Subaru Vivio
| Subaru Vivio | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
Subaru Takada Kogyo, Yokohama (T-top) |
| Production | 1992–1998 |
| Assembly | Subaru-chō Plant, Ōta, Gunma, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 2-door targa top |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 658 cc EN07A carbureted I4 658 cc EN07E MPI I4 658 cc EN07Z supercharged I4 658 cc EN07X SC DOHC 16V I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic ECVT Paddle shift |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,295 mm (129.7 in) |
| Width | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Height | 1,385 mm (54.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 650 kg (1,433 lb)-700 kg (1,543 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Subaru Rex |
| Successor | Subaru Pleo |
The Subaru Vivio is a kei car that was introduced in March 1992, and manufactured by Subaru until October 1998. It has a 658 cc (52 PS) multi-point fuel-injected four-cylinder engine (44 PS DIN was claimed in Europe for the same engine), which is small enough to place it in the light car class, giving its owners large tax breaks in Japan. There was also a carbureted version with 42 PS (31 kW) in Japan, which equipped the Vivio Van version. The Vivio feels roomy considering its small size, thanks to a relatively tall profile and large windows. It is one of the lightest kei cars, weighing in at between 650 kg (1,433 lb) and 700 kg (1,543 lb) depending on the trim line.
The name "Vivio" is a reference to the engine's displacement of 660 written in Roman numerals (VI,VI,O), and also inspired by the word "vivid". It replaced the Rex that was introduced in the 1970s, and was itself superseded by the Subaru Pleo. It was available in 3 and 5-door versions commonly, with a two-door targa top version named T-top being available to special order from 1994. The T-top was built by Takada Kogyo, a convertible specialist who also assembled Nissan's Figaro and Silvia Varietta amongst other specialty cars.
In November 1995 the Vivio Bistro was introduced. This was modified variation with a retro theme, with Mini-esque front and rear fascias, matching upholstery and modifications to the dashboard. The Bistro series was popular, causing Subaru to release multiple succeeding versions of the Bistro, called the "Bistro B-Custom", the "Bistro Chiffon", the "Bistro White Edition", the "L Bistro", the "Sports Bistro" with BBS wheels, the "Bistro SS" using the engine package from the Vivio RX-SS, and the "Club Bistro" with a British black cab appearance. The trend of retro-styled cars was quite popular in 1990s Japan, following the success of Nissan's "Pike" series cars like the Pao and Figaro. Subaru also tried this approach with the larger Subaru Impreza called the Casa Blanca with limited success.
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