Since early 2010, the second generation of Subaru’s Japanese domestic market (JDM) Pleo kei-car type hatch is based on the Daihatsu Mira as part of an OEM agreement with Toyota’s subsidiary.
Following the release of the newer Mira e:S last September, Subaru has now rebadged the more fuel efficient version of the Daihatsu mini as the new Pleo Plus, with sales to start in Japan on December 21.
Thanks to the revised 650cc three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 52PS (51HP) and 60Nm, the addition of a new start stop system and regenerative braking, together with changes to the CVT as well the body, the Plus model returns an improved fuel economy of 30.0km/L (70.5mpg US or 3.3lt/100km) on Japan’s JC08 Mode test cycle.
The Pleo Plus also includes a standard Eco Drive Assist system with an LCD screen on the instrument panel that promotes fuel-efficient driving.
In Japan, prices start from 795,000 yen (€7,500 or US$9,700) for the 2WD model and from 1,097,500 yen (€10,300 or US$13,300) for the AWD version
PHOTO GALLERY
