A Baby SUV that comes from Daihatsu Toyota arrives in Subaru REX 2023
This is the Subaru REX 2023, one more example of the rebranding that brands are currently doing, and it is essentially a Daihatsu Rocky renamed by Sabaru and revives a name used for the last time 30 years ago, and if you want to know more, follow watching this video.
The Subaru Rex debuted in 1972 as a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive kei car, followed by a second generation in 1981 that switched to a front drivetrain. The Japanese automaker transitioned the diminutive vehicle to the Mk3 model in 1985 with supercharged engines before discontinuing it in 1992. The Rex is back for 2023, and this time, it’s not a Subaru per se as we’re looking at a rebadged Daihatsu. Rocky.
Also sold as the Toyota Raize, the subcompact crossover is much larger than the previous three Subaru kei cars. The third-generation Subaru Rex measures 3.99 meters long, 1.69 meters wide and 1.62 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.52 meters. Although the Rocky is sold with an optional all-wheel drive system, the Subaru version is strictly front-wheel drive.
Power is provided by a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter gasoline engine rated at 87 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. The three-cylinder engine sends its power to the front axle via a continuously variable transmission. It is worth mentioning that Daihatsu also sells the Rocky with a more powerful 1-liter turbocharged engine with 98 PS and 140 Nm, but it is not available for the Subaru Rex.
While the engine seems anemic, the 2023 Subaru Rex is a lightweight car considering it tips the scales by less than 1,000 kilograms. Subaru is confident that the three-cylinder engine is capable of delivering “smooth, powerful acceleration” while providing excellent fuel economy. There are even driving modes available for what will primarily be a city car.
Disponible en versiones G y Z, el nuevo Rex comienza en alrededor de 13,000 dólares al tipo de cambio actual y sube a 15,600 dólares para el modelo mejor equipado. Subaru no proyecta que sea un gran vendedor ya que el objetivo es vender solo 150 autos por mes en Japón.
