Subaru Libero

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Subaru E10 4WD / Libero
Manufacturer: Subaru
Production period: 1983-1998
Previous model: none
Successor: none

The Subaru E10 4WD / Libero is a five-door minibus and panel van that was offered in Germany from 1983 to 1998. It was based on the 4th and 5th generation Subaru Sambar, which was based in Japan in the kei-car class .

1983 Subaru E10 4WD

600/700 / E10 4WD (KJ6)
MHV Subaru E10 01.jpg

Subaru E10 / Subaru 600

Production period: 1983-1993 (D)
Designs: Panel van , minibus
Engines:
Petrol engines : 0.67–1.0 liters
(23–37 kW)
Length: 2990 mm
Width: 1300 mm
Height: 1520-1870 mm
Wheelbase: 1805 mm

As the Subaru 600 , the 3rd generation of the Subaru Sambar had already been imported to various European countries by 1982, the better-equipped version of the minibus than the Subaru 700 . In Germany, however, this model was not officially marketed. 1982 began the import of the 4th Sambar generation KJ 6 with flat roof to Europe, again as Subaru 600 and Subaru E10 4WD . From January 1983 the model was also available in Germany as the Subaru E10 4WD . In August 1983 the high-roof model of the KJ 6 began to be imported into Europe as the Subaru 700 and E10 4WD .

Due to stricter crash regulations in Europe and North America , Subaru developed a facelift model of the KJ6 with a high roof that was now outside the size limits of the kei car class. In January 1984 the import of this model took place in Germany again as Subaru E10 4WD , while the import of the original Sambar KJ6 in Germany was officially discontinued and only took place via gray import.

Subaru Libero E10 / Libero 1200 E12 1984–1993

Libero E10 / E12
Subaru Libero front 20070822.jpg

Subaru Libero 1200

Production period: 1984-1993
Designs: Panel van , minibus
Engines:
Gasoline engines : 1.0–1.2 liters
(37–38 kW)
Length: 3410 mm
Width: 1430 mm
Height: 1870-1900 mm
Wheelbase: 1805 mm

Subaru Libero E10 1984-1987

In order to differentiate the model from the Subaru Sambar due to its size and features, Subaru looked for a different name in a competition. This is how the Japanese name Domingo , which translates into English means Libero , came about . The name Domingo (sometimes with the addition of E10) was used in Asia, the version of the name Libero , which was translated into English, was used in many European markets, including Germany, from around mid-1984. In the UK , however, the model was called Subaru Sumo , in Sweden Subaru Columbuss . Later the name was unified in Europe except for the United Kingdom and Sweden on Subaru Libero .

The first Libero in Germany (Libero E10) had the 3-cylinder in- line engine E10 with 997 cm³ and 37 kW / 50 PS, which was installed horizontally in the rear. This enabled him to reach a top speed of 120 km / h. The curb weight is given as 890–940 kg.

Usually only the rear wheels were driven via a 5-speed gearbox. A switch in the gearshift lever could be used to switch to 4WD operation, i.e. all-wheel drive. The coupling of the front-wheel drive was pneumatically activated by means of negative pressure from the intake system via an electrically operated valve. This rigid connection of the front-wheel drive without a central differential, however, caused tension in the drive train in tight bends on a non- slip surface and was therefore only suitable for slippery surfaces or mainly straight-ahead driving. It had internally ventilated disc brakes at the front and self-adjusting drum brakes at the rear .

However, the high side surface caused by the high roof also made it more sensitive to cross winds, which could make driving the Libero adventurous in strong winds. Nevertheless, the Libero was more stable and far less wobbly than one would assume based on the proportions, as all heavy parts such as the engine, gearbox , differential gear , etc. were installed very low and thus the center of gravity was low relative to the high structure.

The rectangular double headlights were equipped with motorized height adjustment to adapt to the load of up to approx. 4000 kg.

The body was screwed onto a ladder frame on which the wheels were suspended via wishbones and trailing arms with combined dampers / struts. Because of the relatively small wheels with tire sizes 155/80 R13 or 165/65 R13, the low degree of twisting of the independent suspension and the relatively large overhangs at the front and rear, the Libero was not an off-road vehicle despite all-wheel drive , but it had unusual off-road properties for this vehicle class .

The vehicle had two doors hinged at the front with crank windows, sliding doors on both sides with sliding windows at the rear and a tailgate hinged at the top over the entire height of the interior. It offered 6 seats with a total length of just 3.42 m. The interior had to be made very variable by folding down and / or folding the bench seats. The front seats could also be used as reclining seats, and in some versions the front seats were optionally rotatable, so that the Libero can also be used as a mini motorhome or transporter with a load volume of up to 1.8 m in length, 1.2 m in width and 1.3 m height was very universally applicable. As an option, a central, manually operated steel sliding roof could be ordered.

In 1985 the Subaru Libero cost 16,490 DM.

Subaru Libero 1200 1986-1993

From 1986 the Libero 1200 model was offered with the 3-cylinder E12 carburettor engine with 1189 cm³ and an uncontrolled catalytic converter . At 4400 rpm the engine now developed 52 HP / 38 kW, which was enough for a top speed of approx. 130 km / h. Otherwise the model corresponded to its sister model Libero E10.

Subaru Libero 1200 four-wheel drive "Special" / Subaru Libero Domingo

As a special model Subaru 1200 Allrad Spezial , compared to the standard model, the vehicle was equipped with tinted lateral roof glazing ("Alpine Windows") with sun blind, steel sunroof with wind deflector, rotating front seats, different seat covers and 2 color paintwork. It cost 20,500 DM (as of 1990). In other countries such as B. Austria called this version Subaru Libero 1200 Domingo .

Libero Van

When the import began, the Libero as a panel van was the only delivery van of its size with all-wheel drive at a comparatively low price and accordingly popular. B. in the trade or as a mobile home conversion base. He had m maximum load length of 2.64 and a removable cargo space - dividing wall and fastening points in the luggage compartment.

In Austria, Switzerland and the Nordic countries , the Libero panel van was used by post offices and telecommunications companies as well as in fleets of energy companies and the like. Ä. very often represented as well. This success also accelerated the introduction of the four-wheel drive Suzuki Super Carry and Daihatsu Hijet models .

Subaru Libero SDX / SDX-SR 1993-1998

Libero SDX / SDX-SR
Subaru Domingo 003.JPG

Subaru Libero SDX

Production period: 1993-1998
Designs: Panel van , minibus
Engines: Otto engine :
1.2 liters (40 kW)
Length: 3525 mm
Width: 1415 mm
Height: 1925 mm
Wheelbase: 1885 mm

From the end of 1993 a new Libero based on the Subaru Sambar 5 launched in 1990 was offered in Germany. It was powered again by the 3-cylinder E12, but now as an injector and with a regulated 3-way catalytic converter. This enabled it to reach a top speed of 128 km / h. Compared to its predecessor, it now appeared in a more pleasing, angular design. It also had disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The twin headlights were replaced by single rectangular headlights, and the front and rear bumpers were a bit more bulky. The curb weight increased to 980-1030 kg. As a Libero SDX , the essential features were 2 foldable front seats and 2 foldable and foldable rows of seats in the passenger compartment along with 2 sliding doors with child safety and tailgate. In addition, additional heating in the passenger compartment, everything already known from the predecessor. In the Libero SDX-SR version , it also had a pop-up roof over the front and an electric panoramic sliding glass roof with sun protection over the middle row of seats. Electric windows in the sliding doors and rotating front seats were optionally available for this version. For the Subaru SDX / SDX-SR, the dealer could also retrofit a manual air conditioning system .

Subaru Libero SDX-SR

Libero Profi 1993–1998

The model was available for commercial use as a glazed delivery van without rear seats with a load compartment floor made of beech veneer panels and a solid load compartment grille. On special order it was also available as a panel van with truck approval.

Engines

E10

The 3-cylinder inline engine E10 cc engine capacity with 997 was a water-cooled four-stroke - gasoline engine with an overhead camshaft . Its maximum power was 37 kW. The engine of the E10 was similar to the J10 engine that was installed in the Subaru Justy Type KAD with a displacement of 1.0 liters. Many spare parts are suitable for both engines and cars.

E12

The 3-cylinder in- line engine E12 with a displacement of 1,189 cm³ was available in two versions, as a carburettor engine with an unregulated catalytic converter and as an injection engine with a regulated 3-way catalytic converter. It was like the E10 to a water-cooled four-stroke - gasoline engine with an overhead camshaft . The two variants had different performance data:

  • E12 carburettor : The maximum output of 38 kW was achieved at 4000 rpm, the maximum torque 97 Nm was achieved at 2800 rpm. The compression ratio was 9.1: 1
  • E12 injection : the maximum output of 40 kW was achieved at 4600 rpm, while the maximum torque of 97 Nm was only achieved at 3000 rpm. The compression ratio was also 9.1: 1

The E12 was similar to the J12 engine that was installed in the Subaru Justy Type KAD with a displacement of 1.2 liters. Many spare parts are suitable for both engines and cars.

End of import

In 1998 the import of the Libero to Germany was stopped. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority , around 2300 Subaru Libero were still registered for road traffic in Germany in 2005. At least the KJ models with unregulated catalytic converters are acutely threatened with extinction in Germany due to vehicle tax, legislation, high spare parts prices and, last but not least, susceptibility to rust. As of January 1, 2012, 1678 FA, 154 KJ8 and 18 KJ6 were still registered in Germany.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Subaru story. (No longer available online.) Archived from the original on August 5, 2012 ; Retrieved June 16, 2012 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / drischnie.homeip.net
  2. ↑ Libero 1200 all-wheel drive. (PDF; 1.2 MB) (No longer available online.) Subaru, archived from the original on June 19, 2015 ; Retrieved June 16, 2012 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.subaru.de
  3. ↑ Libero Allrad Special. (PDF; 286 kB) (No longer available online.) Subaru, formerly in the original ; Retrieved June 16, 2012 .  ( Page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2Template: Dead Link / www.subaru.de  

Web links

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