While looking to buy an Impreza I've seen STi 5's on S,V and W-Reg's. Is the Reg Plate given for the year the import was first registered in the UK, the year it was first registered NEW in the UK or the year of manufacture in the country of origin?

STi 5's were made from Sept'98 to August'99 so how can one be a V or a W-Reg?

Looking for a T-Reg now.

 

Its the year the car was first registered in the UK as far as i understand it !