Subaru Justy

Subaru Justy: which version to buy and why

If the question is which Subaru Justy to buy, the numbers split the field quickly. Across six catalogue entries (five generations; 1 generation, restyling sits inside 1 generation), the lightest kerb is 750 kg on 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp), the heaviest is 1130 kg on 5 generation 1.0 CVT (69 hp, AWD).

If the question is which Subaru Justy to buy, the numbers split the field quickly. Across six catalogue entries (five generations; 1 generation, restyling sits inside 1 generation), the lightest kerb is 750 kg on 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp), the heaviest is 1130 kg on 5 generation 1.0 CVT (69 hp, AWD). The strongest measured 0–100 km/h is 11.0 s, shared by 3 generation 1.3 MT (69 hp, Diesel, Turbo, AWD) and 3 generation 1.5 MT (99 hp, Gasoline, AWD). The highest listed top speed is 165 km/h on that 1.5 MT. The lowest mixed fuel figure measured is 5 L/100 km on the Diesel 1.3 MT. Ground clearance peaks at 175 mm on 1 generation and the restyling, then falls to 170 mm (3 generation), 155 mm (2 generation), 150 mm (4 generation), and 130 mm (5 generation Microvan). Production in the data runs from 1984-01-01 to 2020-08-31, with a gap after 4 generation (stop 2011-11-30) until 5 generation (start 2016-11-01). Body types are Mini 5-doors through 4 generation and Microvan on 5 generation. There are no prices in the data; “what extra buys” below means extra kilograms, horsepower, torque, and seconds.

Generations: what you actually change when you pick a year

1 generation (1984-01-01–1989-11-30; restyling 1988-10-01–1995-11-30), Mini 5-doors, six plus four versions. This is the lightest Justy and the only generation with Carburetor listed. Pre-restyle 1.0 MT (55 hp) is 750 kg or 765 kg; restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp) is 825 kg — 60–75 kg more for 5 hp less. Clearance is 175 mm on every measured version here, 45 mm above 5 generation. The restyle 1.2 MT (74 hp) cuts 0–100 km/h to 13.8 s versus 15.5 s on pre-restyle 1.0 MT (55 hp), a 1.7 s gain. Pre-restyle 1.2 CVT (73 hp) is the slowest measured Justy: 20 s to 100 km/h and 120 km/h top speed.

2 generation (1995-10-01–2003-11-30), Mini 5-doors, four versions, all named 1.3 MT, all AWD, all Gasoline, all 1299 cm³. You are choosing between 68 hp and 85 hp, and between two kerb weights at each power. The 85 hp cars are 1.2 s quicker than the heavier 68 hp car (13.0 s vs 14.2 s) and 0.6 s quicker than the lighter 68 hp car (13.0 s vs 13.6 s). Top speed is 155 km/h on all four. Clearance is 155 mm — 20 mm below 1 generation.

3 generation (2003-10-01–2007-11-30), Mini 5-doors, three versions, all AWD, all Manual 5, all 170 mm clearance. This is the only generation with Diesel and the only one with a 1.5-litre Gasoline. Payload room is large: kerb 1005–1020 kg against gross 1470–1480 kg (450–465 kg). If you want measured mpg and the strongest torque in the whole model line (170 Nm), this generation is the only place to look.

4 generation (2007-09-01–2011-11-30), Mini 5-doors, one version: 1.0 MT (70 hp), FWD, 890 kg, 13.9 s, 160 km/h, 150 mm, 40 L tank. Versus 3 generation you lose AWD, 20 mm of clearance, and every measured consumption figure (city/highway/mixed are not measured). Versus 5 generation you keep a Manual 5, 20 mm more clearance, and 180–240 kg less kerb.

5 generation (2016-11-01–2020-08-31), Microvan, three versions, all 1.0 CVT, all 996 cm³ Inline 3, all Variable, all 36 L, all 130 mm. You choose FWD 69 hp, AWD 69 hp, or FWD Turbo 98 hp. Acceleration, top speed, mpg, CO2, eco class, and wheel size are not measured on any of the three.

Subaru Justy engine and specs

Version names are exactly as in the database. Same name, different output or drive, is called out by hp (and drive/weight where that is the only split). Gearbox and drive labels are the English fields: Manual, Variable, FWD, AWD. Fuel labels: Gasoline, Diesel, 95, 92. Cylinder layout: Inline. Boost: No or Turbo.

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres): 5 generation 1.0 CVT (98 hp) is about 98.4 hp/L; the two 69 hp 1.0 CVT cars are about 69.3 hp/L. 4 generation 1.0 MT is about 70.1 hp/L. 3 generation Diesel 1.3 MT is only about 55.3 hp/L but 136 Nm/L. Gasoline 1.3 MT (94 hp) is about 70.8 hp/L; 1.5 MT (99 hp) is about 66.4 hp/L. 2 generation 85 hp 1.3 MT is about 65.4 hp/L; 68 hp is about 52.3 hp/L. Restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp) is about 50.2 hp/L; pre-restyle 1.0 MT (55 hp) is about 55.1 hp/L.

Specific output of the Turbo 996 cm³ versus the naturally aspirated 996 cm³ on 5 generation is +29 hp and +48 Nm from the same 71 × 83.9 bore × stroke, with compression 9.5 versus 12.5. Injection on those three is Distributed injection (multi-point). Engine position, where measured, is Front, transverse.

Performance, mpg, and Subaru Justy horsepower in use

0–100 km/h measured:

• 11.0 s — 3 generation 1.3 MT (69 hp Diesel) and 1.5 MT (99 hp)
• 11.7 s — 3 generation 1.3 MT (94 hp)
• 13.0 s — both 2 generation 1.3 MT (85 hp)
• 13.6 s — 2 generation 1.3 MT (68 hp, 845 kg)
• 13.8 s — restyle 1.2 MT (74 hp)
• 13.9 s — 4 generation 1.0 MT
• 14.2 s — 2 generation 1.3 MT (68 hp, 910 kg)
• 15.5 s — both 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp)
• 17.3 s — restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp)
• 20 s — 1 generation 1.2 CVT (73 hp)

Not measured: every 5 generation 1.0 CVT; restyle 1.2 MT (67 hp); 1 generation 1.2 CVT (67 hp), 1.2 MT (61 hp), 1.2 MT (73 hp Manual).

Top speed: 165 km/h on 1.5 MT; 160 km/h on 4 generation 1.0 MT; 155 km/h on Diesel 1.3 MT, Gasoline 1.3 MT (94 hp), all four 2 generation 1.3 MT, and restyle 1.2 MT (74 hp); 150 km/h on 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp, 765 kg); 140 km/h on restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp) and on 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp, 750 kg); 120 km/h on 1.2 CVT (73 hp). Same 55 hp 1.0 MT name, two top speeds: 150 vs 140 km/h. Not measured wherever 0–100 is not measured on 5 generation and the incomplete 1.2 rows.

Fuel economy (L/100 km, city / highway / mixed), where measured:

• 3 generation 1.3 MT Diesel: 6.2 / 4.4 / 5.0 — lowest mixed in the catalogue
• 2 generation 1.3 MT (85 hp, both kerbs): 8.6 / 5.8 / 6.8
• 3 generation 1.3 MT (94 hp): 8.7 / 5.9 / 6.9 — 1.9 L/100 km mixed more than the Diesel with the same version name
• 3 generation 1.5 MT: 9.1 / 6.1 / 7.2 — 0.3 L/100 km mixed more than the 94 hp 1.3 MT for +5 hp and +10 km/h top speed
• Restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp): 7.5 / 5.5 / 7.5
• Restyle 1.2 MT (74 hp, both matching rows): 8.2 / 5.8 / 8.0
• 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp, both kerbs): 7.2 / 6.8 / 7.2

Not measured: all 5 generation 1.0 CVT; 4 generation 1.0 MT; both 2 generation 68 hp 1.3 MT; restyle 1.2 MT (67 hp); 1 generation 1.2 CVT (67 hp), 1.2 MT (61 hp), 1.2 MT (73 hp), 1.2 CVT (73 hp). CO2 and eco class are not measured on every version.

Kerb weight per horsepower (kg/hp), measured kerbs only: 3 generation 1.5 MT ≈ 10.2; 1.3 MT (94 hp) ≈ 10.7; 4 generation 1.0 MT ≈ 12.7; Diesel 1.3 MT ≈ 14.8; 5 generation Turbo 1.0 CVT ≈ 11.2; FWD 69 hp 1.0 CVT ≈ 15.5; AWD 69 hp 1.0 CVT ≈ 16.4; restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp) ≈ 16.5; lightest 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp, 750 kg) ≈ 13.6.

Dimensions, Subaru Justy weight, tank, wheels

Wheel size is not measured on any version.

Ground clearance: 175 mm (1 generation and restyling), 170 mm (3 generation), 155 mm (2 generation), 150 mm (4 generation), 130 mm (5 generation). From first to last generation that is −45 mm.

Tank: 35 L on 1 generation and restyling; 37 L on 2 generation; 41 L on 3 generation (largest); 40 L on 4 generation; 36 L on 5 generation.

Kerb / gross (kg):

• 5 generation 1.0 CVT (69 hp FWD): 1070 / 1345 — payload 275 kg
• 5 generation 1.0 CVT (69 hp AWD): 1130 / 1405 — payload 275 kg; AWD costs 60 kg versus the FWD twin
• 5 generation 1.0 CVT (98 hp): 1100 / 1375 — payload 275 kg; Turbo costs 30 kg versus FWD 69 hp
• 4 generation 1.0 MT: 890 / 1390 — payload 500 kg, largest measured payload
• 3 generation Diesel 1.3 MT: 1020 / 1470
• 3 generation 1.3 MT (94 hp): 1005 / 1470
• 3 generation 1.5 MT: 1010 / 1480
• 2 generation 1.3 MT 68 hp: 910 / 1360 and 845 / 1340 — 65 kg between the two 68 hp cars
• 2 generation 1.3 MT 85 hp: 935 / 1360 and 915 / 1340
• Restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp): 825 / 1250
• Restyle 1.2 MT (74 hp): 860 / 1350 (both matching rows)
• Restyle 1.2 MT (67 hp): kerb and gross not measured
• 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp): 765 kg and 750 kg; gross not measured
• 1 generation 1.2 MT (73 hp): 820 kg; gross not measured
• 1 generation 1.2 CVT (73 hp): 840 / 1100 — payload 260 kg
• 1 generation 1.2 CVT (67 hp) and 1.2 MT (61 hp): kerb and gross not measured

Chassis pattern that changes the buy: Independent, spring front on all measured cars. Rear is Independent, spring on 1 generation (where measured), restyling (where measured), 2 generation, and 3 generation; Dependent, spring on 4 generation; Semi-independent, springorts hélicoïdaux, sem on 5 generation (label as in the data). Front brakes: Ventilated disc on most later cars; Disc on 4 generation 1.0 MT, some 1 generation 1.0 MT / 1.2 CVT / 1.2 MT. Rear: Drum except 3 generation 1.3 MT (94 hp), which is the only Disc rear in the set.

Which Subaru Justy version to choose

Need AWD as a default. Do not buy 4 generation 1.0 MT or the two FWD 5 generation 1.0 CVT cars. Every other named version in the data is AWD. On 5 generation, AWD exists only as 1.0 CVT (69 hp): same 69 hp and 92 Nm as the FWD 69 hp car, +60 kg, still not measured for 0–100, top speed, or mpg. The 98 hp Turbo 1.0 CVT is FWD only — you cannot combine the catalogue’s strongest 1.0-litre with AWD.

Need the newest body (Microvan, 2016–2020). Stay in 5 generation. If you want the strongest engine there, 1.0 CVT (98 hp, Turbo, FWD): +29 hp and +48 Nm versus either 69 hp 1.0 CVT, 30 kg more than FWD 69 hp, 30 kg less than AWD 69 hp, kg/hp about 11.2 versus 15.5–16.4. If you want AWD in that body, 1.0 CVT (69 hp, AWD) is the only row. If you want the lightest Microvan, 1.0 CVT (69 hp, FWD) at 1070 kg. All three share 130 mm clearance, 36 L tank, Variable gearbox, 996 cm³, 95 fuel. Performance and mpg are not measured — do not infer them from older 1.0 cars.

Need measured speed and mpg with AWD. 3 generation is the only cluster where 0–100, top speed, and mixed L/100 km exist together with AWD. Choose 1.3 MT (69 hp, Diesel, Turbo) if mixed 5.0 L/100 km and 170 Nm at 1750 rpm matter more than peak hp: it matches 1.5 MT at 11.0 s, trails it by 10 km/h (155 vs 165), and uses 2.2 L/100 km less mixed than 1.5 MT. Choose 1.5 MT (99 hp) if you want the model’s highest hp and top speed: 99 hp, 133 Nm, 11.0 s, 165 km/h, 7.2 mixed, 1010 kg. Choose 1.3 MT (94 hp) if you want Gasoline 92, Disc rear brakes, and 11.7 s: 0.7 s slower than the Diesel, 1.9 L/100 km mixed worse, 15 kg lighter than the Diesel (1005 vs 1020). All three: Manual 5, 170 mm, 41 L.

Need a small, light FWD city car with a measured sprint. 4 generation 1.0 MT (70 hp): 890 kg, 13.9 s, 160 km/h, 150 mm, 40 L, Manual 5, FWD. Versus 5 generation FWD 1.0 CVT (69 hp) it is 180 kg lighter with essentially the same 69–70 hp (about 12.7 vs 15.5 kg/hp) and 20 mm more clearance; 0–100 on the CVT is not measured. Versus 3 generation you give up AWD and 20 mm, and mpg is not measured.

Need AWD in a Mini 5-doors without Diesel. 2 generation 1.3 MT: pick 85 hp over 68 hp if you want the 13.0 s run and 4 valves (vs 2 valves on 68 hp). Among 85 hp cars, 915 kg vs 935 kg is 20 kg; 0–100 and mpg are the same (13.0 s, 6.8 mixed). Among 68 hp cars, 845 kg vs 910 kg is 65 kg and 0.6 s (13.6 vs 14.2); mpg on both 68 hp rows is not measured. Fuel: 92 on 68 hp, 95 on 85 hp. Injection on all four: Central injection (single-point or single- point). Tank 37 L, clearance 155 mm.

Need maximum clearance and minimum mass. 1 generation 1.0 MT (55 hp, 750 kg): 175 mm, 15.5 s, 140 km/h on this kerb row (the 765 kg twin is listed at 150 km/h), mixed 7.2, Carburetor, 92, AWD. Restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp) is the wrong trade if you already have the 55 hp car: −5 hp, +60–75 kg, 17.3 s, 140 km/h. If you stay in the restyle, 1.2 MT (74 hp) is the one with a complete measured set: 13.8 s, 155 km/h, 8.0 mixed, 860 kg — 3.5 s and 15 km/h better than restyle 1.0 MT (50 hp) for +24 hp and +35 kg. Avoid restyle 1.2 MT (67 hp) if you need numbers: torque, 0–100, top speed, fuel grade, kerb, gross, rear suspension, and rear brakes are not measured.

Avoid if you need a measured automatic. The only Variable with a full sprint and top-speed pair is 1 generation 1.2 CVT (73 hp): 20 s, 120 km/h, 840 kg — 8.9 s slower and 40 km/h slower than 4 generation 1.0 MT, and 9.0 s slower than 3 generation 1.5 MT. 1 generation 1.2 CVT (67 hp) and all three 5 generation 1.0 CVT cars have 0–100 and top speed not measured.

Subaru Justy 4x4 specs, in one line per era. 1984–1995: AWD on every listed version, 175 mm, 750–860 kg where measured. 1995–2003: AWD 1.3 MT only, 155 mm, 845–935 kg. 2003–2007: AWD on Diesel and both Gasoline, 170 mm, 1005–1020 kg. 2007–2011: no AWD in the data. 2016–2020: AWD only on 1.0 CVT (69 hp), 130 mm, 1130 kg.

Reliability and typical faults are not in the data; this comparison is specs only. Engine oil, rebuild kits, swaps, and mounts are not in the data. If a figure is missing above, it is not measured — not “zero” and not “does not exist.”