Further, to quote this capsule report on 2.0R:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/previews/62976/subaru_impreza_20r_sport.html
"The updated five-speed manual gearbox is also better, with a shorter
and more positive action."
0-60 mph acceleration time is 8.5 seconds (just .2 seconds behind the
2.5 liter powered
american RS & OBS).
Do be glad you do not live in the US or anywhere near the reach of
North American Subaru product planners. Those people are probably ex
Ford or GM employees.
I'll just make sure next time I won't buy US spec anything.