Skip advert
Advertisement

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

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

Honda isn’t the only manufacturer to unveil an electric two-door coupe concept at the Tokyo Motor Show because Subaru has also got in on the act with its new Sport Mobility Concept. 

Despite the rather bland name, Subaru fans should get excited by the Sport Mobility Concept because it shows Subaru is still thinking about how it can approach the sports car market with electrification. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Subaru says the Sport Mobility Concept embodies “the pleasure of going anywhere, anytime, and driving at will in everyday to extraordinary environments”. No technical details have been revealed other than its pure-electric powertrain, but Subaru suggests it could be all-wheel drive with the driver “controlling all four wheels at will”. 

The Sport Mobility Concept features a higher ride height than traditional coupes. The box wheelarches housing turbofan wheels, squared bodywork with a flat bonnet and bluff front end give it plenty of presence. To the side we can see digital wing mirrors and lower down on the body it looks like forged carbon-reinforced plastic has been used. 

Up front there are thin LED headlights, along with two larger sections that resemble the classic secondary lights you'd find on a rally car. At the rear there’s more LED lighting and the ‘SUBARU’ lettering is lit up too. 

Subaru's return to WRC has been suggested a few times in recent months, with even Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda keen on helping Subaru return to the top step of rallying. We doubt the all-electric Sport Mobility Concept is a preview of a future WRC entrant, but it does show Subaru hasn’t forgotten about its rich rally heritage. 

Want the latest car news in your inbox? Sign up to the free Auto Express email newsletter...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

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 Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
New Subaru Outback morphs into an SUV for Mk7 generation
Subaru Outback New York - front

New Subaru Outback morphs into an SUV for Mk7 generation

The boxer engine and off-road focus has been retained despite the Outback’s new SUV look
News
17 Apr 2025
You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest
Opinion - ease of EV ownership

You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest

Chris Rosamond explains why ultra-fast charging could convince you to make the switch to driving an EV
Opinion
17 Apr 2025