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Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Mini
Production years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

SUBARU Mini Jumbo 3 doors 1988-1991 2 Photos
SUBARU Mini Jumbo 3 doors (1988-1991)SUBARU Mini Jumbo 3 doors (1988-1991)

The kei-car segment was huge in the Japanese market, and Subaru was a big player in that. But for other countries, it built a version of its Rex/Mini Jumbo with bigger engines.

A kei-car had to obey a specific set of rules, including size and engine displacement. That evolved into a car-culture almost unknown in other countries. But the same vehicles were suitable for heavy traffic use and minimal parking spaces. For those markets, Subaru built similar cars, but with engines that exceeded the kei-car book. In 1988, it launched the Mini Jumbo for the export market, and it was a success.

Apart from one or two vehicles, Subaru didn't design award-winning cars. Like a cube on tiny wheels, the Rex, or Mini Jumbo, was just a wedged-shaped vehicle. Its angular look inspired a cheap production process, with fewer stamps than most other cars from the market. But the cubist design, with a raked hood and straight side panels, made it look like a box on wheels with rectangular headlights. Its three-door version was a good choice since it allowed easier access for the front occupants.

The interior continued the straight-lines design theme from the outside. Subaru installed eight buttons for various functions on the instrument cluster's sides, such as the lights or the rear window defroster. At least, the horn was in the center of the steering wheel. The Rex/Mini Jumbo could fit up to four people inside but with limited rear passengers' legroom.

Subaru offered the Rex/Mini Jumbo with a two or four-cylinder engine. That's right: two cylinders for the base version. Later on, a supercharged version was introduced on the market. The carmaker offered the small vehicle with either a front- or all-wheel-drive system.

SUBARU Mini Jumbo 3 doors 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
  2 gasoline engines
  • 0.7L 4MT FWD (37 HP)
  • 0.8L 5MT FWD (42 HP)

SUBARU Mini Jumbo 3 doors
0.7L 4MT FWD (37 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 0.7L 4MT FWD (37 HP)
Cylinders:L2
Displacement:665 cm3
Power:27 KW @ 6000 RPM
37 HP @ 6000 RPM
36 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:40 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM
54 Nm @ 3000 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:80.77 mph (130 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):20.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:145/70SR12
DIMENSIONS
Length:126 in (3200 mm)
Width:55.1 in (1400 mm)
Height:55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track:48/48 in (1,219/1,219 mm)
Wheelbase:90.5 in (2299 mm)
Cargo Volume:7.1 cuFT (201 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1261 lbs (572 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:2226.7 lbs (1010 kg)

SUBARU Mini Jumbo 3 doors
0.8L 5MT FWD (42 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 0.8L 5MT FWD (42 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:758 cm3
Power:31 KW @ 6000 RPM
42 HP @ 6000 RPM
42 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:44 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
59 Nm @ 3600 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:84.5 mph (136 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):17 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:145/70SR12
DIMENSIONS
Length:126 in (3200 mm)
Width:55.1 in (1400 mm)
Height:55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track:48/48 in (1,219/1,219 mm)
Wheelbase:90.5 in (2299 mm)
Cargo Volume:7.1 cuFT (201 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1377.9 lbs (625 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:2226.7 lbs (1010 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:41.3 mpg US (5.7 L/100Km)
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