The 1990s was a groundbreaking decade for Japanese manufacturers, but two coupled rallying success to showroom sales.
Mitsubishi, Toyota and Subaru led the way in this instance, with both brands rising to prominence off the back of off-road success through not only local efforts, but overseas programs.
Names like Colin McRae, Tommi Makinen, Richard Burns, Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen and Kenneth Eriksson were just some of the international names manufacturers were leveraging off to promote the brand.
Locally, it was Possum Bourne, Ed Ordynski and Neal Bates were challenging each other on the dirt providing a large hype surrounding the Australian Rally Championship. Kiwi Bourne dominated the era when competitors were using the latest World Rally Championship specification cars and it enjoyed Sunday afternoon time slot on Channel 10.
Japan went through a revolution in the early-1990s through the introduction of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the Toyota Celica GT4.
Turbocharged four-pots rose in popularity off the back of the rallying success and also the ability to tune, so by the time of the late 1990s these Japanese turbo terrors the most popular models for young drivers.
Another key factor was the introduction of increasingly detailed video games through Gran Turismo, V Rally, Sega Rally, Colin McRae Rally and more providing further spotlight on these models.
GT-Production and the Showroom Showdown also showcased how these rally-derived models went on the tarmac against the Aussie muscle led by HSV, which added to the mystique surrounding these four-wheel-drive pocket rockets.
And finally the price. A local magazine regularly ran a Bang For Your Buck competition and the Subaru always tended to be on top further solidifying its idol status.
Although these all-wheel-drive, turbocharged, four-pots have dropped off the radar in recent years, these are still held at godly status and definitely should make a comeback!