1995 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro Specs

OVERVIEW

With a fuel consumption of 48 mpg US - 57.6 mpg UK - 4.9 L/100km, a weight of 1499 lbs (680 kg), the Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro has a water cooling 4 cylinder SOHC engine, a Regular gasoline engine EN07. This engine EN07 produces a maximum power of 52.7 PS (52 bhp - 38.7 kW) at 7200 rpm and a maximum torque of 53.9 Nm (39.7 lb.ft - 5.5 kg.m) at 5600 rpm. The engine power is transmitted to the road by the front wheel drive (FF) with a 5MT gearbox. For stopping power, the Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro braking system includes Leading trailing drum brake at the rear and Disk at the front. Stock tire sizes are 145/70 on 12 inch rims at the rear and 145/70 on 12 inch rims at the front. Chassis details - Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro has dual link strut rear suspension and L type lower arm strut front suspension for road holding and ride confort.

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By Brian Wong, Reviewed by: Kurt Niebuhr, Updated on April 24, 2024

Introduction

The 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro encapsulates a brief yet remarkable chapter in automotive history. As a kei car, it speaks to Japan's ingenious approach to urban transportation. With production spanning from November 1995 to April 1996, the Vivio 660 Bistro adheres to the compact dimensions and efficient design that are hallmarks of this vehicle category.

Designed as a hatchback with a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, this quirky car captures attention with its distinct appearance and nimble characteristics. The 5-speed manual transmission promises an engaging driving experience. Beneath its diminutive exterior lies a 658 cm3 engine (known by the code EN07), bringing together efficiency and performance in a small package.

The Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro's interior is thoughtfully designed, offering seating for four passengers across its five doors. Interior dimensions ensure comfort despite the car's compact size, providing ample space for occupants. Technological features include power windows, power steering, and a standard radio for enhanced convenience during the drive.

Safety features include side impact bars and a standard 3-point safety belt system, showcasing Subaru's commitment to occupant protection. The absence of airbags in this model highlights the evolving nature of automotive safety standards during its time.

In essence, the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro represents an era where compactness, fuel efficiency, and urban maneuverability were paramount. It reflects an industry experimenting with designs that catered to both practicality and style, catering to drivers seeking an economical yet distinctive driving experience.

Overview of Model Years

During the years 1995 and 1996, the Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro made its mark as an emblem of practicality and compact charm. Designed for urban mobility, these model years saw the introduction of the Vivio 660 Bistro as a distinctive kei car. With its short production span from November 1995 to April 1996, this period showcased Subaru's endeavor to cater to a specific niche in the automotive market.

The 660 Bistro's design philosophy embraced the quintessential traits of a kei car – compact dimensions, efficient engine, and practical features. Its unique appearance drew attention while its compact size facilitated maneuverability in tight city streets. As a hatchback, it embodied the essence of efficient space utilization, offering a surprising amount of interior room for its class.

Subaru's decision to equip the Vivio 660 Bistro with a 5-speed manual transmission contributed to its engaging driving experience, catering to drivers who appreciated a more hands-on approach. This transmission choice, combined with the small-displacement engine, aligned with the regulations that govern kei cars in Japan.

In the context of automotive evolution, the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro embodies an era when manufacturers were exploring the fusion of practicality, efficiency, and unique design elements. The model years 1995 and 1996 stand as a testament to Subaru's willingness to experiment within the framework of kei car regulations, ultimately creating a vehicle that met the demands of city living while showcasing the brand's ingenuity.

Variants and Trim Levels

The 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro offered a concise range of variants and trim levels, each tailored to cater to the distinct preferences of urban drivers. With a keen focus on efficiency and practicality, these offerings aimed to provide a customizable experience while maintaining the essential characteristics of a kei car.

Subaru's approach to the Vivio 660 Bistro's trim levels emphasized simplicity and utility. While specific details about the various trim levels during this period might be scarce, it's reasonable to expect that the available trims revolved around providing essential features without unnecessary extravagance.

These variants might have encompassed a spectrum ranging from more basic configurations, ideal for those who sought a no-frills approach to urban driving, to slightly more feature-rich options that provided added comfort and convenience. Elements such as power windows and power steering could have been available in higher trims, enhancing the driving experience within the confines of the compact interior.

In line with the overarching design philosophy of kei cars, the variations among the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro's trim levels likely reflected a balanced interplay between affordability, efficiency, and practicality. Each trim was designed to harmonize with the model's ethos, ensuring that drivers could find an option that suited their urban mobility needs while staying true to the kei car ideology.

Generations of Vivio 660 Bistro

The 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro represents a snapshot in time within the lineage of the Subaru Vivio series. While the Vivio 660 Bistro was produced for a limited period, it provides a distinctive link between the earlier iterations of the Vivio and the subsequent developments in Subaru's compact car offerings.

Prior generations of the Vivio laid the groundwork for the 660 Bistro's design and purpose. These earlier models established the principles of compactness, efficiency, and practicality that the Vivio 660 Bistro would come to exemplify. By the mid-1990s, when the 660 Bistro made its appearance, the Vivio series had evolved to cater to the specific demands of urban driving, characterized by the kei car category's restrictions.

The 1995-1996 Vivio 660 Bistro, in this sense, can be seen as a refined continuation of the legacy, incorporating the latest advancements and design considerations of the time. Its unique design language and updated features align with the ongoing evolution of automotive technology and consumer preferences.

Although the Vivio 660 Bistro's production span was brief, it contributed to the overarching narrative of the Vivio series, showcasing Subaru's responsiveness to changing automotive landscapes. It's within this context of generational progression that the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro finds its place, connecting the dots between its predecessors and successors while carving out its own identity as a quintessential kei car of its era.

Engine Options and Types

The heart of the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro lies in its meticulously designed engine options. Engine choices for this period were purposefully tailored to align with the requirements of kei cars, offering a blend of efficiency and performance within the compact confines of the vehicle.

The Vivio 660 Bistro featured a range of engine types that adhered to the stringent regulations governing kei cars in Japan. The specifics of these engine options were crafted to ensure compliance with displacement limitations, thereby qualifying the vehicle for the benefits and considerations offered to kei car owners.

One of the defining characteristics of the Vivio 660 Bistro's engines was their compact size and modest displacement. This design approach aimed to strike a balance between power output and fuel efficiency, a hallmark of kei car engineering. The engines, denoted by the code EN07, were constructed to deliver a blend of power and performance suitable for urban driving scenarios.

Subaru's commitment to providing versatile engine options in the Vivio 660 Bistro underscores its dedication to accommodating the needs of diverse drivers. While the engine options might have shared certain technical specifications, their nuanced tuning allowed for variations in driving characteristics, ensuring that drivers could find an engine that resonated with their preferences.

In summary, the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro's engine options epitomized the harmonization of performance and practicality, fitting seamlessly within the kei car paradigm. These engines were a testament to Subaru's engineering prowess, delivering an experience tailored to urban environments while adhering to the regulations that defined the kei car class.

Dimensions and Sizes

The dimensions and sizes of the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro offer a glimpse into its compact yet cleverly designed form. With a focus on urban mobility and efficient use of space, this kei car strikes a balance between exterior maneuverability and interior comfort.

The Vivio 660 Bistro's exterior dimensions are tailored to navigate congested city streets with ease. Its compact length, width, and height contribute to its nimble character, allowing it to slip effortlessly through tight spaces. Despite its compact exterior, the interior dimensions reveal a surprising amount of room, offering adequate comfort for occupants.

The wheelbase of the Vivio 660 Bistro, a critical factor in stability and ride quality, provides a foundation for a confident driving experience. Furthermore, the car's ride height ensures it can confidently navigate varying road conditions without sacrificing the benefits of a compact design.

Inside, the interior dimensions ensure a comfortable cabin for passengers. The thoughtful allocation of space optimizes room for both front and rear occupants, underscoring the versatility of the Vivio 660 Bistro's design. The arrangement of the seats and the positioning of controls reflect Subaru's intention to maximize usability within the constraints of a kei car's dimensions.

In essence, the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro's dimensions and sizes embody the marriage of pragmatism and engineering finesse. Its compact exterior, efficient use of interior space, and careful attention to ride dynamics collectively make it a standout option for city dwellers seeking a harmonious blend of maneuverability and comfort.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The fuel tank capacity of the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro is a pivotal aspect of its design, geared towards addressing the demands of urban commutes. With a focus on efficiency and practicality, the fuel tank capacity aligns with the car's kei car classification and its intended purpose as a city-friendly vehicle.

The Vivio 660 Bistro's compact size and lightweight construction contribute to its impressive fuel efficiency. This, in turn, allows for a fuel tank capacity that caters to short to moderate driving distances typically encountered within urban environments. The carefully chosen fuel tank capacity is in line with the car's intended role as a daily commuter, offering convenience and minimizing the need for frequent refueling.

The fuel tank capacity of the Vivio 660 Bistro provides a balance between accommodating enough fuel for daily use and keeping the vehicle's weight and dimensions optimized for urban maneuverability. This careful consideration of fuel capacity reflects Subaru's understanding of the unique requirements that city driving presents.

In essence, the fuel tank capacity of the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro is a testament to the brand's ability to design a vehicle that aligns with the demands of urban life. This design approach not only promotes fuel efficiency but also enhances the overall convenience and usability of the vehicle for drivers navigating the cityscape.

Fuel Consumption and Average MPG

The fuel consumption and average miles per gallon (MPG) of the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro underscore its dedication to efficiency and economy. Within the realm of kei cars, where the balance between power and fuel consumption is paramount, the Vivio 660 Bistro establishes a commendable equilibrium.

The carefully designed engine and transmission configuration of the Vivio 660 Bistro work in harmony to optimize fuel efficiency. This optimization is particularly apparent during city driving conditions, where the vehicle's compact size and lightweight construction contribute to reduced energy consumption. As a result, the car achieves impressive fuel economy figures, aligning with the expectations of a kei car.

The average MPG of the Vivio 660 Bistro is reflective of its mission to provide a cost-effective and environmentally conscious mode of transportation. It aims to minimize the carbon footprint while also catering to the practical needs of urban driving. These fuel efficiency figures contribute to reduced fuel expenses and less frequent trips to the pump.

In conclusion, the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro's fuel consumption and average MPG reflect Subaru's ability to engineer a vehicle that caters to both the demands of city living and the broader goals of sustainability. Its efficient fuel usage not only aligns with the kei car philosophy but also offers a nod to the larger societal push towards responsible resource consumption.

Wheel Specifications

The wheel specifications of the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro are a testament to the vehicle's dedication to functionality and agility. As a kei car designed for urban mobility, the Vivio 660 Bistro's wheels play a crucial role in ensuring a responsive and nimble driving experience.

The wheel dimensions of the Vivio 660 Bistro are optimized to enhance its maneuverability within city confines. The choice of tire size strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency, providing ample grip while maintaining a smooth ride. These considerations contribute to the vehicle's ability to navigate tight corners and crowded streets with ease.

The wheel specifications also contribute to the overall stability of the Vivio 660 Bistro. The careful calibration of the wheel size, tire width, and suspension system work in harmony to provide a confident and predictable driving feel. This stability is particularly valuable in urban driving scenarios where sudden stops and starts are common.

In essence, the wheel specifications of the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro reflect a thoughtful approach to optimizing both handling and comfort. These specifications align with the car's kei car classification and the demands of city driving, ultimately contributing to a vehicle that seamlessly integrates with the urban environment.

Conclusion

The 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro encapsulates an era where innovation met urban necessity. Its concise production span is a testament to its distinct identity within the kei car category. The vehicle's design marries compactness with practicality, offering a glimpse into the brand's commitment to efficient mobility.

Throughout its brief yet impactful presence, the Vivio 660 Bistro epitomized the essence of urban commuting. From its carefully selected engine options to its dimensions optimized for city streets, every facet was honed to harmonize with urban life. The car's adept maneuverability, efficient fuel consumption, and thoughtful features coalesce to create a vehicle that aligns with the demands of its time.

While the Vivio 660 Bistro's legacy may be confined to a specific time frame, its influence on the evolution of urban transportation endures. It reminds us of an era when automakers creatively navigated the constraints of urban living, fashioning vehicles that embodied both form and function. The 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro, in its own right, represents an automotive embodiment of adaptability and forward-thinking, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of kei cars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 1995-1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro