As a result, in major markets such as Australia, Europe and North America, it was instead identified with a trim level designation, some of which included: DL, GL, GLF, GLF5, GL-10, and RX.

The first generation Leone was released on October 7, 1971, as a front-wheel drive coupé, with trim levels DL, GL and GSR.

April 1972 saw the introduction of the two- and four-door sedans with trim levels DL, GL and in Japan, the Super Touring.

Four-wheel drive was Subaru's most notable feature during the 1970s and 1980s, leading to particularly strong sales in places like Switzerland and Colorado.

The Leone competed with the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sunny, Honda Civic, Mazda Familia, Isuzu Gemini, and the Mitsubishi Lancer.

The 1400 RX coupé, based on the previously introduced GSR, was one of the first Japanese automobiles to be equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 1,100 cc engine from the earlier FF-1 G was carried over for the Leone 1100 van in the Japanese domestic market, but was only available in the first few years.

In September 1975, as a response to tightening emissions regulations, the 1.2 was removed from the sedan lineup (although it continued to be available as a van-wagon version in the Japanese domestic market).

[6] Despite these changes the overall effect was similar to the earlier version and it was mechanically identical, with the exception of the rear track which was widened by 40 mm (1.6 in).

[7] In November 1977, a new top model arrived, the Leone Grand Am-T, which adopted the federalized safety bumpers and had an interior "inspired by American tastes.

[8] Many versions - sedan, wagon and Brumby (BRAT) coupe utility, were also assembled from CKD kits, from 1978, in New Zealand by then-importer Motor Holdings' Waitara plant near New Plymouth.

The EA71 engine was originally installed in cars equipped with automatic transmission but eventually supplanted the EA63 across the entire range of vehicles in the US and Australia.

Using Subaru's new SEEC-T technology meant that a catalytic converter was not necessary, lowering cost and enabling the use of leaded fuel.

Power in 49-state (US) trim was 67 hp (50 kW) at 5200 rpm (two horsepower less in California), although drivability and gas mileage suffered distinctly from the emissions equipment.

Most were in the volume DL trim except a base two-door, and the GF hardtop and 4WD models which shared a higher specification.

[14] In November 1981 Subaru introduced Japan's first all-wheel-drive vehicle with an automatic transmission, utilizing the world's first "wet hydraulic multi-plate clutch".

The electric switch activated a solenoid that pushed the clutch plates together, thereby engaging the driveshaft to the rear wheels.

In November 1983, a turbocharger with optional multi-port fuel injection was also added to the BRAT and Turbo Wagon models.

1980–1982 models also featured an optional third headlight hidden behind the grille logo, using a similar approach used by Chrysler in the late 1960s called the Super-Lite.

Australian buyers originally only received the option of a 50 kW (68 PS; 67 hp) 1.6-liter engine coupled with a four-speed manual transmission.

[16] This generation was released with a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan and a continuation of the popular station wagon body style.

It was installed with the EA82T turbo engine mated to a five speed manual transmission with synchronized dual-range and a manually-locking center differential.

By 1990 the Leone name continued to be used in Japan but was now known as the Loyale in Chile, the United States and Canada; the L-Series in Europe and Australia, and as the Omega in New Zealand where the third generation was the last to be assembled locally by Motor Holdings at Waitara.

The Sambar, which had grown larger due to changes in mini vehicle standards, was beginning to compete with the Leone Van.