Subaru unveiled its first urban SUV in Japan which is called the Rex, reviving an old kei car nameplate. The model is actually a badge-engineered version of the Toyota Raize, Daihatsu Rocky, and Perodua Ativa, although Subaru’s take is only available with a naturally aspirated gasoline engine.
The Subaru Rex name was originally used in a kei car produced between 1972 and 1992. Unlike its predecessors, the new Rex adopts an urban SUV bodystyle which has proven to be quite popular in certain markets.
The Subaru Rex (above) versus the closely-related Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize (below). The Subaru and the Daihatsu look like identical twins while the Toyota features a unique front bumper.
Styling-wise the Subaru Rex looks nearly identical to the Daihatsu Rocky, sharing the entirety of the body panels. Setting aside the Subaru badging, the only difference has to do with the revised grille pattern featuring horizontal slits. The model is available in two trims – the entry-level G with 16-inch alloy wheels and the higher-spec Z with 17-inch wheels that also adds full-LED headlights and foglights. The color palette includes seven shades and two bi-tone options.
Predictably, the interior looks quite familiar. Depending on the trim there is a 7-inch or 9-inch infotainment screen combined with a digital instrument cluster. The higher-spec model also features red accents on the seats and dashboard. Safety equipment includes six airbags and the Smart Assist ADAS suite with systems like BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) and RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert).
The Subaru-branded urban SUV is based on the DNGA architecture and it’s exclusively offered with a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine producing 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) and 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front axle through a CVT gearbox with seven simulated gears. Note that the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize are also available with a turbocharged 1.0-liter and with the e-Smart range-extender hybrid which didn’t make it in the Subaru, as well as a 4WD option.
The Subaru Rex is already available to order in Japan. Pricing starts from ¥1,820,000 ($12,977) for the G and from ¥2,171,100 ($15,474) for the Z. This makes it more expensive than both the Daihatsu Rocky and the Toyota Raize which start from ¥1,677,000 ($11,952) and ¥1,717,000 ($12,237) respectively with the same engine.
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