Fuji Heavy Industries Introduces Subaru Stella, an All-new Mini Car
Tokyo, June 14, 2006 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the introduction of the Subaru Stella*, an all-new mini car for the Japanese market. The sale of the Stella began today through FHI’s Subaru dealerships nationwide.
Japan’s mini car market has steadily expanded as consumers have increasingly come to appreciate the ease of use and fuel efficiency that mini cars offer. Seizing upon opportunity in the market, FHI has developed the Stella to meet the needs of consumers who place emphasis on a spacious interior and convenience of use in mini cars. It boasts top fuel efficiency levels in its class, as well as smooth acceleration, thanks to Subaru’s signature inline, 4-cylinder, 660-cc, compact engine for mini cars and a newly developed i-CVT (intelligent continuously variable transmission). The Stella is also reinforced by fully independent suspension and provides outstanding riding comfort. FHI has packed high levels of performance, features, and comfort into the Stella, while designing a car that brings drivers joy and pleasure in its daily use.
By conducting extensive research on the various uses of mini cars and the range of situations in which they are driven, FHI has designed highly useful features for the Stella. The two rear seats independently slide up close to the back of the front seat, facilitating communication between a mother behind the wheel and a child in the back. Additionally, the front passenger seatback folds down onto the seat, allowing its use as a table in the car’s interior. Each front door panel contains a large, open storage pocket that can accommodate a tissue box, books, or other like items. The doors open wide, swinging out almost 90 degrees to the side, and gripping handles are provided on the backs of the front driver and passenger seats to further facilitate entry and exit for children and seniors. The roof antenna is located in an accessible position, making antenna adjustments easier for users of short stature. In addition, quietness has been built in to the cabin to enhance the audibility of conversation.
| * | Stella means star in Italian. The name was chosen to reflect the commitment by FHI’s development team to build a “star-quality” mini car that appeals to discerning users. |
Subaru Stella |
Subaru Stella Custom |
Major features
・ Exterior design
Styling expresses both a grand presence and friendliness. The Stella standard model has been designed on the concept of simple, clean and modern styling, while the Stella Custom version focuses on the characteristics young, vigorous and sporty.
・Packaging
Streamlined packaging with a high level of utility has been made possible, based on the key concept of an easy-to-drive and easy-to-use car that offers ample space for utility and fun.
・Seats
| - | The front bench seat not only provides comfort but utility. |
| - | The two independent back seats move forward and back by as much as 200 mm. Together with the collapsible front-passenger seat that can turn into a table, the Stella offers a variety of seating arrangements. |
・Doors
| - | Inside door panels come with large, deep storage pockets, easily accommodating 500-mL plastic bottles, a tissue box, and picture books for children. |
| - | In addition to the 90-degree opening angle of the door, the almost square-shaped entrance opening of the door facilitates entry and exit, the setting and removal of a child safety seat, as well as carrying a child in and out of the car. |
・Safety
| - | The New Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames ensure high rigidity while making the Stella lighter in weight. |
| - | Front and rear frames are positioned straight up and high off the ground, helping reduce impact in a collision with a bigger vehicle. |
| - | Front seats are equipped with high-rigidity headrests that hold heads firmly and reduce neck injuries, and the seatbacks are reinforced by locking mechanisms on the hinges on both sides of each seat. These features protect a driver and front passenger in case of a rear-end collision and help reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. |
・Powertrain
The Stella offers two kinds of engine, either naturally aspirated or supercharged; the former excels in fuel economy and performance at practical driving speeds, while the latter delivers a powerful driving experience. All models are fitted with the newly developed i-CVT, which provides an agile and smooth ride and helps deliver outstanding mileage.
[Sales target]
5,000 units /month