Subaru Bistro Overview: Generations, Specs and Which One to Buy
The Subaru Bistro is a 5-door hatchback built from 1995 to 1998, offered with a 64 hp 658 cc engine, CVT or manual gearbox, and FWD or 4x4 drivetrain.
The Subaru Bistro is a 5-door hatchback produced from 1995 to 1998, powered by a 658 cc engine rated at 64 hp across the range. With CVT or manual transmissions and a choice of front-wheel drive or 4x4, it suits drivers who want a compact city car with the option of all-wheel-drive traction.
Subaru Bistro generations
1 generation (1995–1998)
The first and only generation of the Subaru Bistro was built from 1995 to 1998 exclusively as a 5-door hatchback. Every version delivers 64 hp, so the lineup differs by drivetrain and gearbox rather than power: buyers could choose between a CVT and a manual transmission, and between front-wheel drive and 4x4. In total the generation counts 4 modifications. The notable versions are the 0.7 CVT (64 hp) with 4x4 and the 0.7 CVT (64 hp) with FWD, both using the same 658 cc engine and produced through the full 1995–1998 run.
Which Subaru Bistro to buy
- 0.7 CVT (64 hp), 4x4 (1 generation): the widespread choice, combining the 64 hp 658 cc engine with a CVT and 4x4 drivetrain for extra traction.
- 0.7 CVT (64 hp), FWD (1 generation): the same 64 hp and 658 cc displacement in a front-wheel-drive layout, a simpler drivetrain with one less driven axle.
Any used Subaru Bistro on the market today dates from 1995–1998, so age is the main factor when shopping. Since all 4 modifications belong to a single generation with one engine output, comparing specific cars comes down to condition, gearbox type and drivetrain rather than model-year differences.
Choosing between CVT, manual, FWD and 4x4
The Subaru Bistro 1 generation pairs its 658 cc engine with either a CVT or a manual gearbox. The CVT versions are the ones highlighted in the lineup, available with both FWD and 4x4. The manual option exists within the same 4-modification range and the same 64 hp output, so the decision is purely about driving preference. The 4x4 configuration adds driven rear wheels to the same 64 hp package, while the FWD version keeps the drivetrain simpler. Because the power range runs from 64 to 64 hp, no Subaru Bistro variant holds a performance advantage over another — every configuration accelerates with the same 64 hp behind it.