Subaru R2 S

[Dualie]

Subaru has come out with a Jazz wannabe...Claim FC for basic DOHC model is 24km/l.

 

However, I think most will be more interested in the Supercharged version with a claim FC of 18.8km/l...

 

http://www.subaru.co.jp/r2/special_s/

 

http://www.subaru.co.jp/r2/13/index.html

 

http://www.subaru.co.jp/r2/index.html

[Super7]

it's not very chio leh .............

 

 

There's a never-ending appetitite for small cars in Japan. It seems as if every other day a new small car is added to the market, only to be lost in the gigantic swarm. It simply doesn't surprise us anymore, the K-Car (Kei) law have imposed such great restrictions that most cars end up looking like boxes, and are more or less underpowered. Subaru, is a seasoned veteran in the K-Car segment, however they have not had great success in this lucrative market. To improve their standings, they've decided to introduce the R2, the successor to the plain but worthy Pleo.

Edited January 23, 2004 by Super7

[Super7]

First seen alongside the R1e and B9 concepts in Tokyo, we are a bit surprised to see the R2 thoroughly carried over with little change. Profile-wise, the B2 is like any other Kei-car.

 

The theme behind all is maximum space for minimum exterior size, thus the shape remains familiar - a rounded box with a sloped front end.

 

However, it is not in the shape that the R2 is characterized, rather the styling details. Here, you'll find the new Subaru corporate grille, a theme jump-started by the B11-S supercar.

 

The three-piece unit looks odd at first, but is one of the major attention-grabbing cues on the B2. This grille is matched by an aggressively styled lower valance which features two teardrop shaped intakes.

Edited January 23, 2004 by Super7

[Super7]

660 cc engine may be small, but it's mighty! When turbo'd, it generates up to 64 hp.

 

 

 

But individualistic styling is carried out through the entire car - not just the front end. It may seem strange, but the B2 features a rather interesting rear end.

 

The rear wheel arches protrude from the back end, which again seems odd, but it works. This is clearly borrowed from the Smart City/ForTwo. Although this design feature isn't the most space-efficient design - the R2 is at the Kei-law maximum length dimensions (3395 mm long 1475 mm wide, 1520 mm high), so while the rear arches are stretched out, this extra space could have been used for trunk or extra leg room.

 

Nevertheless, it's an interesting design which will be sure to turn a few heads. The thin strip that runs parallel to the windowline is a neat little design input, however the integrated amber flashers seem to be directly borrowed from Acura's new TL.

[Super7]

Available as a five-door hatchback, the R2 complies with all Kei-laws making it affordable to the masses.

 

But what the cute exterior may show on the outside isn't a true reflection of what happens under the skin. While the R2 can easily be passed off as just another Kei car, it actually rings in as a technological wonder

Edited January 23, 2004 by Super7

[Super7]

R2 has neat little details such as protruding rear fenders and a B11-S-esque front end.

 

The hottest R2 model of the range beats out both other inline fours. The R2 Turbo, as its name would suggest is fitted with a small, low-pressure turbocharger.

 

It uses the same 16 valve version of the inline-four as the middle-range engine, however it looses out on the advanced valve timing system. Regardless of this loss, the R2 yeilds an impressive 64 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque.

 

If not for the cap on power for Kei cars, we are sure that the R2 would have been equipped with a larger turbo or the AVCS. Turbocharged cars can be easily picked out of the R2 range by their distinctive hood scoop which feeds cold air to the engine.

 

Tipping the scales at just 850 kilos, all engines, regardless of aspiration, valves or camshafts should be plenty to move the R2 along. Following the lead of the older Pleo, as well as other Kei-sized cars, the R2 will be offered with a wide selection of transmission and drivetrain combinations.

 

All cars can be had with either a traditional five-speed manual transmission, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT-equipped cars provide a leisurely drive that's relaxed.

 

However, for the more performance-oriented Turbo model, the CVT transmission will have a manual override. With seven artificially-created ratios locked in, the manual mode will provide a direct feel that mimics a sequential car, with seven ratios to improve performance. All models can be had in either front wheel drive, or all wheel drive configuration (though we're not sure why).

 

The R2 also rides on a strut suspension layout with tin but grippy 155/65 R14 wheels and tires on all four corners. Stopping power is provided by large 13-inch ventilated discs. ABS and brake assist are optional. Perhaps one of the most shocking things about the R2 is its interior.

 

While it is a Kei car, our initial impressions from these photos speak otherwise. It's a solid-looking interior that's similar in look to Nissan's Micra (which is one size up).

 

As you can tell, with such a small exterior, the interior must feel as large as possible. Thanks to a light colour theme, plenty of natural light from the large windows, and the tall height, an airy atmosphere is created.

 

The R2's stance is rather simple - as simple and efficient as it can possibly be. The heating and ventilation controls are easy to operate with three knobs, while the shifter is mounted high on the console for easy reach. Large instrumentation on the dashboard makes for the easy transfer of information, while the dash-top mounted vents are a styling plus.

 

Another area where the R2 excels is with cargo organization and space management. You'd think that with such a small working space that carrying ability would be diminished. Although it isn't large by any means, if you look around it's rather useful. Around the front, replacing the glove box is an open cubby hole that spans from the center console to the door.

 

Everything from maps, loose change, to even cell phones can be stuffed in there. In back, Subaru have fitted the R2 with a 50:50 folding rear seat. Though there's a bit of a ledge from the actual trunk to the folded seats, it's still 100% useable space.

 

The seats also fold completely flat so there's no worry about uneven surfaces. Though the visible cargo space may not seem impressive, you've got to remember that the R2 is a fairly tall vehicle.

It's one of the most innovative Kei-cars on the market, beating out standard, boring offerings.

 

Though many do not realize that the R2 name has been with us since 1969, the new minicar is certainly an impressive effort and should draw in Subaru's monthly quota of 8000 units.

 

Its individual looks, high-quality interior, plus the large combination of engine and drivetrain will lure buyers towards the R2. Buyers are nolonger stuck with an average or boring looking 'cereal box' on wheels, as they've got a vivid vehicle that's now in their reach.

 

Though the R2 will not be sold in Canada

Edited January 23, 2004 by Super7

[Super7]

http://www.mcgregormotorsport.co.nz/

[Mesihc]

wah lau ... y now so many small cars??? my leg too long cannot drive la =X hahhhaha

[S2P2]

i take the jazz man

[Hitman]

I gotta agree ... not chio at all.

 

Spent 2 nights in JB and was looking at some cars .... the Perodua Kenari kinda looks similar.

 

Downpayment : S$2K , Monthly : S$250 for 7 years ... not bad hor

 

Looking at the Turbo Asstrek like yours

 

Downpayment : S$5K , Monthly : S$750 for 8 years ... itchy liao

Edited January 24, 2004 by Hitman

[Normal_aspirated]

The shape, looks kinda familiar, oh I remember now....... FIAT 600.

That cute little family car in the sixties....

The Subaru R2 S looks like a face-lift Fiat 600, leh.

[Saaber]

whoa, 2 nights without MCF must be very hard on you...

[Hitman]

Damn hard .... now killing my gian time lah

[Saaber]

making up for 2 days lah....

[Hitman]

Actually on Wed night ... my wife ask me to go buy some groceries from Angsana.

 

Came back after 2 hours cause I ended up in the Cybercafe loggin in MCF

 

My wife temper sia

 

Then , I log in using my cell phone on Thurs ... too slow so giveup

Edited January 24, 2004 by Hitman

[Saaber]

Next time, don't tell her you are at the Cybercafe lah.......say you are stuck at traffic or whatsoever lah....

[Hitman]

I go there take bicycle .. stuck in wat jam ... bicycle jam ar

[Jazziegirl]

eh, at least u have cybercafe there! the small town i was in, didn't see ANY at all, hubbie marah when i lamented no internet 'why, cannot live w/o MCF ahhh?'

 

so i quietly sit and wonder what u guys talking about here!