Subaru L series

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Subaru
Subaru L1800 Sedan (1984-1993)
Subaru L1800 Sedan (1984-1993)
Leone / 4WD / L1800
Production period: 1971-1994
Class : Lower middle class
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupe , Combi Coupé
Engines: Petrol engines :
1.8 liters
(66–100 kW)
Length: 4370-4410 mm
Width: 1660 mm
Height: 1390 mm
Wheelbase : 2470 mm
Empty weight : 925-1,160 kg
Previous model Subaru FF-1
successor Subaru Impreza

The Subaru L-series (also Leone , L1800 , DL or GL ) is a lower middle class automobile by Subaru , which was produced from autumn 1971 to mid-1994.

From the spring of 1980 to the end of 1993, the vehicles were exported to Germany, exclusively with standard all-wheel drive . Compared to other automobile manufacturers, the vehicles had extensive standard equipment for the time.

Models

The first series of the Leone rolled off the assembly line from October 1971 to June 1979.

  • Subaru Leone Coupé (1971–1979)

  • Subaru Leone station wagon (1971-1979)

In Germany, the vehicles were not sold until the spring of 1980 with the introduction of the second series. This was offered until mid-1984 as the 4WD 1600 or 1800 (actually Leone II with engine code EA81) in the body variants Sedan (notchback), Station (station wagon) and Turismo (three-door hatchback). The latter continued to roll off the assembly line until it was replaced in spring 1985 by the L1800 Coupé.

  • Subaru Leone II Coupé (1979-1984)

  • Subaru 4WD Sedan
    (1979-1984)

  • Subaru 4WD Station
    (1979–1984)

  • Subaru 4WD Turismo
    (1979–1985)

From mid-1984 the new model was then offered as an L-series (actually Leone III with engine code EA82) under the name L1800. In the German vehicle documents the name "Lac" appears for the sedan called notchback and the three-door coupé and "Lank" for the station wagon ( station ) available from spring 1985 . In general, however, one speaks of the L-series in Germany. This generation was also offered as a station wagon by Isuzu as the Isuzu Geminett II .

In the USA the vehicle was sold as Subaru DL or GL from 1971 to 1989 , then from 1990 to 1994 as Loyale , in Japan consistently as Leone .

  • Subaru L1800 Coupé (1985-1993)

  • Rear view

  • Subaru L1800 Estate (1984-1993)

  • Isuzu Geminett II (1985-1993)

Motor / drive

1.8l carburettor engine with 90 HP of the L1800

The L-series was equipped with a water-cooled 4-cylinder OHV - boxer engine with 1769 cc displacement provided. Due to different designs of the same engine (e.g. carburetor or electronic engine control with and without catalytic converter ) and the vehicle itself, the engine output fluctuated between 66 and 72 kW. There was also a variant with a supercharged engine (engine code EA82T) and 100 kW, which was also used in the Subaru XT .

The transmission offered was a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission, and from 1988 a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The switchable all-wheel drive was switched on with a hand lever or with negative pressure at the push of a button. Since there was no central differential, the all-wheel drive could only be used off-road or on slippery surfaces. From 1988 the turbo models initially featured permanent all-wheel drive with reduction for Sedan and SuperStation or an electronic 4-speed automatic transmission with ACT4 . Vehicles with manual transmissions and permanent all-wheel drive had an additional reduction for off-road driving. A rear limited slip differential was also available on request .

In addition, the vehicles were equipped with turbochargers with air suspension (like the Subaru XT ) and internally ventilated disc brakes on all wheels. Otherwise there were MacPherson struts front and rear , internally ventilated disc brakes only front and rear drum brakes .

All models with a manual transmission were equipped with hill start assist .

Furnishing

The Leone DL , GL and Turbo were each available as a Coupé ( Turismo ), Sedan ( Sedan ) and station wagon ( Station or SuperStation ).

The equipment variant DL had electrically adjustable side mirrors and a headlight washer, with the exception of special models, however, no central locking or electric window lifters .

In addition to the DL equipment, the GL equipment variant had central locking as standard , electric windows at the front and rear, velor seats with carpet, steering wheel height adjustment, a separately divisible rear bench with headrests (station wagon) and an electric sunroof for the sedan and coupé. The only thing that was added to the Turbo equipment was a different seat cover pattern and half-shell seats at the front. An air conditioning was optional.

The normal station wagons without a high roof had the DL equipment, the station wagons with a high roof (SuperStation), Sedan and Turismo had the GL equipment.

Another special feature of the L-Series was a large status display in the dashboard , on which basic information was displayed, such as: B. open doors, switched on (high) lights or switched on all-wheel drive.

reliability

The Leone was considered to be a very reliable and functional vehicle, which is why it was highly valued by hunters and foresters and Subaru offered a special model called "Hubertus" for the German market from 1988. This designation was later also given to a special model of the first legacy generation and was considered the forerunner of the later Outback.

Only the body was notorious for its strong susceptibility to rust in the area of ​​the rear wheel arches and the sills . In the last models in the early 1990s, the corrosion protection was improved, but the problem could not be completely eliminated.

successor

Originally the Subaru Legacy was intended as the successor to the L series, but Subaru changed the concept and so the Subaru Impreza was positioned as the successor in the compact class and the Legacy in the middle class.

Web links

Commons : Subaru Leone  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files