View source for Subaru BRAT

{{short description|Motor vehicle}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Subaru BRAT 
| image = 1978 Subaru Brumby Pickup.jpg
| caption = 1978 Subaru Brumby (BRAT)
| manufacturer = [[Subaru]]
| production = 1978–1994
| class =
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé utility]]
| platform = 
| related = [[Subaru Leone]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, four-wheel drive]]
}}
The '''Subaru BRAT''' is a [[four-wheel drive]] [[coupé utility]] by [[Subaru]] from 1978 to 1994, based on the [[Subaru Leone|Leone]]. Depending on the market it was known as the Brumby, MV Pickup or Shifter.<ref name="scimp">{{Cite book|author=James M. Flammang|title=Standard Catalog of Imported Cars, 1946-1990|publisher=Krause Publications, Inc.|year=1994|isbn=0-87341-158-7|location=Iola, WI|page=589 |url=https://archive.org/details/standardcatalogo0000flam/ |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="WCG28">{{citation|page=71|year=1998|trans-title=World Car Guide #28: Subaru|location=Tokyo, Japan|publisher=Neko Publishing|language=ja|isbn=978-4-873661-73-5|script-title=ja:ワールド・カー・ガイド28: スバル}}</ref>

==Technical==
The BRAT was [[four-wheel drive]], and powered by the [[Subaru EA engine]]. Early models received the 1.6&nbsp;litre EA-71, whereas 1981 and later models received a 1.8&nbsp;litre EA-81 engine. The 1983 and 1984 models could be purchased with an optional {{cvt|94|hp}} [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] engine.

[[Manual transmission]]s were standard on all models, and an [[automatic transmission]] was available on turbocharged BRAT's. The 1980 and earlier models had a single-range transfer case, while 1981 and later GL models had a dual-range transfer case (DL's still had single range), and all turbocharged models were equipped with a 3 speed automatic transmission with a single-range, push-button, four-wheel drive.

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{{Anchor|third|Omega|Loyale}}
== First generation ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First Generation
| image = Subaru BRAT Mk1 in Uruguay 01.jpg
| caption = Subaru BRAT / Brumby / MV Pickup Gen I
| aka = Subaru 1400<br />Subaru 1600
| production = 1978–1981
| body_style = 2-door [[pickup truck]]
| layout = [[front-wheel drive]]<br />[[all-wheel drive]] (optional)
| engine = 1.6 L ''[[Subaru EA engine#EA-71|EA71]]'' OHV H4 (A33/34/67)
| transmission = 4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]<br />3-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|2455|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|3995|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1500|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1385|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|775|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
}}
Developed in Japan in 1977 at the request of the President of [[Subaru of America]], the BRAT was introduced to match the demand for small trucks in North America, in order to compete against other manufacturers, such as [[Toyota Hilux|Toyota]], [[Datsun 720|Nissan]], and [[Mazda B-Series (North America)|Mazda]]. Unlike trucks from other manufacturers, all BRATs had four-wheel drive, as they were developed from the existing [[Subaru Leone|Leone]] [[station wagon]].<ref name="WCG28" /> When the [[Subaru Leone|Leone]] was redesigned in 1979 for the 1980 model year, the BRAT continued with the original Gen I body until 1982.<ref name="scimp" />

===Jump seats===
[[File:Subaru BRAT Mk1 in Uruguay 03.jpg|left|thumb|Subaru BRAT rear jump seats]]

North American and Canadian BRAT models featured carpeting in addition to welded-in rear-facing plastic [[jumpseats|jump seats]] in the cargo area. The seats were a ploy<ref>{{Cite news |author=Dwayne Bray |date=June 20, 1995 |title=Jury Selection Begins in Negligence Trial Over Crash of Subaru Brat |newspaper=[[LA Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-06-20-me-15041-story.html |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Paul Elias |date=September 21, 1995 |title=Man Paralyzed in Accident Awarded $1.7 Million by Jury |newspaper=[[LA Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-21-me-48350-story.html |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Todd C. Frankel |date=July 6, 2018 |title=The strange case of Ford's attempt to avoid the 'chicken tax' |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/the-strange-case-of-fords-attempt-to-avoid-thechicken-tax/2018/07/06/643624fa-796a-11e8-8df3-007495a78738_story.html}}</ref> to circumvent a punitive tariff on light trucks known as the [[Chicken tax]]. The plastic seats in the cargo bed allowed [[Subaru]] to classify the BRAT as a passenger car, rather than as a light truck. This significantly reduced the costs of importing BRATS to North America, as passenger cars were charged a 2.5% import tariff, while [[light truck]]s were charged a ten times higher 25% import tariff. They were discontinued after the 1986 model year.

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{{anchor|second|Second}}

== Second generation ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second Generation
| image = Subaru 1800 MV 4WD 1992 (14407287694).jpg
| caption = Subaru BRAT / Brumby / MV Pickup Gen II
| production = 1981–1994
| manufacturer = [[Subaru]]
| aka = {{ubl
                 | Subaru 284
                 | Subaru Brumby
                 | Subaru Shifter
                 | Subaru MV
                 | Subaru Targa
                 | Subaru Pickup
                 }}
| assembly = {{ubl
                 | [[Ōta, Gunma]], [[Japan]]
                 | [[Pretoria, South Africa]]
                 | [[Waitara, New Zealand]] (until 1987)
                 }}
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe utility]]
| platform = 
| related = [[Subaru Leone]]
| layout = [[F4 layout|F4]]
| engine = {{ubl
                 | 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Subaru EA engine#EA-81|EA-81]]'' [[Flat-four engine|H4]]
                 | 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Subaru EA engine#EA-81+Turbo|EA-81]]'' [[Turbocharger|turbo]] H4
                 }}
| transmission = {{ubl
                 | 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
                 | 3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
                 }}
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2456|mm|1}}
| length = {{cvt|4424|mm|1}}
| width = {{cvt|1620|mm|1}}
| height = {{cvt|1415|mm|1}}
| weight = {{cvt|1000|kg|0}}
| successor = [[Subaru Baja]]
| model_years = 1982–1994
}}
[[File:1985SubaruBrat.JPG|left|thumb|Subaru BRAT Targa Top]]The BRAT was restyled in 1981 and the jump seats were discontinued after the 1985 model year. The BRAT was re-introduced with a rise in popularity of small trucks being sold in the United States, primarily from [[Toyota Hilux|Toyota]], [[Datsun 720|Nissan]], and [[Mazda B-Series (North America)|Mazda]]. Production continued into 1994 but ceased to be imported to North America in 1987. It was also known as the Brumby in Australia and [[New Zealand]] and the MV Pickup / Shifter in the UK. Imports to Europe, Australia (from 1978), and New Zealand continued until February 1994. The BRAT was not sold in Japan and was manufactured for export markets.

===Features===
The early 1980s saw the introduction of a second gen [[targa top]] version. It also had other features, such as: a spring-loaded hidden door, for a side step into the cargo bed; and a spare tire mounted under the hood.

In Australia there were specialty features: Ag-quip / packages with graphics, Roo bar, sump guard & rear step bar. Wagon wheels were also optional.

==Manufacture==
It was an export-only model, never being officially sold in Japan. Due to this, the BRAT became a popular [[grey import vehicle]] in [[Japan]].

There were several locations that manufactured the vehicle:
{{ubl
                 | [[Ōta, Gunma]], [[Japan]] (until 1994)
                 | [[Pretoria, South Africa]]
                 | [[Waitara, New Zealand]] (until 1987)
                 }}
Subaru never considered marketing the BRAT in [[Japanese domestic market|their home market]], due to a truncating demand of pickup trucks that had been occurring since the late 1970s. The declining demand came as a result of Japanese customers shifting to station wagons at that time.

In 1987, exports to North America ceased, but exports to Europe, Australia, Latin America, and New Zealand continued until 1994.

==Notable owners==
United States president [[Ronald Reagan]] owned a 1978 BRAT until 1998, which he kept at his [[Reagan Ranch|ranch]] near [[Santa Barbara, California]]. The vehicle has since been restored and returned to the ranch, which is now owned by the [[Young America's Foundation]].<ref>"The Presidential BRAT", ''Drive – The Magazine from Subaru'', Winter 2009</ref>

== Motorsport ==
There have been several private enterprises that have used the BRAT / Brumby / MV Pickup in Motorsport events:
* 2014: [[#Appearances in media|Settlement Creek]]—Brumby desert racer.
* 2018: [[Freddie Flintoff]] chose a 1985 BRAT during an electric vehicle challenge on [[Top Gear (series 27)|Top Gear]] series 27. Unlike the other vehicles, Flintoff kept the petrol engine [[in situ]], as well as installing a Tesla power-plant.
* 2020: 1988 Drag Brumby—fastest EJ powered vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drag Brumby |url=https://www.diversiongarage.com.au/portfolio-items/drag-brumby/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Diversion Garage |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Successor ==
There were no third generation BRAT/Brumby/MV pickups as the range was discontinued after 1987 in the United States. In Australia, the range was continued until 1994.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-21 |title=The next-generation Subaru Brumby that never was |url=https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/the-next-generation-subaru-brumby-that-never-was/ |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Drive |language=en-AU}}</ref>

Subaru did, however, reveal a 2-door pickup concept in 1993 called the [[Subaru Suiren|Suiren]], and later on in 2002, the automaker released a similar pickup vehicle called the [[Subaru Baja|Baja]]. The Baja is considered by many to be the successor to the Brat, despite being a 4-door instead of a 2-door.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMattia |first=Nico |date=2025-05-01 |title=This ’90s Subaru Concept Was the Missing Link Between the Brat and the Baja |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-90s-subaru-concept-was-the-missing-link-between-the-brat-and-the-baja |access-date=2025-07-26 |website=The Drive |language=en-US}}</ref> 

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Imcdb vehicle|make=Subaru|model=BRAT}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160216223546/http://drive2.subaru.com/Win09/Win09_BRAT.htm  President Reagan's BRAT], with many photos
* [https://www.diversiongarage.com.au/portfolio-items/drag-brumby/ Drag Brumby]

{{Subaru (early)}}
{{Subaru}}
{{Subaru North America}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Subaru Brat}}
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1978]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1994]]
[[Category:Cars powered by boxer engines]]
[[Category:Coupé utilities]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Subaru vehicles|BRAT]]