IF you’re shopping for a feisty all-paw turbocharged performance car, maybe hold out until the start of the financial year before pulling the trigger on a Subaru WRX or WRX STI.

Both models are in line to receive their respective facelifts in July, and in the STI’s case at least, the changes are more than just cosmetic.

Engine changes are expected to be minimal for this mid-life update, with peak output figures carrying over unchanged. The WRX STI’s drivetrain, however, will adopt a new electronically-controlled DCCD centre differential, which promises better driveability and flexibility than current hardware, along with improved cornering performance.

Australia’s answer to Ken Block

A six-speed manual will remain the sole transmission option, while the WRX will continue to be offered with either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic.

On the high-grade Japan-spec STI the wheel size swells to 19 inches, though tread width remains at 245mm. According to homologation documents seen by Wheels, big wheels are in store for high-spec Aus market WRX STI Premiums.

Japanese-market STIs will sport red seatbelts, updated cabin plastics with a more “premium feel” and a 9-inch colour touchscreen infotainment display, though that last one may not make it to Australia as a replacement for the current model’s 7-inch unit.

Unfortunately, pricing for either the WRX or WRX STI is still a closely-guarded secret. Subaru Australia refuses to comment, but with an on-sale date that’s just over a month from now we won’t have long to wait.