Description
Subaru tried to enter the small-segment market with the Justy, but its expertise in that area was not only limited but also ineffective. Thus, after a call to Suzuki, they cut a deal, and Subaru got a re-badged facelifted Swift wearing its badge.
Suzuki had vast experience in building small cars. It didn't know or care to make anything larger than the compact segment. The Swift was such a successful model that it was also sold in Australia, badged as Holden Barina, or Geo Metro in the U.S.
Subaru sold the car in a three- or five-doors configuration. Since it was a badge-engineered model, it kept the main components but placed new ones that could reflect its brand image. Thus, the front fascia sported a lower grille in the apron that resembled other Subaru models. Its narrow upper grille was split in three with two vertical slats, and the blue oval badge with stars took center stage. The five-door version featured a third window behind the rear doors.
Inside, it was a refreshed Suzuki with a flat dashboard and a slightly rounded instrument cluster. The main difference was the badge on the steering wheel. Its front, low-mounted seats were flat without the usual bolstering from the bigger Impreza. Depending on the trim level, the Justy offered four power windows and an AC unit.
Under the hood, Subaru opted for an inline-four, 1.3-liter engine built by Suzuki. It paired it with a five-speed manual. Power went at the front or in all corners via an all-wheel-drive system.
