The Perodua Ativa’s hybrid twin, the Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart has been spotted in Malaysia again. It was first spotted on Malaysian soil back in October, even before the model made its Japanese debut.

This time around the model was spotted by dsf.my, prowling the streets of Petaling Jaya.

Just like the earlier spyshot, the emblems of said SUV are taped up, concealing its identity. However, there’s no mistaking the Rocky e:Smart from the Ativa – the Rocky gets its own front and rear bumpers, while the wheels get a 5-lug design, as opposed to the Ativa’s 4-lug ones.

Also Read: Ativa's hybrid twin Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart spotted in Malaysia, what’s going on?

Daihatsu launched the Japanese-market Rocky e:Smart earlier this month. The model is powered by a 1.2-litre e-Smart hybrid system that produces 106 PS and 170 Nm. This hybrid powertrain works similar to the Nissan e-Power hybrid system in which it’s a full-hybrid (series) system.

Also Read: Ativa Hybrid coming soon? Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize e-Smart hybrid launched in Japan

The engine is codenamed WA-VEX and only serves as an on-board generator – the electric motor is used to drive the front wheels.

Hence, it doesn’t really need a transmission to power the SUV, much like a proper electric vehicle (EV).

In Japan, prices for the Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart starts from JPY 2.116 million (~RM 77k).

Does it necessarily mean that Perodua will launch the Ativa Hybrid?

Though the Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart has been spotted in Malaysia, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the Perodua Ativa will get a hybrid very soon.

Malaysians are generally pretty adamant when it comes to hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). Couple that with cheap fuel in this country, it's no surprise why HEVs aren’t a popular choice here. 

However, if Perodua introduces an affordable hybrid, maybe it could convince more Malaysians to adopt hybrids.

Also Read: Malaysians say hybrids are unreliable, 85% of Thai Toyota Corolla Cross are hybrids