The Subaru Justy is a subcompact hatchback that has been sold by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1984. Subaru manufactured the Justy itself from 1984 to 1994, then it has sold rebadged versions of other vehicles under the Justy nameplate. The company introduced the latest iteration, a rebadged Daihatsu Boon (second generation), at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show with a 1 or 1.2 litre straight-three engine, front/four wheel drive electronically controlled continuously variable transaxle, or 5-speed manual transaxle.
Originally designed and manufactured in Japan, the Justy was introduced to Japan in 1984. The design was a widened and stretched version of the Rex kei car, still using the same doors and some other pressings. The door, being very thin and of an almost vertical profile, betrayed their origins in a space constrained kei car. The electronically controlled, continously variable "ECVT" transmission was introduced in February 1987. Production of this model was limited to 500 per month due to limited supplies of steel bands from Van Doorne, but as the Justy ECVT was not an unqualified success this was not a real problem. When supplies later increased, Subaru chose to use them for the smaller Rex instead. The Justy was originally available with a low or a high roof, although the flat roofed version was eventually allowed to wither away.
European, United States, and United Kingdom versions followed in 1987 and all models received a restyling in 1989. In some countries, such as Sweden, the Justy was sold under the name Subaru Trendy. In some places it was also simply marketed as the 'J-series' in early years, J10 for 1.0 L versions and J12 for the later 1.2 L versions. Intended to compete with Daihatsu's one-liter Charade, the Justy was presented with a one-liter engine. Somewhat underpowered, this was later complemented by a larger 1.2 liter which eventually became the only engine installed.
In Taiwan, Subaru marketed a version of the Justy with a sedan-style body and an uprated 80 bhp (60 kW) fuel injected EF12 engine called the Tutto. Taiwanese Subarus were assembled by their local partner Ta Ching.
In the United States, only the Japanese manufactured models were sold and only from 1987 to 1994 with the 1.2 engine. The Justy received 4WD in 1988, and all models were equipped with Multi Port Fuel Injection late in 1992. A five-door model was also available from 1990 to 1994. A 1995 model was offered in Canada.
After 1994, rebadged models from other manufactureres carried the Justy nameplate:
- In 1994, Subaru introduced to the Europe market a rebadged second generation Suzuki Cultus carrying the Justy nameplate. Manufactured in Suzuki's Hungarian plant, these were available in 3 and 5 door models with available four wheel drive.
- In 2004, a rebadged Suzuki Ignis carried the G3X Justy nameplate in Europe.
- In model year 2007 a rebadged Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon revived the Justy nameplate with the Toyota 1KR-FE 1.0 L engine.
Source: Wikipedia
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