road surface. Weighing just 1535 kg and capable of hitting 100 km/h in under six seconds, the WRX STI’s big four-piston Brembo brake calipers at the front and two-piston at the rear bring the little car to a very quick stop without fading. Safety features also include stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist, front, side and curtain airbags as standard equipment. While the STI t-rex-‘R’ is neck-snapping great in manual form, the auto lacks brisk performance and there are better performance cars with autos on the market that deliver a lot more, such as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR SST ($74,390) or the more cost effective Volkswagen Golf R 5 Door DSG ($52,490).

Bottom line – if my kids bought me one for Christmas, I would say ‘Thank you’ and drive into the sunset!