Subaru WRX hatchback fans might be in for some bad news if they’re fans of the new model.

When the Subaru WRX debuted at the 2013 L.A. Auto show, enthusiasts were shocked that only sedan models were presented. Recent sales data shows that nearly half of yearly WRX sales are for the hatchback model while 33 percent of WRX STI sales are for the five door. But according to the Japanese automaker, it’s too expensive to develop both models despite recent rumors that the company was considering a five-door version.

According to sources close to the story, Subaru U.S. was surprised by what Subaru project manager Masuo Takatsu had to say about the potential of a hatchback model for the U.S. market. As a result, Subaru USA contacted Japan to discuss the situation and now it is unlikely that a hatchback model is on the table.

Even after all these years that the Subaru (formerly Impreza) WRX STI series has been with us, you'll be hard pressed to find another everyday performance car offering so much (in so many ways) for a reasonable price tag – okay, there's also the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, but we still don't know for how long it will last…

In one of the first filmed tests we've seen of the new Subaru, MotorTrend's Ignition and Carlos Lago introduce us to the 2015 WRX STI, which they drive at the press launch on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca circuit, while also taking it for a spin on the open road.

The tester seen in the video is the WRX STI Launch Edition, which at $37,395 (plus $795 for delivery), will cost you an extra $2,900 premium over the standard model ($34,495, excluding delivery) for the pleasure of owning one of only 1,000 numbered units made, all of which feature a WR Blue Pearl paint, gold-painted 18-inch BBS alloy wheels and some other trinkets.

You probably remember a previous report quoting Subaru WRX project general manager Masuo Takatsu as saying that the Japanese automaker is considering a hatchback version for the 2015 WRX.

“We have received strong interest from the U.S., where the hatchback was 50 per cent of previous-generation WRX sales, so we’re now considering,” Takatsu told Australia’s Motoring website. Well, it appears that Subaru of America was surprised to hear about a five-door WRX and asked the company’s Japan headquarters for more information.

Sadly for WRX fans, Subaru USA learned that the automaker is not considering a WRX hatchback, according to a source cited by Motor Trend.

The 2015 Subaru WRX and WRX STI debuted as sedans only, which is quite strange given that sales of WRX sedans and hatchbacks traditionally have been evenly split in the U.S. in recent years. While Subaru says it is too expensive to develop both models, many see the automaker as turning its back on half its customers.

So what are we to make of the earlier report confirming the WRX hatchback? We should forget about it, as the new report assumes some sort of mistranslation or misinterpretation was to blame for the confusion.

Has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 305 bhp (227 kW)

Subaru has released a new video of four-time World Rally Championship winner Tommi Mäkinen test driving a 2015 WRX STI at the Buttonwillow Raceway in California.

After catching some air, Mäkinen says "You cannot do any mistakes with this car, they have done incredible work. Always going a step forward and forward, and this is very nice to see from previous models." He goes on to say "It's really kind of a car which asks you to please go faster, go faster."

As a refresher, the WRX STI has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that develops 305 bhp (227 kW) and 290 lb-ft (393 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual which sends power to the ground via a symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

The 2015 Subaru WRX has earned a top safety pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

To qualify to be a top safety pick, a vehicle must earn a “good” rating (the highest rating) in the moderate overlap front, side crash, roof strength and head restraint tests, along with at least an “acceptable” rating in the new small overlap test.

The 2015 WRX managed to score top marks in every single crash test category, with the only factor holding it back from being a top safety pick plus being its lack of crash avoidance technology. To get that added “plus” moniker, the vehicle in question must score at least a “basic” rating in crash avoidance technology.

There are two spots where this Subaru faltered however. During the moderate overlap front crash test, the IIHS says that the dummy’s head hit the steering wheel through the airbag and forces on the left foot indicate lower leg injuries are possible.

This marks the sixth Subaru vehicle to get a top safety pick, three of which are the full top safety pick plus.

The arrival of the new generation WRX STI on UK shores this month with a price that's about £4,000 cheaper than its predecessor at £28,995, has prompted Subaru to call in British Rally Champion Mark Higgins to repeat his previous feat of setting a record lap time at the famous Isle of Man TT.

Higgins raced a production-spec version of the previous-generation Subaru WRX STI in 2011, completing the course in 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds with an average speed of 115.36 mph (185.61 km/h) around the TT Mountain circuit.

Higgins commented: “Setting the record was totally exhilarating and one of the highlights of my career – Bray Hill certainly added to the thrill! As a Manxman, I love the TT Races and I have a huge amount of respect for the TT riders and what they do. It will be a real honour to attempt a new fastest car lap.”

Subaru of America will be the main sponsor of the run and, as with the previous record attempt, it will provide a U.S. specification WRX STI fitted with a stock 2.5-liter turbo'd boxer engine.

The Japanese carmaker said that the car will have unmodified brake callipers and road-legal tires, but "the springs and dampers have been adjusted slightly to minimise any potential damage when the car encounters the many bumps – and jumps – at high speed along the course". For safety purposes, it will be equipped with a roll-cage, race harness and fire suppression system.

Below you can find a video from Higgins' 2011 run at the Isle of Man.