1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro Specs

OVERVIEW

With a fuel consumption of 44.3 mpg US - 53.2 mpg UK - 5.3 L/100km, a weight of 1675 lbs (760 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 48.6 PS (48 bhp - 35.7 kW) at 6400 rpm and a maximum torque of 54.9 Nm (40.5 lb.ft - 5.6 kg.m) at 4000 rpm. The engine power is transmitted to the road by the four wheel drive (4WD) with a ECVT gearbox. For stopping power, the Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro braking system includes Leading trailing drum brake at the rear and Disk 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 25, 2024

Introduction

The 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro represents a notable entry into the world of compact hatchbacks. Designed with a focus on efficiency and maneuverability, the 660 Bistro embodies the essence of a true kei car. Produced for a limited time in October 1996, this model stands out for its distinctive dimensions and purposeful design.

This hatchback is tailored to urban settings, where its compact size proves advantageous. With exterior measurements of 329.5 cm in length, 139.5 cm in width, and 138.5 cm in height, the 660 Bistro easily navigates through tight city streets. Its compact design is further emphasized by a wheelbase of 231 cm and a ground clearance of 16 cm, enabling it to gracefully glide through various terrains.

Inside, the 660 Bistro offers a cozy haven for up to four passengers. Its interior dimensions, including 169.5 cm in length, 119.5 cm in width, and 114.5 cm in height, provide a comfortable and efficient use of space. The hatchback configuration grants easy access to the cargo area, making it suitable for daily commutes or weekend getaways.

Powering the 660 Bistro is a compact yet capable engine. With a displacement of 658 cm3, this 4-cylinder SOHC engine delivers a commendable 48.6 PS (48 bhp) of power and 54.9 Nm of torque. Paired with an ECVT transmission and 4WD traction, this powertrain combination ensures an efficient and agile driving experience.

Fuel efficiency is a defining characteristic of the 660 Bistro. With fuel consumption figures of 44.3 mpg (10/15 mode) and 56 mpg (60 km/h mode), it proves to be a frugal choice for daily commuters. This kei car strikes a balance between performance and economy, making it a practical option for those seeking a compact and fuel-efficient solution.

As a snapshot of automotive innovation in the mid-1990s, the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro holds its place as a representative of its time. Its dimensions, engine specifications, and efficiency-focused design showcase its adaptation to the needs of urban drivers, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

Model Overview

The 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro stands as a distinctive and compact hatchback that emerged during a brief production window in October 1996. As a model within the Vivio lineup, the 660 Bistro showcases Subaru's ingenuity in crafting vehicles tailored to specific niches, exemplified by its status as a kei car.

This hatchback is designed to cater to urban environments, where its diminutive dimensions prove advantageous. With exterior measurements that emphasize its compact nature, the 660 Bistro is an agile companion for navigating crowded city streets and tight parking spaces.

The 660 Bistro's interior is thoughtfully designed to make the most of its limited space. It accommodates up to four passengers within its cozy cabin, ensuring a comfortable experience for city commutes and short trips. Its hatchback design enhances practicality by offering convenient access to the cargo area.

Under the hood, the 660 Bistro is powered by a modest yet efficient engine. Its 658 cm3 displacement engine strikes a balance between power and economy, catering to the demands of city driving. With a focus on agility and maneuverability, the 660 Bistro is equipped with a 4WD system, allowing drivers to navigate diverse road conditions with confidence.

Fuel efficiency is a defining feature of the 660 Bistro, aligning with the economic demands of its target market. The vehicle's lightweight construction and compact engine contribute to impressive fuel consumption figures, making it a cost-effective choice for urban dwellers.

In terms of technology and amenities, the 660 Bistro keeps a balance between essential features and the minimalist approach often associated with kei cars. While offering power windows, power steering, and centralized door locking as standard features, the 660 Bistro maintains its focus on simplicity and functionality.

As a short-lived production model, the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro captures a unique moment in automotive design. Its compact size, efficient powertrain, and city-centric design make it a testament to Subaru's ability to create vehicles that cater to specific needs and capture the essence of their time.

Generations

The 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro represents a distinct snapshot within the lineage of Subaru's Vivio models. As a kei car, the 660 Bistro was part of the Vivio family's second generation, characterized by its compact size, efficiency, and urban-focused design.

This second-generation Vivio lineup, including the 660 Bistro, built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. It embraced the philosophy of providing practical transportation solutions for city dwellers while adhering to the kei car regulations of Japan. This generation of Vivio models showcased Subaru's commitment to innovation and adaptability, aiming to meet the evolving needs of urban mobility.

While the 660 Bistro was short-lived in terms of production, it embodied the key principles of the Vivio lineage - efficient use of space, economical engines, and maneuverability. This generation saw improvements in interior design, driving dynamics, and overall comfort, making the Vivio models, including the 660 Bistro, more appealing to urban commuters.

The 660 Bistro, alongside its second-generation Vivio counterparts, represents a transitional phase in Subaru's approach to compact cars. As the automotive landscape evolved, Subaru continued to refine its approach to designing small vehicles that catered to the demands of city life. The 660 Bistro's place within this lineage highlights Subaru's willingness to explore new concepts and ideas while staying true to the essence of practicality and efficiency.

Engine Options

The heart of the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro lies in its compact yet capable engine options. Designed to align with the kei car regulations in Japan, the engine choices for the 660 Bistro prioritize efficiency and city-centric performance.

At the core of the 660 Bistro's powertrain offerings is the EN07 engine code, a 658 cm3 4-cylinder SOHC engine. This engine stands as a testament to Subaru's commitment to developing engines that balance power and economy, ideal for the demands of urban driving.

With a maximum power output of 48.6 PS (48 bhp) and a torque of 54.9 Nm (40.5 lb.ft), the EN07 engine delivers a sufficient punch for navigating city streets and handling everyday driving scenarios. Its power delivery is optimized for efficiency, ensuring that the 660 Bistro maintains a favorable fuel consumption rate while offering a dynamic driving experience.

The engine options for the 660 Bistro are paired with an ECVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox, enhancing the vehicle's efficiency and ease of use. This transmission setup ensures smooth acceleration and seamless gear changes, contributing to the overall driving comfort.

Subaru's decision to equip the 660 Bistro with a range of engine options that align with kei car regulations reinforces the vehicle's purpose as an urban companion. Whether it's zipping through traffic or navigating narrow city roads, the engine options for the 660 Bistro underscore its commitment to efficient mobility without compromising on performance.

Fuel Efficiency

The 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro shines as a prime example of fuel efficiency in the compact car segment. Designed with an emphasis on economical driving, the 660 Bistro's fuel efficiency figures are a testament to Subaru's commitment to creating vehicles that minimize environmental impact and save on fuel costs.

The lightweight construction of the 660 Bistro, coupled with its compact engine options, contributes to its impressive fuel consumption rates. With fuel consumption figures of 44.3 mpg (10/15 mode) and 56 mpg (60 km/h mode), the 660 Bistro stands out as an economical choice for urban commuting.

The vehicle's ability to achieve such impressive fuel efficiency is underpinned by a combination of factors. Its modest engine displacement and efficient power delivery ensure that the 660 Bistro consumes minimal fuel during city driving and highway cruising alike. The choice of an ECVT transmission further optimizes the engine's performance, allowing it to operate within the most efficient ranges.

The fuel efficiency of the 660 Bistro aligns with the expectations of a kei car, which is designed to offer practical and efficient mobility for urban environments. As cities continue to prioritize sustainability and reduced emissions, the 660 Bistro's fuel efficiency remains a relevant and commendable feature, showcasing its role as a forward-thinking option for environmentally-conscious drivers.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro play a crucial role in defining its agile and urban-oriented character. Crafted to navigate through the confines of city streets and offer efficient use of space, these dimensions contribute to the vehicle's overall compact and functional design.

The exterior dimensions of the 660 Bistro reflect its purpose as a compact hatchback. With an exterior length of 329.5 cm, a width of 139.5 cm, and a height of 138.5 cm, the vehicle's proportions are tailored for urban maneuverability. These dimensions allow the 660 Bistro to effortlessly slip into parking spaces and navigate through tight spots, making it a versatile choice for city driving.

Inside, the 660 Bistro continues to showcase its practical approach to space. Its interior dimensions, including an interior length of 169.5 cm, an interior width of 119.5 cm, and an interior height of 114.5 cm, are designed to maximize passenger comfort and utility. Despite its compact size, the 660 Bistro offers a cozy cabin for up to four passengers, allowing for an enjoyable and convenient driving experience.

A wheelbase of 231 cm contributes to the vehicle's stability and handling, while a ground clearance of 16 cm strikes a balance between urban agility and road clearance. The lightweight design, reflected in a weight of 760 kg, further enhances the 660 Bistro's nimble performance, ensuring it remains responsive and efficient in various driving conditions.

Incorporating these dimensions into its overall design, the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro stands as a prime example of efficient space utilization. Its exterior and interior dimensions work in harmony to deliver a vehicle that excels in urban mobility, offering a compact yet comfortable environment for both driver and passengers.

Trim Levels

The 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro was offered with a distinct trim level, designed to align with its urban-focused nature and provide a balance of features tailored for efficient driving. This single trim level encapsulated the essence of the 660 Bistro's purpose, offering practicality and simplicity for urban commuters.

The trim level of the 660 Bistro reflected Subaru's commitment to providing essential features while staying true to the minimalist approach often associated with kei cars. Standard amenities such as power windows, power steering, and centralized door locking catered to the needs of modern drivers, ensuring a convenient and comfortable driving experience within an urban setting.

The focus of the trim level was on functionality and efficiency. While more luxurious or advanced features might have been reserved for larger vehicles, the 660 Bistro's trim level was well-suited to its compact size and intended purpose. The absence of certain features, such as leather seats or advanced infotainment systems, underscored the vehicle's identity as a practical and economical urban companion.

The 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro's single trim level emphasized a straightforward and no-frills approach to driving. By prioritizing essential features and efficient design, the trim level aligned with the kei car philosophy, catering to the needs of urban drivers seeking a reliable and cost-effective mode of transportation.

Wheel Options

The 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro's wheel options were designed to complement its compact dimensions and urban-oriented nature. While the focus of the vehicle was on efficiency and agility, the wheel options offered a balance between functionality and aesthetics, contributing to the overall driving experience.

The standard wheel configuration for the 660 Bistro featured 155/70 R12 tires, which provided an optimal balance of ride comfort and handling for city driving. The choice of tire size was in line with the vehicle's lightweight construction and compact design, ensuring that the 660 Bistro maintained its nimble performance and maneuverability.

In addition to the tire size, the 660 Bistro featured standard aluminum disks. These aluminum disks not only added a touch of visual appeal to the vehicle but also contributed to reducing unsprung weight, enhancing the overall responsiveness and efficiency of the car's suspension system.

The wheel options for the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro were selected to enhance its urban driving capabilities. The combination of tire size and aluminum disks contributed to the vehicle's overall agility, making it well-suited for navigating through city streets and handling the demands of urban commuting.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The fuel tank capacity of the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro reflects its practical design and urban-centric focus. With a fuel tank capacity of 8.4 US gallons (32 L) or 7 UK gallons, the 660 Bistro strikes a balance between range and efficiency, catering to the demands of city driving.

The choice of a compact fuel tank capacity aligns with the vehicle's lightweight construction and efficient engine options. It allows the 660 Bistro to maintain a manageable curb weight while providing sufficient fuel storage for urban commutes and short trips.

The fuel tank capacity of the 660 Bistro complements its overall mission as a kei car, which prioritizes efficiency and practicality for city dwellers. By offering a fuel-efficient powertrain and a balanced fuel tank capacity, the 660 Bistro ensures that drivers can navigate through urban environments with ease, without sacrificing on fuel economy or convenience.

Conclusion

In a brief production window during October 1996, the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro emerged as a distinctive and agile option for urban drivers. With its compact dimensions, efficient engine options, and purposeful design, the 660 Bistro embodied the essence of a kei car, tailored to meet the demands of city life.

The 660 Bistro's compact exterior dimensions allowed it to navigate through crowded city streets with ease, making it a suitable choice for urban dwellers. Its interior design maximized space utilization, accommodating up to four passengers comfortably. The vehicle's lightweight construction and 4WD traction contributed to its agility and maneuverability, making it a practical and responsive companion for city driving.

The heart of the 660 Bistro lay in its efficient engine options. With a focus on fuel economy, the vehicle's powertrain delivered sufficient power for urban commutes while keeping consumption in check. The ECVT transmission ensured smooth acceleration and seamless gear shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience.

From a practical standpoint, the 660 Bistro's trim level aligned with its purpose as a kei car, offering essential features for convenience without overcomplicating the driving experience. The fuel tank capacity, combined with impressive fuel efficiency figures, made the 660 Bistro a cost-effective choice for short trips and city driving.

Overall, the 1996 Subaru Vivio 660 Bistro left a distinct mark within the realm of compact cars. Its fusion of efficient engineering, compact dimensions, and city-centric design showcased Subaru's ability to cater to specific mobility needs. As a snapshot of automotive innovation in the mid-1990s, the 660 Bistro remains a testament to Subaru's dedication to practicality and efficiency.

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