Subaru Justy

For:

Light and easy to drive around town, while the sole 1.0-litre engine is clean and frugal too. Space for four adults and a smart interior are also plus points.

Against:

The ambitious price tag compared to its Daihatsu and Perodua brothers make it hard to recommend the Justy over the Sirion or Myvi.

Overview

A quick trivia question. What is longest serving nameplate in Subaru’s history? The Legacy? No, that moniker’s been with us 19 years, five years less than the correct answer. What about the Impreza? Not at 15 years old it isn’t.

Give up? Well, the longest running name in the Japanese manufacturers’ range is in fact the Subaru Justy, which was first launched back in 1984.

While the fact the Justy name has only graced UK shores on and off for those 24 years may make this a little bit of trick question, it has nonetheless been a staple of the Subaru line-up around the world for longer than many realise.

Despite this, the Justy has not been a stand-alone car for 18 of those years, emerging in 1994 as a re-badged Suzuki Swift, while the 2003 replacement was merely a slightly revised Suzuki Ignis. It hasn’t been sold in the UK since then either.

Nonetheless, the Justy is back on British shores this year as Subaru look to lower the average emissions they put out across their range and, true to form, there is something very recognisable about this model.

Indeed, Subaru have called upon partners Toyota to help them back into the supermini sector with their version of the Japan-only Passo, although British buyers may spot the ‘new’ Justy is also sold as the Daihatsu Sirion and Perodua Myvi.

The alterations are minimal and the Justy doesn’t even come with their trademark four-wheel drive, so is this a rather half-hearted attempt at the supermini crown?

Design – 7/10

While design sharing is nothing new in the motoring market, identical designs are often consigned to just two or three models. In this case though, the Justy is the fourth variant in the Passo/Sirion/Myvi/Justy offensive.

Trouble is, being the fourth manufacturer to put their stamp on what is fundamentally a three-year old car now means the Justy hardly looks fresh. Unusual in its profile of being short but tall and having the four wheels pushed to each corner, the Justy looks interesting but also rather awkward in a sector that has been adopting a more dynamic, youthful image recently.

Subaru’s attempts to single the Justy out are restricted to a new family grille, as well as a curious-looking ‘J’ badge on the bonnet, just to help distinguish it further. New and shiny alloy wheels also help lift its appearance, but the Justy remains an otherwise ordinary looking car.

Behind the Wheel – 7/10

There are even fewer changes apparent inside, with the Justy inheriting its counterparts’ appealing – if plasticky – cabin.

Whilst logic takes precedence over flair, the design is smart enough, thanks to chunky controls and a bold silver paintjob that ultimately lifts the overall atmosphere. It even has a nifty quirk in that the speedometer housing moves with the steering wheel adjustment.

It feels relatively well built too, with tight shut lines and a durable feel to the materials. It is a shame then that those materials are so shiny, giving off a cheap air about them. There isn’t much to commend the choice of plastics below the dashboard either, but this is a minor criticism of an interior that is otherwise comfortable.

On the Road – 7/10

Although a fundamental feature of the Subaru range for countless many years, the Justy shows how far removed it is from its siblings by coming in, wait for it, only front-wheel drive.

While there has never been any great need for a 4WD supermini, it would have at least set the Justy apart from its rivals. As such, the Justy is at its best around town, where nimble handling and a tight turning circle make it a doddle to manoeuvre and park.

The sole three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine is also keen at low speed, proving responsive enough and delightfully buzzy.

However, stray away from the urban jungle and the 68bhp unit feels out of its depth. Getting louder as speed increases, the Justy can’t quite reach a three figure top speed, while 0-60mph takes a leisurely 13.5 secs too.

Furthermore, the very things that make the Justy enjoyable to drive around town – the light steering and the slender wheels – become its detriment on the open road, with marked body roll and minimal grip. On the plus side, the ride is comfortable.

Running Costs – 9/10

Included in the range for the very reason of improving their green credentials in an increasingly eco-friendly marketplace, the Justy is suitably kind to the environment, as well as cheap to run.

While the small engine struggles at the top end, the flip side is that sensible driving does return 56.5 mpg. In addition, the omission of 118g/km CO2 also makes the Justy one of the cleanest cars on sale today too.

Even better, it comes with a five-year warranty as an incentive against the majority of rivals that make do with three-year cover.

Value for Money – 6/10

However, while the Justy is cheap to run, it isn’t particularly cheap to buy and this is its biggest stumbling block.

In the past, the Justy could justify a price premium as a consequence of its 4WD system but, without that now, Subaru needed to be careful where they pitch the sole 1.0R model they sell.

However, at £8,495, Subaru could well have priced the Justy out of contention. Indeed, even when compared with those at the top of the class, the Justy appears expensive. For instance, the more stylish, quicker and better handling Mazda 2 1.3 TS is just £5 extra, while an entry-level Vauxhall Corsa costs £700 less too.

Furthermore, while the Justy is well equipped, with air-conditioning, four airbags and a CD-Player as standard, it doesn’t seem enough when the virtually identical 1.3-litre Myvi and 1.0-litre Sirion are priced at £7,795 and £7,495 respectively.

Practicality – 7/10

Still, practicality is a strength of the Justy. Making the most of a layout that was inspired by the Honda Jazz, the Justy is versatile, with a well shaped boot and impressive head and legroom all round. Split/fold seats are also available to expand to one of the largest load areas in the class.

Verdict – 6/10

In isolation, the Justy is not a bad car for Subaru. It looks smart, has a nicely appointed interior, is a boon to drive and costs relatively little to run on a day-to-day basis.

Trouble is, Daihatsu and Perodua do exactly the same for less. Indeed, while Subaru had the chance to stamp their identity on the Justy in order to justify the £1,000 price premium it commands over its identical siblings, the fact they’ve settled for minor styling changes is not enough.

Still, Subaru seem aware of this and are bringing just 1,000 examples to the UK. So, at least you will be exclusive if nothing else.

• Best Model: 1.0 R (£8,495)