Timrud:

according to wiki:

GC8D (9/1996-9/1997)
In September 1996, the WRX was updated with new styling. The 1997MY WRX now has a power rating of 280 PS (206 kW) at 6500 rpm with 33.5 kg·m (329 N·m) at 4000 rpm (280 PS at 6500 rpm with 352N*m 4000 rpm for the wagon version). The car now weighs 1250 kg (2756 lb).

Its not pre facelift, its has a different front end to lets say a k or l plater

96 to 97 was the change over year chap

Yes it is an import