Skip advert
Advertisement

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. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

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...

Skip advert
Advertisement
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. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Subaru STI performance models could be making a comeback
Subaru WRX STi

Subaru STI performance models could be making a comeback

Brand’s European boss reveals to us “there are plans to bring back the sportiness to Subaru”
News
17 Apr 2025
New Subaru Trailseeker puts all-electric spin on the trusty Outback’s formula
Subaru Trailseeker - show front

New Subaru Trailseeker puts all-electric spin on the trusty Outback’s formula

Subaru’s second EV will arrive in 2026, featuring permanent all-wheel-drive as standard
News
17 Apr 2025
The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue
Best kei cars - header image

The best ever Japanese kei cars: lightweight, lovable and back in vogue

Car weight has become a big issue with the rise of EVs, but Japanese kei cars have had the problem solved for years. These are the best…
Best cars & vans
30 Jan 2025
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 header image

Tokyo Auto Salon 2025: all the highlights and exciting new cars

TAS 2025 highlighted the latest in tuning, off-road accessories, and new cars...
News
14 Jan 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025