| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1985 |
| Production Years: | 1984 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
The Subaru Leone III, produced between 1984 and 1991, represents the third generation of the Leone series, a hallmark of Subaru's offering in the mid-1980s sedan market. Known primarily as a practical and reliable sedan, the Leone III provided a compact yet comfortable vehicle ideal for everyday use. While exact dimensions can vary by specific trim and market, the Subaru Leone III's overall design maintained a balanced footprint typical for its class during the period. Generally, sedans of this era and segment typically measured around 4,300 to 4,500 millimeters (169 to 177 inches) in length, approximately 1,650 to 1,700 millimeters (65 to 67 inches) in width, and a height ranging near 1,350 to 1,400 millimeters (53 to 55 inches). The Leone III's body style emphasized functionality combined with Subaru’s emerging reputation for reliability. The model was available with various engine options and drivetrain configurations, including Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive in some markets. This generation catered to drivers looking for a practical sedan with solid size proportions, suitable for both urban and suburban driving environments. The Leone III’s production in the mid-to-late 1980s places it in the context of an evolving automotive landscape where Japanese automakers were gaining international recognition for durable and accessible cars. Its design and size make the Subaru Leone III a relevant reference point for enthusiasts and researchers comparing car sizes from the 1980s, especially within the compact to mid-size sedan category. Overall, the Subaru Leone III remains a notable example of 1980s sedan design, combining modest dimensions with practical sedan attributes in a vehicle that balanced everyday usability with Subaru’s engineering ethos.
Discover the standout features that make the 1985 Subaru Leone III a leader in its class
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The Subaru Leone III sedan, produced from 1984 to 1991, typically measures approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) in length, around 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) in width, and about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches) in height. These dimensions offer a compact footprint typical of mid-1980s sedans, facilitating easy maneuvering and parking, while providing adequate interior space for passengers. The relatively low height contributes to a sporty profile and improved aerodynamics. Exact dimensions can vary slightly depending on specific trim levels and market versions, but these figures reflect the general size specifications for the Leone III generation sedan.
The Subaru Leone III, with a width of approximately 1,620 mm (63.8 inches) and a height of about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches), aligns closely with other compact family sedans of the mid-1980s. Many sedans from that era featured similar widths ranging between 1,600 mm and 1,700 mm, making the Leone III neither particularly wide nor narrow for its class. Its height is slightly lower than average, which provides a sportier stance but may reduce headroom slightly compared to taller sedans. Overall, the Leone III offers a balanced size that fits well within the compact sedan segment, providing good urban drivability and comfortable passenger space typical of its time.
The Subaru Leone III sedan generally has a curb weight around 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (approximately 2,205 to 2,425 pounds), depending on the engine type and trim level. This relatively light weight contributes positively to its agility and fuel efficiency. The lower curb weight allows the vehicle to have nimble handling characteristics, which are enhanced by its front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration or available four-wheel-drive system. The moderate weight also influences braking performance and acceleration, making the Leone III responsive in city driving and moderately capable on open roads. However, compared to modern sedans, this lighter weight reflects the simpler safety and equipment standards of the 1980s.
Yes, the Subaru Leone III sedan fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Given its length of about 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) and width of 1,620 mm (63.8 inches), it is more compact than many modern sedans, which often exceed 4.5 meters in length. Standard garages generally measure around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in width, providing ample space not only to accommodate the Leone III but also to open doors and move around the vehicle with ease. Therefore, owners of the Leone III usually do not face challenges storing the car in typical home garages.
The Subaru Leone III marked a refinement in interior space compared to its predecessors, especially the first and second generations produced in the 1970s and early 1980s. Although the overall length increased moderately to approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches), Subaru managed to optimize interior packaging with better seat design, increased rear legroom, and a more ergonomic dashboard layout. This resulted in improved passenger comfort, making longer trips more enjoyable. The cabin space was designed to feel less cramped, with an emphasis on offering a practical and functional environment while maintaining the car's compact footprint. Therefore, the Leone III generally provides a noticeable improvement in occupant comfort when compared to earlier Leone models.
The cargo capacity of the Subaru Leone III sedan is typical for compact sedans of the 1980s. It offers a trunk space of roughly 350 liters (approximately 12.4 cubic feet), providing sufficient room for everyday luggage, groceries, or small suitcases. The trunk opening is well-sized for easy loading and unloading, although the shape is more rectangular and less optimized for bulky items than modern sedans. Rear seats in some models were foldable, allowing for expanded cargo space when needed. Overall, the Leone III delivers practical cargo capacity for family and commuter use, balanced within its compact sedan dimensions.
Dimensionally and specification-wise, the Subaru Leone III was competitive within the compact sedan segment of the mid to late 1980s. Its length (~4,280 mm or 168.5 inches), width (~1,620 mm or 63.8 inches), and height (~1,350 mm or 53.1 inches) are similar to contemporaries like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra of that period. However, Subaru’s hallmark was the availability of its AWD system even in compact sedans, offering enhanced traction compared to most rivals, which were predominantly front-wheel drive only. Fuel efficiency, styling, and interior ergonomics were on par, though Subaru’s reputation leaned towards ruggedness and reliability. Therefore, while the size was unassuming, the Leone III's AWD capability set it apart.
The Subaru Leone III introduced a number of size and design enhancements over the previous generation. Dimensionally, it was slightly longer and wider, increasing passenger comfort and cabin space. The length grew to approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches), a modest increase over the second generation, while the width remained close but slightly more refined at about 1,620 mm (63.8 inches). Design-wise, the Leone III featured more angular and modern styling, with improved aerodynamics and sharper lines compared to the rounder, boxier shape of the preceding model. Interior ergonomics were upgraded, including better seating, dashboard layout, and optional features to meet mid-1980s market expectations. These updates collectively made the Leone III a more contemporary and comfortable compact sedan.
The Subaru Leone III generation, produced from 1984 to 1991, was available in multiple body styles, including sedan, coupe, wagon, and hatchback configurations. While all body styles shared many mechanical and design elements, the sedan version was among the most common and popular, especially for buyers looking for a traditional family car or commuter vehicle. The wagon and hatchback variants catered to customers needing more cargo versatility, while the coupe appealed to enthusiasts seeking sportier styling. Despite the diversity in body styles, the sedan maintained its prominence due to its balanced size, practicality, and timeless look, securing its place as a mainstay in Subaru’s lineup during that period.
The Subaru Leone III sedan is well-suited for both urban and rural driving conditions, thanks in part to its compact dimensions and available drivetrains. Its length (about 4,280 mm or 168.5 inches) and narrow width (1,620 mm or 63.8 inches) allow it to navigate tight city streets and cramped parking spaces with ease, making it practical for urban use. Offsetting typical compact sedan conservatism, Subaru offered full-time or part-time four-wheel-drive systems on some Leone III variants, significantly enhancing traction on rural roads, rough terrain, and in adverse weather conditions such as snow or rain. This AWD capability, combined with a relatively light curb weight, makes the Leone III a versatile vehicle capable of comfortable urban commuting while also handling rural and less paved environments reliably.
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