Subaru Rex / Fiori

In 1982 the Rex was redesigned to a front wheel drive design sporting a 660cc engine now that the Kei class tax rules in Japan allowed a 660 cc size engine instead of a 360cc engine. This model was exported to several countries including Australia where it was known as the Subaru Sherpa light commercial vehicle.

In 1989 the Rex received a major facelift, in Australia the Rex was renamed Fiori and was fitted with an 800cc engine, a 4 seat passenger version was available in 1991 and 1992 as well as the light commercial version, most likely the 660cc engine was still available in Japan.

In 1992 the Rex was replaced by the Subaru Vivio, the Fiori line was dropped form the Australian marketplace.

Subaru R2

The styling of the R2 and R1 is said to be styled after Subaru’s classic 1969 R2 making it a rather funky retro design that is stark contrast to the car that it was said to replace the Subaru Pleo. The Pleo is still sold along side the R1 as an entry level cheaper model but shares the same engine.

The R2 and R1 are also available with a DOHC version of the 658cc motor as well as a supercharged and intercooled version. The transmission is a CVT auto driving the front wheels, an all wheel drive version is also available.