Test Drive Subaru R1 since 2005 Hatchback

Subaru R1 Car Overview

Free style, no routine drop!
You must have already understood from the name of the new machine that it should stand in one row with the already known model R2 as its 3-door version. But I ask you to pay attention to the fact that the new body has become 11 cm in short, so the full length of the new model is 3285 mm. In this case, we are entitled to attribute it to the category of microcht machines with a slightly reduced compared to well-established standards with dimensions. In this sense and in this row R1 you can assign third place after the Smart For Two models and Suzuki Twin.
Having heard the Abbreviation R1, many, probably remember that the conceptual model R1e was put up at the Tokyo Auto Show of 2004. This machine that was served as the future means of movement around the city (City Commuter) had the following dimensions: length - 3330 mm, width - 1550 mm; In motion, it was driven by an electric motor and accommodated two people, including the driver. This concept can be considered by the brainchild of the current main designer of Subaru Mr. Rasinas, who seems to have set itself the task of fully freed from the stereotypes soldiers. And this task is the exhibition sample performed. Now, as I understand it, the main features of R1e have tried to embody in R1, which is intended for an ordinary buyer. So to speak, innovative design in the masses!
Let us return, however, by the beginning of the report and continue the idea that R1 looks like a 3-door addition R2. And if you look at this pair differently? Agree that the 3-door layout of the body is already in itself there is a restriction in the practical plan. I want to say that the 3-door body always implies one or two people in the cabin, no more. But on the other hand, such a functional limitation made it possible to more fully embody the designer plan. So, limited scope of application in exchange for style. Perhaps one baits the other. In addition, it is not necessary to forget that the new model has a more compact body, which makes it even more comfortable. And in this her novelty.
Yes, I admit that when a quick acquaintance with the appearance of both machines is the first thing that it comes to mind that R1 is a shortened version R2. But in fact, in its external design, there are almost no those elements that would significantly limit the useful volume of the base model interior. It remains right, only wondering the skill of designers who managed to insert an ordinary mechanical stuffing in the ovoid shell, and the salon himself calculates the formula two plus two. You only compare photos of two machines - R1 and R2. All right, it would be different from the side view, it would be okay only a different cabin configuration - this can be attributed by changing the dimensions of the machine. But otherwise it is also fulfilled in front, including the hood, right?
And what if you evaluate the significance of two similar machines based on the brilliant, finished design R1? I do not exclude that with such a look at things, many of those buyers who could not digest the style of R2 will say: yes no, this R2, perhaps, nothing, since the basic R1 is so good. Who likes what!
 
For deciding on R1 I recommend the salon from Alcantara
Above it was noted that the new car was 110 mm shorter than its predecessor. But the wheelbase has decreased only by 65 mm. All the rest of the cut happened due to the length of the front and rear swell. And yet it made it possible to leave some space in the cabin for two rear passengers.
It should be noted that from the point of view of the useful volume of the cabin and against the background of machine-competitors made by sample and the similarity of minivans, even the previous model (R2) cannot be considered particularly spacious. The new version (R1) was truncated along a length of 65 mm (the result of the reduction of the inter-axes to the same 65 mm). As a result, the front of the cabin was not expected to be 55 mm, and, of course, the spaces in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear seats became even less. What is there more or less! I have a height of 178 cm and not the smallest forms, so I do not go to the delights, just to be able to place yourself. So, the space of the rear seats is less than my landing minimum. No, I got to get out, but what should I stand it ... just imagine: the front chair went completely forward, the knees were fit, the neck turned at an angle of 45 degrees and is still stretched forward on the diagonal. Well, what is it?
What is happening? If it happens that the rear seats of the R1 salon will have to accommodate two more, then they will not work there to be placed without violating the rules for transporting passengers on the roads. In the same way, there will not be released to lay a hard suitcase for the transport of fragile items. And all this was originally part of the project developers! In other words, if you (or any potential owner R1) agree that the car acquired is initially intended exclusively for two, then you can re-feel all the charm of automotive compactness. That is, it is maneuverability - once. Next, sitting at the wheel, you can get any of the 4 corners of the cabin - these are two. No, really, there is something in it!
It must be said that according to Subaru plans, approximately 800 copies of R1 should be sold per month. For a car with such an interesting design, it seemed to be a very trifle. But you understand: This is about the micro-car car, which has only 3 doors. It is believed that such machines should be sold for a penny. But in this case everything is wrong. See: R2 has a more spacious interior, and she has two more doors. And the manufacturer is ready to give it for 800 thousand yen (about $ 7600). As for R1, he has only one category of comfort, and it pulls it in an option with an end-driven by 1 million 260 thousand ($ 12,000), and if you take a full drive that and all 1.369 million yen ($ 13,000)! It turns out that this car is focused only on those who like it in itself. In short, R1 is referred to the role that Speciality Coupe was called. It is clear that in exchange for a price increase, the owner receives a salon that is decorated better than that of R2. The front panel is true, in its form the same as the previous version. But its surface has a matte hue, and the dashboard is not at all like an ordinary micro. Such instrument pointers pull on the machine higher class, that is, on a car in a liter class. Seats are finished in two color colors, and in their configuration they are akin to sports chairs. If you wish, you can order in the form of an interior interior, decorated with Alcantara and Velor. It shows the elements of handmade, and it is even funny to put in one row with a SMART for Two salon. By the way, if seriously think about the acquisition of R1, then I would prefer the interior design.
 
Subaru initially made a bet on a special version
As I have already noted, R1 has modifications with different types of drive: 2WD and 4WD. The main version is equipped with an engine, which is already on R2, and specifically - on its basic modification R. It is equipped with the DOHC system and develops the power of 54 horsepower. The engine works in combination with a stepless CVT transmission, in the same way as in the R2 model. Such a bunch of the engine and the transmission has already proven itself well, and if we consider that R1 is reduced compared to R2 the length of the body, then I do not find it at all, what can I find face here. True, it is impossible to say that the engine R1 pulls much better. And this is understandable - after all, by weight, a new car if it is easier to predecessor, then only 10 kg. Therefore, oddly sounds, but a slight advantage that, in theory, should have R1, can be reduced to zero due to the difference in the weight of drivers or the amount of fuel in the tank.
Now about wheels. The car has 15-inch aluminum discs, similar to those used in sports modification R2. They are complemented by Tires BS Potenza size 155/60R15. I especially pointed my attention on the comfort of the ride, because that is not talking, and the car claims to become a prototype of the city's city vehicle. Therefore, I dare to express the view that the suspension is configured under 14-inch, or even under 13-inch tires. But it can be seen, in this version of the car, everything, or at least much subordinates the main task to implement a certain design plan. I, in particular, it seemed that the suspension was a bit harsh. Although, perhaps, it would be impossible to give a machine with a reduced wheels with the same stability as R2. As a rule, cars with a shortened wheelbase have a tendency to a constant oscillation around the transverse axis, but, to be honest, I did not notice any difference between R1 and R2 in this plan. Earlier, I expressed a wish that the wheels become more smooth on the irregularities of the road. But in principle, if we consider that the height of the car is 1510 mm (not the highest indicator for the micro-car), and that the car is not like that at least to feel the risk to fly out of the rut when performing turning, you can agree that This is not such a significant remark. So this nuance may well go beyond the features of the proprietary adjustment of Subaru machines.
So, what do we have in the new model R1? Very-resistant style, high-quality finish of individual elements, skillful smoothing of those design features, which in the predecessor were so screaming that caused rejection. Especially rushes stylistics. The design of the car has been worked so well, which makes it assume: in Subaru, it was this version that was initially accepted as the main one. Yes, such a stylish machine definitely conceived as a double, it is more suitable for the definition of the first car. But at the same time, if the competitors were at least partially ready to give an adequate response, then R1 remains in proud loneliness. And if someone really wants to have a car exactly this kind, then he will not find anything like a new brain of Subaru.
 
 

 

A source: Carview.co.jp.