Here’s the cute, little Subaru Pleo Plus!
The Subaru Pleo Plus is a Daihatsu Mira slightly altered. For people in North America who remember Daihatsu, this is a completely different automaker overseas. Daihatsu is a high quality automaker who makes some of the most revered “Kei” cars in Japan.
A Kei car is tiny, even smaller than a MINI – yet, they are able to haul people and cargo better than some larger vehicles. They are super-mini vehicles that are remarkably efficient and (most) are a hoot to drive. What makes the Daihatsu Mira/Subaru Pleo Plus so compelling to me is that it is offered with AWD (All Wheel Drive) and it gets over 70 MPG… in Japan.
Even if, after weighing the Subaru Pleo Plus down with extra beef to qualify for our high EPA and DOT standards, the Subaru Pleo Plus gets 50 mpg – it would still be worth it.
The motorcycle-like 650 cc, three-cylinder engine makes a paltry 51 horsepower and cranks out about 44 lbs-feet of torque. The Subaru Pleo Plus has a start-stop system and utilizes regenerative braking along with a continuously variable (CVT) transmission to produce maximum mpg. No word on a more exciting manual transmission yet.
One of the main features of the Subaru Pleo Plus is its information screen that advises you how to drive most efficiently. It’s interactive and an impressive bit of kit on a vehicle that costs less than $10,000 ($13,000+ for the AWD) in Japan. Additional options will most likely be limited.
I know it’s wishful thinking to get a Kei-car driving on North American roads, but it’s something that I think will save us a ton of money. Going smaller is a quick way to become greener. Imagine if, along with electric and hybrid vehicles, we had a few cars that got over 50 mpg!
Imagine if it had AWD too!
Check out Roman and I as we play with the unique Subaru XV!
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.
Please do a wagon review…
Jetta Wagon TDI VS Outback VS TSX Sport Wagon
or just an outback review…
if not can you at least tell me which one to buy?
I’m heavily leaning outback.
My review phranque may be a little biased since I work at the facility where those Outbacks are produced, but being so close to the car youd think I could discover any dirty little secrets the vehicle has. Truth is that I’d put my family in an Outback, and the worst thing Consumer Reports can say about it is noisy engine compartment with CVT due to a need for more sound deadeners underneath floor board. They are right, the CVT is a little noisy yet with the 2013 the one small issue is less noticeable. The new 2013 also has Subarus first big engine redesign in 20 years coming with more torque, horsepower, and better gas mileage. I suggest watching a video online comparing performance between a Subbie AWD vs other types. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktoGVBR4op4 . Also I think the TV show showed your Outback being built on “How do they do that.” You can find it on Amazon if it isnt anywhere on tv. http://www.amazon.com/Submarine-Rescue-Subaru-Parcels/dp/B0060QEAAY