• Daihatsu Rocky hybrid spotted near Indonesian plant
• Rocky/Raize is a regional product that is exported to 50 countries
• Could it be launched ahead of Malaysia?

The Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart hybrid has been spotted around Malaysia a few times already, possibly hinting that its Malaysian twin, the Perodua Ativa might be receiving the hybrid treatment soon. However, the Rocky hybrid isn’t only making its rounds in Malaysia, one has been spotted in Indonesia recently too.

Spotted by Indonesian automotive site, Cintamobil, the Rocky e:Smart was mildly camouflaged with all its badges hidden with tape. The dark blue Rocky was seen in Karawang, Indonesia, and was tailed by a silver Daihatsu Xenia, the Toyota Avanza’s (and next-gen Perodua Alza) twin.

Karawang is also the location of the assembly plant for the Indonesian-spec Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize. The Indo-built Rocky/Raize is exported to many countries including Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.

Also read: Indonesia exported nearly 295k vehicles to 80 countries in 2021, Daihatsu leads

For now, the Indonesian Rocky and Raize are available with a choice of either a turbocharged 1.0-litre KR-VET 3-pot (98 PS/140 Nm) or a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre WA-VE 3-cylinder engine (88 PS/113 Nm). Both engines are paired to a D-CVT or 5-speed manual transmission.

Also read: 2021 Toyota Raize 1.2L variants go on sale in Indonesia; Ativa's cheaper, non-turbo twin

The Japanese-spec Rocky/Raize was given an update in November which saw the introduction of the e:Smart hybrid which sees the 1.2-litre WA-VEX engine (106 PS/170 Nm) acting as an on-board generator.

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

This is similar to Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system in which the engine doesn’t send power to the wheels. Rather, it charges up the electric motor that drives the front wheels. So, it runs like an EV but without the worry of range anxiety.

Also read: Nissan Note e-Power: We drove Malaysia's most fuel-efficient car that you can't buy (yet); 2.8L/100km

With recent sightings in Indonesia, could the Rocky Hybrid be launched in the archipelago soon? In Malaysia, Perodua has said that it is conducting market studies on the feasibility of an Ativa Hybrid in its business review.

Also read: Perodua: Hybrids best for Malaysians, Perodua Ativa Hybrid being studied

The carmaker has said that they believe in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) being the way forward towards carbon neutrality.

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