Hi - My 2008 2.0l Hatchback Impreza RX has really poor headlights.

Dealership told me that they were "as they should be" (?) So I'm looking to upgrade them. I'd like to put a Lightbar on it, but thats imposible with the body shape.

Been looking at Morimoto XB and they look really good. Sent email and asked if they could confirm the system was UK compliant - this was their reply . . .

All of our XB lights are designed for and tested on US spec vehicles. 
I do not believe they would be UK compliant. 

Can anyone comfirm this to be the case? Or suggest who/where to ask for an official response?

Suggestions for alternative products would be appreciated. Not looking to go off-road nor rallying/racing, just want to be able to see where I'm going. I live in a rural area and most of my driving is on country roads/lanes with no street lighting, and my age is blessing me with less-than-perfect (but legal) eyesight. I just need good bright lights.

Thanks for any input or suggestions . . .

Peter

I would agree that they are not road legal as they are usually mounted on the vehicle in a region which is not accepted by VOSA, DVLA, etc. and clearly states that driving lights need to be positioned on each side of the car at the front.
Beyond that, if you fitted some on the grill area or lower down where fog lamps would be then for occasional use and especially rural areas I dont see the problem if you can switch them down as soon as a vehicle approaches.

Also, it would be worth changing the headlamp bulbs for Philips or any other aftermarket bulbs with higher intensity and performance - Halfords sell a good range and they really do make a difference at night and are street legal

Thanks for advice (soc), I had'nt considered trying better bulbs - I'll head for Halfords.

Also, bulbs will be a heck-of-a-site cheaper than Morimoto and as long as I get plenty of light, it'll be job done.

Let us know how you get on with it and the improvement in lighting if noticeable.

Have purchased a pair of Lucas 200% Brighter HID D2S Headlight Bulb.

Paid for fitting also (no local garage and I stopped grubbing under my bonnet 20 years ago). It's a 15mile round trip in traffic; planning to go early tomorrow morning. Will let you know after a road test tomorrow night,
Thanks for your advice.

Bulbs fitted f.o.c - Halfords in Hereford, the guy who installed them had never been under the bonnet of a Subaru before but he coped very effectively.

Lights up and working ok - will report back here when I have assesed them after dark'

Meanwhile . . . I've owned the car for about 10 years and the dashboard lights have always
been too dim to see during the day, including the main dis[lay panel (satnav etc). Checking the full range of the dimmer switch changed the display lighting but it was always to dim. Main dealer checked for me and said there wasn't anything wrong (!) however, as soon as the new headlight bulbs were in, I had a well lit dashboard !!!

Are there any automotive electrics members who can explain that ???