A new automatic version of Subaru’s Impreza WRX STI has been announced in Japan.Launching what could become the ultimate tool for carving-up the SUV brigade on the school run, Subaru has made sure its new Impreza WRX A-Line model comes with all the necessary go-faster trimmings.

There’s Prodrive-developed SPORTSHIFT, a paddle shift feature allowing manual operation without requiring the driver to release the steering wheel, as well as DBC – or Downshift Blipping Control. The latter does what it says on the label, as the auto tranny’s ECU interacts with the engine management system to increase engine revs instantly to the required level.

Apparently the paddle shift can also be used ‘temporarily’ without setting the main selection lever to manual, presumably allowing the driver to take maximum advantage of sudden openings in the Tokyo traffic. Other than a new paint colour – satin white pearl, pictured – the new A-Line model is also offered with 8-way electric front seats.

The WRX A-Line shares the same 2.5 litre turbocharged Boxer engine as the manually-shifted STI, as well as the rest of its running gear. That means you still get 300PS at 6200rpm and 350Nm of torque, grip to die for and whopping 17ins-front and 16-ins rear stoppers. Oh, and a practical hatchback with plenty of space for all the kids’ football gear.