The R2 was the first production Subaru to sport a new family look, including the aviation-inspired "spread wings grille"[1] also used by their Tribeca and Impreza.
The R2's exterior dimensions are largely similar to its predecessor, the Subaru Pleo; but unlike the squarish Pleo, the R2 has a deliberately rounded, less space-efficient form.
Three variations of the 4-cylinder 658 cc engine were available:
Unlike other Subaru models which used Boxer engines, the R2 used an inline engine.
The two lower engine options were available with either a manual transmission or a CVT. The supercharged engine was coupled to a sportshift version of the CVT ("7 speed iCVT"). Both front wheel drive and all wheel drive were available.
Initially, the R2 was available in 11 colors and 3 trim levels (one for each engine variation).
On January 4, 2005, the Subaru R1 was introduced, which was a 2-door version of the R2 with a shorter body and wheelbase.
In 2006, the R2 got a facelift, replacing its spread wings grille with one similar to the Subaru Legacy.
