The influx of used JDM cars during the Musharraf era brought a huge number of Japanese cars in all shapes & sizes to our market. These cars not only provided a much needed variety, but also exposed a stark difference in build quality, equipment and safety features of cars available elsewhere versus those assembled locally.
Among those many cars that landed on our soil among used Japanese imports was the Subaru R2. This 660cc kei car was easily recognizable due to its rather unusual rear-end design, though it was not available in huge numbers like Toyota Vitz or Daihatsu Mira.
Its name was inspired by the Subaru R-2 kei car produced between 1969 and 1972. Subaru had made its debut in the automotive industry with the 360 model, a popular model in Japanese car history. But stay competitive in the market, Subaru developed a facelift version of the 360 based on a fair share of the original model and renamed it R-2.
The original Subaru R-2 from 1960s
The R-2 was first released in August 1969 using a rear engine, rear-wheel drive layout and in all respects was considered a rival of Honda N360 in that era. The body dimension were 2,995 mm long, 1,295 mm wide, 1,345 mm high, and the wheelbase is only 1,920 mm long. For the sake of comparison, the Suzuki FX measures 3,195mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,150mm.
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Under the hood the old Subaru R-2 had a 2-cylinder, 2-stroke 356 cc single carburetor air-cooled engine with 30 hp at 6,500 rpm and 36Nm at 5,500 rpm. Power was sent to rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. Top speed was rated at 115 km/ h.
Subaru R-2 facelift & new variants in 1970
The interior was simple like any car of that era and was available in both beige and black color coding. Since the Subaru R-2 had only 2 doors, access to the rear seats was gained by reclining front seats. The cabin could best accommodate 4 passengers. In 1970 the facelift model arrived with new variants featuring revised exterior & interior styling and some upgrades in equipment.
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Fast forward 2003, the new R2 could also seat 4 passengers due to its less space-efficient design. It measured 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide and 1,520 mm tall. And besides looks, the compromising interior space was among the key reasons why the Subaru R2 wasn’t able to last for long. It was produced between 2003 and 2010 as a successor of Subaru Pleo however after its production was ended, the R2 was again succeeded by Pleo which emerged as a re-badged Daihatsu Mira. This happened due to Toyota’s heavy investment in Subaru.
Subaru R2 (2003-2010)
Even today one can see the new Subaru Pleo which looks identical to the Daihatsu Mira, apart from emblems of course. Currently all small Subaru kei cars are rebadged Daihatsu models. Subaru Chiffon is a rebadged Daihatsu Tanto, Subaru Dias is a rebadged Daihatsu Atrai, Subaru Stella is a rebadged Daihatsu Move, while Subaru Sambar is rebadged Daihatsu HiJet.
Some Subaru R2 examples in Pakistan
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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