The Subaru R2 is a kei car produced and sold in Japan by Fuji Heavy Industries from 2003 to 2010. Its name was inspired by the Subaru R-2, produced from 1969 to 1972. The R2 was discontinued in 2010.

Design

The R2 was the first production Subaru to sport a new family look, including the aviation-inspired "spread wings grille" also used by their Tribeca and Impreza. The R2's exterior dimensions are largely similar to its predecessor, the Subaru Pleo; but unlike the squarish Pleo, the R2 has a deliberately rounded, less space-efficient form. Three variations of the 4-cylinder 658 cc engine were available: Unlike other Subaru models which used Boxer engines, the R2 used an inline engine. The two lower engine options were available with either a manual transmission or a CVT. The supercharged engine was coupled to a sportshift version of the CVT ("7 speed iCVT"). Both front wheel drive and all wheel drive were available. Initially, the R2 was available in 11 colors and 3 trim levels (one for each engine variation). On January 4, 2005, the Subaru R1 was introduced, which was a 2-door version of the R2 with a shorter body and wheelbase. In 2006, the R2 got a facelift, replacing its spread wings grille with one similar to the Subaru Legacy.