Subaru Sport Mobility concept to preview retro-inspired EV coupe

Tokyo’s 2023 Mobility Show to feature Subaru’s high performance electric concept

Subaru Sport Mobility concept

The stars are coming out for Japan’s 2023 Tokyo Mobility Show, and now it’s Subaru’s turn to preview what it has in store for the reformed motor show. Centre stage will be the Subaru Sport Mobility concept, a sporty electric coupe that could preview a future design direction, by referencing its past. 

There are no official technical details about the model as yet, but the single dark image does reveal the concept’s unmistakable three-box body, flat bonnet and slim headlights. Like many Japanese manufacturers, Subaru might not appear to have much in the way of design heritage in Europe, but this concept very clearly channels the eccentric XT coupe it sold globally between 1985 and 1991. 

Look closer into some of the concept’s details and you’ll find more corresponding elements with the XT, such as the blacked-out a-pillars and square-shaped indentations on the bonnet’s leading edge, referencing its pop-up headlights.  

The original XT was actually very progressive mechanically as well, pairing either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged flat-four (or a flat-six) petrol engine with an optional all-wheel drive system. Some models were even sold with a low-range transfer case, height-adjustable pneumatic suspension and a digital instrument cluster. 

It’s this innovation and out-of-the-box thinking that Subaru’s hoping to channel with its new concept, something we might see applied more directly to its future road cars. Subaru’s presence in the UK and Europe isn’t nearly as prominent as it was during the WRC rally era in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, but Subaru’s international success has roared on since, driven largely by the American and Australian markets. 

But as the brand expands its EV range so is it becoming more relevant to the UK and Europe, with Subaru keen to capitalise on additional markets to help drive its switch to battery power. For now, we’ll have to wait a few more weeks to see what this future vision of a sporty Subaru could look like, but we can be sure that it won’t be boring. 

Now check out the latest Subaru news and reviews...

Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

Recommended

Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
20 Nov 2023
New Honda Sustaina-C is an electric city car with its own ‘Pocket’
 Honda Sustaina-C and Pocket EV scooter
News

New Honda Sustaina-C is an electric city car with its own ‘Pocket’

The cute Honda Sustaina-C concept car is partnered with a ‘Pocket’ EV scooter
27 Oct 2023
Toyota FT-3e concept teases future flagship electric SUV
Toyota FT-3e - front
News

Toyota FT-3e concept teases future flagship electric SUV

Production version of new FT-3e concept could serve as a Polestar 3 rival and big brother to the mid-size Toyota bZ4X
25 Oct 2023
New Subaru Sport Mobility Concept gives us hope of a rally return
Subaru Sports Mobility Concept - front
News

New Subaru Sport Mobility Concept gives us hope of a rally return

Subaru has brought a two-door coupe to the Tokyo Motor Show
25 Oct 2023

Most Popular

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023
Are we at the end of the road for the spare wheel?
Spare wheel
News

Are we at the end of the road for the spare wheel?

Just three per cent of new cars have a standard-fit spare in the boot, latest RAC data reveals
21 Nov 2023