Subaru to build supermini?

07 August 2006

Japanese supermini to inspire Euro city car
Toyota components may power new car
Supercharger or four-wheel-drive possible

The Subaru R1 could be the inspiration for a new European-market supermini

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Subaru is thinking small, according to whatcar.com sources in Japan.

Reports suggest Subaru is considering building a supermini for the European market. The new car could take its lead from Subaru's Japan-only R1 three-door and R2 five-door city cars.

Any new car may well use Toyota know-how, however, because Toyota has recently bought a stake in Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries.

To meet stringent new voluntary emissions targets, the new supermini would have to be frugal. However, that doesn't mean it will necessarily be slow - in Japan, the R1 is available with a supercharged engine and a choice of front- or four-wheel drive.

The R1 and R2 city cars are designed to appeal as much to wealthy suburbanites as budget-conscious motorists, and are available with features such as leather and Alcantara trim.