Return to the B-segment: Is Subaru planning an E-Justy?

In an interview with Autocar, Subaru's global EV product chief, Inoue Masahiko, confirmed that an affordable electric subcompact below the new Uncharted SUV is being seriously considered. The goal is to expand the European range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Subaru's current entry-level electric model lineup consists of the Solterra SUV, the new compact Uncharted, and the electric Outback. But a small city car could be a crucial building block for reaching a broader audience. Perhaps in the style of the earlier Justy, which was also available in Germany between 1987 and 2009.

Strategic alliance with Toyota

The partnership with Toyota could be helpful for a return to the B-segment, as it's rather unlikely that Subaru will develop its own platform. The Uncharted is already based on the Toyota C-HR+. Therefore, it would be logical that the collaboration would also be used for a small electric model. Toyota itself is working on an electric successor to the Yaris, which, according to product chief Andrea Carlucci, is "not ready yet," but is already being discussed as a concept. A joint subcompact model based on the Yaris Electric would help both manufacturers pool development resources while simultaneously exploiting synergies in the European market.

Renault 5, ID.2, Cupra Raval – and MG

The reason for the haste comes from the competition: The new Renault 5 has sold exceptionally well since its launch at the beginning of the year, with over 30,000 units already sold in Europe. The Volkswagen ID.2, the Cupra Raval, and an electric subcompact from MG will follow in a few years, launching in 2028. David Dello Stritto, Subaru's European head, told Autocar: "The segment is exciting again. That's why a Subaru supermini as an electric car is definitely an option we need to explore."

However, there is also some hesitancy. The initial focus is on the market launch of the Uncharted, which is currently Subaru's most important new product in Europe. Dello Stritto emphasizes that they want to "observe how the Uncharted performs for about two years" before making a decision on a smaller model.

In the lead story, you can see the 2011 Subaru Justy. That was the fourth generation.