Model:
Brumby/Brat/4WD Wagon
Common Names:
Brumby (Australia/NZ), Brat (North America/Japan), Shifter, MV Pickup, 4WD Wagon
Chassis Codes:
A20 (Brat/Brumby), A22 (4WD Wagon)
Segment:
Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) / Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) / Compact SUV
Unique Selling Proposition:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, distinctive two-door UTE body style (Brat/Brumby), and practical station wagon variant.
Key Competitors:
Daihatsu Taft, Suzuki Jimny, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini (for compact off-road capability); Toyota Hilux, Nissan Datsun Truck (for UTE segment); Smaller AWD wagons from other manufacturers.
Aawd System:
Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing superior traction and stability.
Engine Layout:
Front-engine, horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine layout.
Body Styles:
Two-door coupe utility (Brat/Brumby) with optional rear-facing jump seats, and five-door station wagon.
Primary Coverage:
North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan
Specific Regions:
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan
Estimated Page Count:
500-800 (estimated for a comprehensive workshop manual)
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Printed Book (assumed, based on typical sales)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch, drivetrain, differentials (front, rear)
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (leaf springs for pickup, independent for wagon), steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, parking brake, hydraulic system
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis frame, exhaust system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid level checks
Repair:
Component removal and installation, major component overhauls, sub-assembly repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification
Technical Data:
Specifications, torque values, clearances, timing marks, fluid capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic tune-ups to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical system analysis.
Digital Format:
Not specified, likely printed. If digital, PDF is standard.
Print Quality:
Professional print quality expected for a workshop manual.
Binding:
Coil-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock, likely with coated surfaces to resist grease and dirt.
Engine Displacement Early:
1.8 Liters (1769 cc)
Engine Configuration Early:
Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder, SOHC
Horsepower Early:
73 hp @ 5200 rpm (carbureted)
Torque Early:
97 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (carbureted)
Engine Displacement Later:
1.8 Liters (1769 cc)
Engine Configuration Later:
Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder, SOHC (some DOHC SPFI variants for specific markets)
Horsepower Later:
95-100 hp @ 5200 rpm (fuel injected)
Torque Later:
107-109 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm (fuel injected)
Notable Variants:
Turbocharged variants for some markets (e.g., RX Turbo Brat).
Fuel Delivery Carbureted:
Two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, Nikki)
Fuel Delivery Injected:
Single-Point Fuel Injection (SPFI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) on later EA82 models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed manual transmission (4MT)
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed automatic transmission (3AT)
Drivetrain Configuration:
Full-time Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with lockable center differential on some manual transmissions.
Gear Ratios Typical 4Mt:
Approx. 3.5:1 (1st), 2.0:1 (2nd), 1.3:1 (3rd), 0.9:1 (4th), 3.8:1 (Reverse); Final Drive: ~4.11:1
Wheelbase:
Approx. 96.5 inches (2450 mm)
Length:
Approx. 160.0 inches (4065 mm) (Brat/Brumby)
Width:
Approx. 64.0 inches (1625 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm) (Brat/Brumby), 58.3 inches (1480 mm) (Wagon)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2200-2500 lbs (1000-1135 kg), depending on body style and equipment.
Crash Test Standards:
Designed to meet safety standards of the era; specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings may vary by year and market.
AWD System:
Standard Symmetrical AWD enhances active safety and stability.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts (front), 2-point lap belts (rear jump seats on Brat, 3-point on Wagon)
Roll Cage:
Structural reinforcement for roll-over protection.
Impact Zones:
Crumple zones integrated into chassis and body structure.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Speaker count typically 2 or 4.
Features:
Limited to advanced AWD system and basic safety features for the era. No electronic driver aids like ABS or traction control were standard, though ABS was an option on later models.
Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports. Connectivity is limited to audio input for radio.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (4,800 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs every 30,000 miles (48,000 km); Distributor cap and rotor as needed.
Timing Belt Interval:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years (critical item).
Engine Oil Type Early:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Type Later:
API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III, or equivalent ATF.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine:
Head gasket leaks (especially on EA82), timing belt failure if not replaced regularly, carburetor issues on early models.
Rust:
Susceptible to rust, particularly in fender wells, rocker panels, and floor pans, especially in areas with road salt.
Suspension:
Wear on front strut mounts and bushings; rear leaf spring issues on pickups.
Subaru Identity:
Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, known for its pioneering use of boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD in passenger cars and SUVs.
Introduction Year:
1978 (as Brat)
Generations:
First Generation (1978-1984), Second Generation (1985-1994). The manual likely covers significant portions of both or is specific to one.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production End Year:
1994 (Brat/Brumby phased out, replaced by Outback Sport/Impreza Wagon)
