Editing Subaru Rex (section)

==={{anchor|Rex5|K23|K24|550}} 550 cc era===
[[File:Subaru Kei car unidentified.jpg|thumb|left|Subaru 500 or 600, export version]]
[[File:1stRex-koukirear.jpg|thumb|left|1979–1981 Subaru Rex 550 A{{math|II}}G]]
In response to new regulations for [[Kei car]]s introduced for 1976, Subaru introduced the larger-engined '''Rex 5''' in May of that year. It retained the earlier bodywork (albeit broadened by 10&nbsp;cm and with a lengthened bonnet for an overall length of {{convert|3185|mm|in|abbr=on|disp=or}}) receiving a 490&nbsp;cc version of the same engine.<ref name=Schaefer/> The Rex 5 ('''K23''', '''K43''' in the Van version) engine was still of two cylinders and an overhead cam design, and retained the SEEC-T emissions control system. Power increased from the emissions choked late 360s to {{convert|31|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6500&nbsp;rpm, while torque increased to {{convert|3.8|kgm|Nm lbft|abbr=on}} at 4500 rpm. The A{{math|I}}G version was dropped.<ref>{{citation | title = Subaru Rex 5 SEEC-T ''(catalog)'' | publisher = [[Fuji Heavy Industries]] |date=May 1976 | page = 7 | id = 46K-5 }}</ref> The Van version received a {{convert|28|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} engine (at 6000&nbsp;rpm) with the same torque, albeit at 500&nbsp;rpm lower. Van equipment levels were Standard and Super Deluxe. This version (called the Subaru 500 in the export) was short-lived, replaced by the bigger Rex 550 exactly one year after being introduced.

The Rex 550, introduced in May 1977, featured the SEEC-T equipped watercooled, two-cylinder, [[Four-stroke cycle|four-stroke]] 544&nbsp;cc EK23 series engine. Chassis code was '''K24''', It remained rear-mounted, coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox. Max power remained {{convert|31|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} at a slightly lower 6200&nbsp;rpm and torque was {{convert|4.2|kgm|Nm lbft|abbr=on}} at 3500&nbsp;rpm.<ref>Subaru Rex OWNER'S MANUAL</ref> A comparatively well-equipped Custom L version of the Van ('''K44''') was added. As usual, the Vans received a lower powered version of the engine, with {{convert|28|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6000&nbsp;rpm but the same exact torque figures.<ref>{{citation | url = http://a15ff11300g.sakura.ne.jp/catalogue/rex/54.6%20rex%20550%20van/large/54.6%20rex%20550%20van.large.b.html | title = Subaru New Rex Van 550 ''(catalog)'' | publisher = [[Fuji Heavy Industries]] |date=June 1979 | page = 8 | id = 48KV-30 }}</ref> The Van could take a max load of only {{convert|200|kg|lb|-1|abbr=on}}, 100&nbsp;kg less than most of its competitors. This was counteracted by the comparatively high level of passenger comfort in the Rex Van.

The Rex 550 was called the Subaru 600 in most export markets. Subaru made much of the "Multi-Use Lever", which combined the headlight, turn signal, and windshield washer functions. This was not installed on the lowest spec versions (Type B, Standard).<ref name=Catvol25>{{citation | ref = JAMA25 | title = 自動車ガイドブック [Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book 1978/1979] | language = Japanese | volume = 25 | date = 1978-10-10 | publisher = [[Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association]] | location = Japan | pages = 175, 201 | id = 0053-780025-3400 }}</ref>

In March 1978 the Swingback version was added, a two-door sedan which received a larger, opening rear window.<ref name="CG70"/> The large rear window necessitated a slightly smaller opening to the engine compartment, but this was more than made up for by allowing for access to the rear luggage compartment from the outside. In March 1979, the Rex underwent a very minor facelift, the most visible results being new rims and slightly differing bumpers and a small spoiler in front.<ref name="CG70"/> Then, in response to the very low priced [[Suzuki Alto#SS30|Suzuki Alto]], a decontented version of the Van called "Family Rex" was added in October 1979.<ref>{{citation | first = Jack K. | last = Yamaguchi | editor-last = Lösch | editor-first = Annamaria | journal = World Cars 1980 | title = Consummation of the Turbulent Decade | publisher = L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books | location = Pelham, New York | pages = 66–67 | year = 1980 | isbn = 0-910714-12-6 }}</ref> It was priced at a very low ¥480,000 (under US$2,000 at the time). An automatic clutch option was added on several Rex models in March 1980.<ref name="CG70"/>

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