I have a MY03 Dutch import with bucket seats.
Has it got side impact air bags, if so where are they exactly, as I can’t see how they can be deployed in an accident.

Any ideas please?

By the way there not in the seat, as it has a fitted cover.

Only the optional sports seats have airbags, buckets don't have them.

You don't have 'em. End of story.

This is one of the confusions with the 03 model. Your 03 has the same seats as the 02 model. The UK ordered all their cars with side airbags. They're optional in europe.

The 03 UK model has side airbags.

Bummer, innit? This also HAS to be declared to your insurance, as the car is not exactly a UK spec.

Good luck :(

Nick.

Hmm, but the STi doesn't have side airbags, but my WRX with sport seats did, I thought the buckets didn't have airbags ?

chiark:

Well I never!
Thanks for the bottom line m8

The WRX 4 and 5 door 03s come with side airbag "semi bucket" seats. IMHO, this isn't a great thing as they're less supportive than the 02 model seats that you've got.

When I looked into importing again, this was an area of confusion; they are "officially" an optional extra for EU-spec cars. The UK importer (international motors) decided to put the option on all of 'em.

Tell your insurer and get it in writing that they're happy. I can't see it being a problem whatsoever.

Does anybody know why they can call a car "UK-spec" when it has a different specification from a UK car?

Because when they say "UK spec", they actually mean "EU spec".

If you read between the lines, my opinion is that IM specified all cars with this option (it was a few hundred euros for the EU) in order to make their cars safer for insurance purposes. After all, deadlocks and shielded locks are on the 03 too...

The mere fact that it causes a little confusion and potential embarassment for importers is an unfortunate side effect.