1998 Subaru Pleo Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Subaru Pleo from 1998 to 2009 ranges between 770 kg and 820 kg (approximately 1698 to 1808 pounds). This lightweight construction helps improve fuel efficiency, agility, and performance, especially in the compact city car category. Being relatively light means the Pleo has less mass to move, which translates to better fuel economy and ease of handling. The lower curb weight also contributes to shorter braking distances and nimble responses to driver inputs, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The Subaru Pleo of this generation is equipped with 145/70 R12 tires, which are relatively small compared to larger vehicles. The tire width of 145 mm (approximately 5.7 inches) paired with a 70% aspect ratio provides a balance between comfort and handling suited for a light city car. The 12-inch diameter wheels contribute to a smooth ride over urban roads, absorbing minor bumps easily, but removing some of the high-speed stability offered by larger wheels. These tires ensure good maneuverability in tight spaces and enhance fuel efficiency due to lower rolling resistance.

Yes, the Subaru Pleo’s compact dimensions make it well-suited to fit comfortably into a standard home garage. With its overall length of 3395 mm (133.7 inches) and width of 1475 mm (58.1 inches), the vehicle is smaller than most standard garage spaces, which typically measure about 5400 mm (18 feet) in length and 2700 mm (9 feet) in width. Its compact size allows not only easy parking inside but also room for opening doors and some additional space to store other items without difficulty.

Despite its modest exterior size, the Subaru Pleo is designed to maximize interior space efficiently. Thanks to its tall height of 1580 mm (62.2 inches) and boxy shape, the Pleo offers generous headroom and adequate shoulder room for a car of its class. The hatchback configuration further improves usability by providing flexible cargo space and ease of loading. While legroom may be more limited compared to larger cars, especially for rear passengers, the Pleo remains practical and comfortable for city driving, short commutes, and everyday errands.

The 1998 Subaru Pleo is essentially the first generation of this model, so it does not have a direct predecessor under the same nameplate. However, if compared to similar Subaru kei cars available at the time or previous mini vehicles from Subaru, the Pleo offered a more modern and compact urban design optimized for the kei car segment with better interior usage and lightweight construction aimed at efficiency and city maneuverability.

In comparison to other kei hatchbacks from manufacturers such as Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Honda, the Subaru Pleo's dimensions fall well within the kei car regulations for Japan, which usually limit length to approximately 3400 mm and width to 1480 mm. With its length of 3395 mm and width of 1475 mm, the Pleo matches competitors like the Suzuki Alto or Daihatsu Mira, offering similarly compact footprints. What distinguishes the Pleo is its taller height of 1580 mm, which tends to exceed some rivals, providing enhanced headroom and a more spacious cabin feel despite the similar footprint.

The Subaru Pleo’s narrow width of 1475 mm (58.1 inches) makes it extremely advantageous in tight urban environments. This slim profile allows the vehicle to navigate narrow streets, fit into compact parking spots, and easily utilize limited road space, reducing the risk of scrapes and collision with obstacles. The small width improves maneuverability in heavy traffic and tight parking garages and also helps with fuel economy by reducing aerodynamic drag compared to wider vehicles.

The relatively tall height of 1580 mm (62.2 inches) in the Subaru Pleo enhances interior vertical space, offering more headroom for passengers, which contributes to a feeling of spaciousness typically absent in many compact hatchbacks. This additional height also allows for more upright seating positions that improve driver visibility and comfort. The increased cabin height is beneficial for easier entry and exit, especially for older passengers or those with mobility issues. Compared to lower-profile hatchbacks, the Pleo’s height creates a more practical and comfortable space within its compact footprint.

The Subaru Pleo’s length of 3395 mm (133.7 inches) is significantly shorter than larger hatchbacks, giving it a major advantage in parking and maneuvering in urban settings. This short length makes it easier to find parking spaces in crowded areas and enables tight turns in narrow alleys or parking garage ramps. Compared to standard hatchbacks that often exceed 4000 mm (157 inches) in length, the Pleo’s compact size reduces the difficulty associated with parallel parking and multi-point turns, making it highly suitable for city dwellers and those frequently encountering restricted parking environments.