Two Surprise Subarus For Geneva
Published: 2nd February 2005
Subaru R1
A new mini-car and a large seven-seat SUV are the surprise stars on the Subaru stand at this year’s 75th Geneva International Motor Show.
The stylish Subaru R1 mini-car has just gone on sale in Japan while the Porsche Cayenne-sized B9 Tribeca had its debut at the recent Detroit Motor Show with first US deliveries due in the summer.
Neither are planned for Europe although market research studies are about to begin to gauge public reaction.
Subaru R1
Aimed at the Japanese ‘K-Car’ market, the 660cc R1 offers all-wheel drive and intelligent continuously-variable automatic transmission as technical highlights, clothed in a stylish, streamlined body described as resembling an eggshell.
The black and red interior is especially luxurious and of high-quality and the car is primarily designed as a two-seater.
The two-wheel drive version is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in Japan and qualifies as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, exceeding government demands for a 50 per cent reduction in emissions from 2005 levels.
