Not many people may know it, but Japanese automotive giant Toyota has a large stake in specialist manufacturer Subaru; that producer of rally-reps and quirky off-roaders.
The two companies have been busy co-developing an exciting new performance product that will serve both brands when launch time arrives. The FT-86 is a highly anticipated model that performance fans the world over are waiting for. In the meantime, the two companies have quietly been working on a Subaru model to take on the popular Honda Jazz in Europe.
Industry newsmonger Automotive News reports that Subaru will debut the Trezia hatchback at the Geneva Auto Show. The roomy five-door hatchback is based on the Verso-S.
In Japan, the Trezia will be powered by a choice of 1,3-litre or 1,5-litre in-line four cylinder petrol engines mated with a CVT, but in Europe the 1,5 will be replaced with a 1,4-litre diesel. In Japan, the Trezia can be had with all-wheel-drive provided car buyers check off the box for the more powerful engine, which will likely be the turbodiesel in Europe.
The Trezia is likely to do well in a European markets that tend to enjoy small cars.