Subaru R2
Fans
of Subaru's past minicars like the Vivio and Viki now have
much to cheer about with the R2
What's
New
Everything except the name. Those familiar with Subaru's
history will recall that the R-2, launched in 1969, went
on to be one of the Japanese carmaker's best-known kei cars.
So perhaps it's with a sense of nostalgia that Subaru has
decided to call its latest kei model, the R2.
An
even slightly smaller model, the R1 is launched simultaneously
and serves as a three-door coupe variant although it still
has four seats. With the local market's preference for more
practical bodystyles in mind, The Highway opted to test
the more conservatively-styled, five-door R2.
Just
as kei cars make a lot of sense in Tokyo's overcrowded streets,
its diminutive size (just under 3.4 metres long) means that,
over here, owners of the R2 can also squeeze their cars
in the smallest of parking spaces.
The
other inherent benefit is the fuel-saving potential the
R2 promises since its 658cc unit has less than 900kg to
move around.
How
it Performs
With an engine this size, nobody expects the R2 to win any
traffic light Grands Prix, but to be fair, it also moves
off smartly enough so you won't be holding up other cars
on the road.
With
only 54bhp at its disposal, the R2's performance has a direct
correlation to the amount weight you carry on board. Drive
it by yourself and you'll be rewarded with lively handling
and decent pace. Take on a few passengers, and the R2's
four-cylinder unit's struggle will be noticeable.
To
get the most from the R2, a slight change in driving style
is recommended where you'll learn to use forward momentum
to your advantage. From roads with inclines to looking further
ahead so as to minimise the need to stop for traffic blocking
your way, the R2 can make you more alert to traffic conditions,
habits that also make you a safer driver.
The
R2's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) however, makes
the most of the available grunt on tap by always keeping
the engine in its optimal torque band. As with most other
CVT systems, the R2's gearbox does suffer from a lag when
accelerating abruptly. The thing to do is to increase speed
gradually and the little Subaru will oblige with a more
relaxed drive.
When
driven at the R2's preferred pace, a green 'ECO' light near
the tachometer comes on to tell you that's its power unit
is optimally fuel efficient.
Staying
true to Subaru's all-wheel drive philosophy, both R1 and
R2 can also be had with AWD. However, we found nothing wrong
with the way our entry-level front-wheel drive test car
handled.
How
it Stacks Up
We'll come right out and say it. The R2's biggest problem
is the Mitisubishi i. Compared to the latter, the Subaru
is almost spartan where equipment levels are concerned.
Taken
into it's own context however, the R2 has all the 'essential'
accoutrements expected in a modern car such as air-conditioning,
remote locking and a decent stereo among other things.
What
the R2 can't be faulted on is its superb build quality as
even the roughest roads failed to cause the little Subaru
to squeak or rattle. Couple this to a usefully lower starting
price ($10,000) than the Mitsubishi i and the R2 represents
no-frills, environmentally friendly motoring at its best.
| Technical Specifications |
|
MODEL
Subaru R2 fwd (A)
ENGINE
Engine: 658cc, 16-valve in-line 4
Max Power: 54bhp at 6,400rpm
Max Torque: 63Nm at 4,400rpm
TRANSMISSION
CVT
TOP SPEED
140km/h (limited)
0-100km/h
15.0s
|
