The Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck is the oldest of Kei trucks on the market. Established in 1961, the vehicle has shown tremendous success as a miniature automobile. Currently, it is designed under the rebadged version of the Daihatsu. With past ties to the German-based Volkswagen, it has diversified the Kei market. But what has contributed to the overall success of the Subaru Sambar Japanese Truck? It is due to its many generations of models? Or is its variety of features, and its versatility? Read on to find out more.
Multi-Cultural Production
The Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck was designed for the Japanese market. It has branched out to other countries. China and Finland have both started to produce the truck. This is a partnership with Eclat Automotive. This is the most popular of Kei trucks on the market. It is estimated that other countries will follow suit and join the venture.
Currently, the Subaru Sambar Japanese truck is offered in a flatbed design. There is a microvan which is offered under the name Sambar. The selection is an effort to meet the Kei car guidelines. It also seeks broadening of the market for the brand. The Sambar is in its 7th generation of production. The first generation was produced up to 1966. The was to second to 1973, third till 1982, fourth till 1990, fifth till 1998, and sixth till 2012.
Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck Features
As is with most vehicles on the market, there are common features that are present in the Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck. Primarily, the key feature is the rear engine design. There is an option in newer models to have a front engine and 4WD third-generation vehicles on. Additionally, the vehicle offers:
- 356CC and 544cc displacement
- 3 automatic and 5 Speed manual Transmission
- Intercooling
- Side impact resistant power windows
- Supercharger
Keep in mind that some of the older models will not have the same features available. Check your preferred model to see what standard features are available on your Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck. For example, first-generation trucks will not have power windows.
Beds and rear fittings
Perhaps one of the reasons why the Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck is the most popular of Kei trucks is due to the bed’s functionality. The flatbed offers a plethora of uses. With its fold-down sides, the bed’s design can be fitted to accommodate many more uses. Specifically, the option for a dump bed, scissor bed, refrigerated bed, and power lifts, make the truck a solution for any worker. Scissor and dump beds are hydraulic. Unlike the full-sized options, the mini-truck can perform in even the tightest and secluded areas.
Sambar trucks differ from other Keis on the market in their design. Most of the Kei trucks available are unibody. This means that the cabin and the bed are made from the same body. This is not the case for the Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck. The Chassis is made from two pieces.
Weight Capacity
Depending upon the bed that you choose for your truck, the load capacity will vary. As such, the base model (that being the flatbed), features a payload weight capacity of 1200 lbs. Scissor lifts are slightly lower. Dump bed trucks remain around the 1200 lb weight limit. Towing capacity for the Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini truck is 1300 lbs. This makes the combined weight load 2500 lbs. This is lower than the full-sized truck weight load. Because of this, it does offer adequate payload and towing day-to-day operations.
Other Unique Features
There are several features that are unique to the Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck. Many of these features have been implemented by other manufacturers. The Subaru was the first to use them. These features include an air cooling engine and cabover designRear wheel drive
Please note that the newer generation uses a water-cooled system and does not use the air cooling system. The older models use the air cooling system. Subaru Sambar was the first to use this method and still has some models on the market with the rear-engine, air-cooled feature.
Diverse Designs
Those seeking more of an aesthetic feature will be pleased to know that the Subaru Sambar is offered in a top trim package similar to the Volkswagen Type 2. Additionally, the vehicle even sports the logo on the front of the cabin. The design is so close to the Samba. The advantage of the Subaru Samba is that you get the look, but you do not have the high fuel consumption. The Samba is very fuel-efficient.
Apart from the top trim package, the Samba is one of the most versatile in designs. This includes the boxy look of the older generations to the slick and stylish curves of the newest generation, the overall design has multiple variations. In addition to this the van option, the color schemes, and the bed customizations offer one of the most diversified designs in automotive history.
Is the Subaru Samba Mini Japanese Mini Truck right for you?
Those who need a truck but do not have the finances to purchase a full-sized option may find that the price point for the Samba to be more in their budget. Able to handle 57 HP, the vehicle is ready for most roads. Businesses that require a smaller vehicle to perform day-to-day tasks, such as those in the construction industry, or those in agricultural fields, may find that the Subaru Samba Japanese Mini Truck offers the advantages of a larger vehicle without the access limitations.
If you wish to purchase a Subaru Samba Japanese Mini Truck, check with your local transportation authority as to the registration, importation, and regulations concerning the truck. Also, it is recommended that you look for a truck that is 25 years old or older to minimize any importation regulations which may currently be in place for the Subaru Sambar Japanese Mini Truck.