I believe that in 1997, SUbaru Impreza's started to come out with a different front end (sharper headlamps and grill)
The Subaru that I own is believed to be a 97' model but it has the front looks of the 91-96 models (slightly rounder headlamps at the edges with the earlier grill)

Can this be or I have been nicked?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

 

yep it is highly possible, some cars were registered late, so you have older style cars on newer plates, nothing to worry about i would have thought

Jam (97 spec car on a 98 plate)