Subaru has been rebadging Daihatsu and Toyota models for years so this latest scoop coming from Japan shouldnât be so surprising. The donor model to the Perodua Ativa, the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky might be receiving a Subaru rebadge in Japan with a name not seen for 30 years.
According to BestCarWeb, the Rocky/Raize would also be sold as the Subaru Rex in Japan which makes this the Star of Pleiadesâ sixth OEM (original equipment manufacturer) currently offered that is based on a Daihatsu/Toyota model.
The Subaru Rex was a kei car that was sold between 1972 and 1992. Over 1.9 million units were sold across 3 generations and the Rex was also one of a few Japanese kei cars to be offered with a supercharger.
Also read: Hot like wasabi â The Kei hot hatches of the Bubble Era
The reason for the inclusion of the Raize/Rocky/Ativa rebadge is to fill in Subaruâs entry-level SUV line-up. According to the Japanese mediaâs sources, the small SUV essentially replaces the outgoing XV 1.6-litre variants as the all-new Crosstrek only offers a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid e-Boxer unit.
Also read: All-new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek makes world debut - New name for next-gen XV
Granted, the Raize/Rocky-derived Subaru Rex is said to be only available with a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre WA-VE (88 PS/113 Nm) petrol unit with front-wheel-drive. The 4WD as well as the turbocharged 1.0-litre (98 PS/140 Nm) and 1.2-litre e-Smart hybrid (106 PS/170 Nm) variants wonât be given the blue oval badge treatment.
Also read: Same same, but very different - CBU 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid vs CKD Perodua Ativa
BestCarWebâs sources also revealed that the Rex could be offered with 3 variants and priced similar to the Raize/Rockyâs 1.2-litre counterparts which range between JPY 1,707,000 to JPY 2,039,000 (~RM 55k-65k).
Also read: 2021 Toyota Raize 1.2L variants go on sale in Indonesia; Ativa's cheaper, non-turbo twin
The Ativa wonât be the first Perodua model to have an official Subaru ârebadgeâ though. There was also the Subaru Justy which was essentially a rebadged first-gen Daihatsu Sirion/Boon/Toyota Passo, the donor model to Malaysiaâs favourite King that needs no introduction.
Also read: Evolution of the Perodua Myvi in 3 generations â Malaysiaâs most loved hatchback?
Quality Cars Guaranteed
Fixed Price No Hidden Fees
5-Day Money-back Guarantee
1-Year Warranty
{{variantName}}
{{carMileage}} km
{{registrationYear}} year
{{storeCity}}