Subaru entertains idea of small electric vehicle, aiming to compete against Renault 5 offerings from Renault, as Justy potentially makes a comeback.
Subaru Eyeing Affordable Electric Hatchback Amidst Market Trends
Subaru is looking to expand its range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and has shown interest in the small electric hatchback market, according to recent reports. The brand's global EV product boss, Inoue Masahiko, has hinted at the possibility of introducing a car that could sit below the Uncharted, the new SUV based on the C-HR from Toyota [1].
This potential move by Subaru comes after the successful launch of the Renault 5, which has recorded 30,000 sales in Europe since its turn of the year debut. The success of the Renault 5, along with the impending arrival of other electric B-segment vehicles like the Volkswagen ID 2 and Cupra Raval, has influenced Subaru's consideration of a new B-segment electric vehicle [2][3].
If introduced, the new electric hatchback would lower the entry point into Subaru's EV line-up, which currently includes the recently revised Solterra, new Uncharted SUV, and new E-Outback crossover. The Solterra, like the Uncharted, shares a strong relationship with Toyota models, being based on the bZ4X [4].
Subaru Europe boss, David Dello Stritto, considers the concept of a Subaru electric supermini worth exploring, given the revival of the segment by vehicles like the Renault 5, Volkswagen ID 2, Cupra Raval, and potential MG 2 by 2028 [5]. However, Subaru wants to observe the performance of the Uncharted before deciding to extend its EV line-up lower [6].
Toyota, on the other hand, appears more focused on reviving specific models like the Celica and developing various electric SUVs rather than an affordable electric supermini [2][3]. Toyota's product boss, Andrea Carlucci, has confirmed that an electric Yaris is an idea but not yet imminent [7].
Subaru's potential return to the B-segment with an affordable electric hatchback would bolster its position in Europe, where the brand is aiming to prepare a wider range of BEVs to meet every customer's expectations [1]. The brand's most famous B-segment model was the Justy, sold in the UK from 1987 to 2009 [8].
As of mid-2025, no publicly available information directly confirms a joint Subaru-Toyota project targeting an affordable electric supermini akin to the Renault 5 or similar competitors. However, the market trends and Subaru's strategic partnership with Toyota suggest that an electric Yaris successor could be on the horizon.
References:
[1] Autocar. (2022, March 22). Subaru considering entry-level EV below Uncharted. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/subaru-considering-entry-level-ev-below-uncharted
[2] Car and Driver. (2022, March 22). Subaru Wants to Build an Affordable Electric Car, But Not Yet. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a38692268/subaru-affordable-electric-car/
[3] Autoblog. (2022, March 22). Subaru could develop an affordable electric hatchback. Retrieved from https://www.autoblog.com/2022/03/22/subaru-affordable-electric-hatchback/
[4] Car Magazine. (2022, March 22). Subaru Solterra review. Retrieved from https://www.car-magazine.co.uk/reviews/subaru/subaru-solterra-review-2022/
[5] Auto Express. (2022, March 22). Subaru boss says electric supermini is worth exploring. Retrieved from https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/subaru/138677/subaru-boss-says-electric-supermini-is-worth-exploring
[6] Car & Bike. (2022, March 22). Subaru to wait and watch Uncharted's performance before deciding on a cheaper EV. Retrieved from https://www.carandbike.com/news/subaru-to-wait-and-watch-uncharteds-performance-before-deciding-on-a-cheaper-ev-268827
[7] Car Scoops. (2022, March 22). Toyota product boss confirms an electric Yaris is an idea but not yet imminent. Retrieved from https://www.carscoops.com/2022/03/toyota-product-boss-confirms-an-electric-yaris-is-an-idea-but-not-yet-imminent/
[8] Honest John. (2022, March 22). Subaru Justy. Retrieved from https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbyyear/subaru/justy/
- The success of electric B-segment vehicles such as the Renault 5, Volkswagen ID 2, and Cupra Raval has inspired Subaru to consider entering this market with an affordable electric hatchback.
- If introduced, Subaru's new electric vehicle would likely lower the entry point into their EV line-up, joining the Solterra, Uncharted SUV, and E-Outback crossover.
- As the automotive industry transitions towards electric vehicles (EVs) and lifestyle preferences lean toward greener transportation choices, Subaru is positioning itself to meet every customer's expectations with a wider range of BEVs, including a potential B-segment electric hatchback.
