Subaru R1

Last updated
Subaru R1
Subaru R1.jpg
Overview
Also called Subaru R1e
Production2005–2010
AssemblyJapan: Ōta, Gunma (Ōta plant)
Designer Andreas Zapatinas
Body and chassis
Class Kei car
Body style 3-door hatchback
Related Subaru R2
Powertrain
Engine 658  cc (40.2  cu in) EN07U I 4
658 cc (40.2 cu in) EN07D DOHC AVCS I 4
658 cc (40.2 cu in) EN07X DOHC I 4 supercharged (STi)
Transmission iCVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,195  mm (86.4  in)
Length3,285 mm (129.3 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb weight 800  kg (1,763.7  lb)
Chronology
Successor Subaru Pleo (second generation)
Subaru Lucra

The Subaru R1 is a kei car manufactured by the Japanese carmaker Subaru from 2005 to 2010.

Contents

Design

Entering production on January 4, 2005, the R1 is a two-door version of the Subaru R2, but with a shorter body and wheelbase. The R1 is unusual in that it does not use up the maximum length allowed for by the kei car regulations—the only other kei cars to have done this since the 1989 Autozam Carol were the Suzuki Twin, Daihatsu Midget, Toyota C+pod, and the European Smart Fortwo.

The R1 was only available in one spec level up to the end of 2005, using a 658 cc Subaru EN engine. The engine is available in three versions: the I with the EN07U SOHC 34  kW (46 horsepower ) engine, the R with the EN07D DOHC engine rated at 40 kW (54 horsepower) and the STi with an EN07X supercharged and intercooled engine rated at 47 kW (63 horsepower). The R1 is being marketed as a personal car and as a middle-aged couple's second car; a combination of leather and Alcantara seating is available. All R1s are equipped with a CVT, and all trim levels are available with front-wheel drive as well as four-wheel drive.

In its promotional materials, the R1 was frequently compared to the Subaru 360, the first production Subaru automobile.

The rear of the R1 Subaru R1 rear.jpg
The rear of the R1

Derivative vehicles

The R1 is the base car for the following vehicles:

Collectibles

Tomica manufactured a diecast 1/56 R1 in 2005 as No. 111, and Takara made a Choro-Q plastic pull-back R1.

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References

  1. Top Gear Season 8 Episode 5 2006.06.04