From Subaru.com.au

Subaru Australia is launching a program to upgrade immobilisers in Model Year 1999, 2000 and 2001 Impreza WRXs by installing a keypad PIN immobiliser system.

Provision and installation of the system is free-of-charge to the vehicle owners and is aimed at providing a higher level of theft protection consistent with current model Impreza WRXs.

All Model Year 2002 Impreza WRXs are already fitted with a keypad system as standard.

Mr Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia, said: "We will shortly be writing to all owners of Impreza WRXs from the relevant model years, with an offer to upgrade the engine immobiliser in their vehicle.

"The system provided in those vehicles at the time of purchase was a high-level transponder system.

"Since that time, as a result of continual product improvement, a system has been developed which offers a higher level of theft protection."

Mr Senior said Subaru Australia wants to work with insurance companies to offer the highest level of theft protection.

"We have had fruitful discussions with NRMA Insurance, one of the biggest insurers, to examine ways to improve the security of some earlier model Impreza WRXs and we are both agreed that installation of this keypad immobiliser security system is a positive step."

Work on the cars will be performed at the expense of Subaru Australia and could exceed $1 million. The keypad system, however, will only be offered to customers who do not have additional protection that is provided by after-market security systems. This is due to the possible incompatibility of the Subaru keypad with aftermarket systems and or wiring installations.

Installation will be organised through authorised Subaru dealerships.

The programme will be progressively rolled out commencing February 20.

Subaru Australia will write to owners of relevant vehicles to inform them of the offer. NRMA Insurance will also write to relevant policyholders.