2023 Subaru Rex in Japan – rebadged Daihatsu Rocky, one other Perodua Ativa, Toyota Raize twin; from RM59k

Subaru has launched its first compact SUV in Japan, and if it seems to be quite acquainted, that’s as a result of the brand new Rex is basically a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky. As you’re most likely conscious, the Rocky has a number of shut siblings, together with the Toyota Raize in addition to the Perodua Ativa. In case you’re curious concerning the title, ‘Rex’ has been utilized by Subaru prior to now for a sequence of kei vehicles that had been offered in numerous markets.

Visually, the Rex is just about a duplicate of the Rocky in and out, with the one modifications being the usage of Subaru’s Pleiades brand and a barely tweaked grille (notice the indents). Two variants are provided – G and Z – with costs starting from 1.82 to 2.171 million yen (RM59,444 to RM70,908).

Each are front-wheel drive, characteristic a CVT and powered by a WA-VE 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine rated at 87 PS at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Following the WLTC, the mixed gas consumption is 20.7 km/l, whereas it’s 23.6 km/l when utilizing the JC08 normal.

Obtainable gear for the Rex consists of 16- or 17-inch wheels, LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, a guide handbrake or digital parking brake, a urethane or leather-wrapped steering wheel, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an non-compulsory nine-inch touchscreen head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and material upholstery with pink distinction piping.

The protection and driver help programs are a part of the Sensible Help suite, with Subaru opting in opposition to utilizing its personal EyeSight branding. Options embody a blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking, visitors signal recognition, excessive beam help, adaptive cruise management, lane protecting help, lane departure warning, street departure warning and rear cross visitors alert, with a panoramic view monitor and parking help being non-compulsory.

Subaru clearly states in its launch that the Rex is an OEM product provided by Daihatsu and expects month-to-month gross sales to hit 150 models. With the launch of the Rex, there are actually 4 model of the DNGA-based compact SUV on sale.