1986 Subaru GL 3-Door 4WD Turbo Hatchback Test Drive
Subaru was a pioneer in 4wd passenger cars while keeping up with its rivals in such things as turbocharging and sports packages. So, the Hatchback with 4wd and turbocharging added to the 1.8-liter was a logical addition to the line. There were logical limits, as in the 3-door body getting the turbo with 110 bhp as compared with 94 for the standard engine, only with 4wd suspension that adjusted for ride height but not ride control.
The result was a family car with plenty of space for four people and their gear. It looked like many other Japanese hatchbacks. In daily driving nothing gets noticed much. The 4wd was part-time.
The car was at its best in the rain; extra power on immediate delivery, with the ride set on high and the driver secure in the knowledge that extra traction was there if needed.
That’s the Turbo Hatchback. At a suggested price of under $13k, it wasn’t cheap and the 22 mpg wasn’t especially efficient. As a sports model, it was an unobtrusive, inoffensive family care with something in reserve.
tchbacks. In daily driving nothing gets noticed much. The 4wd was part-time.
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