Daihatsu Rocky SUV debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019

MANILA: At the ongoing 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu unveiled an unnamed compact SUV that is near production-ready. Though the SUV was not named during its premier, earlier reports claimed it would be bear the name Daihatsu Rocky.

The new Daihatsu Rocky will feature the new modular Daihatsu New Global Architecture, which boasts high rigidity, superb maneuverability, and riding comfort. The SUV is a compact vehicle with dimensions measuring 3,995 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, 1,620 mm wide, and a 2,525 mm wheelbase and weighs just 980kg, which will make it quite a fuel-efficient vehicle.

The Daihatsu SUV is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine that can deliver 98 hp of power and 140 Nm of torque mated to a CVT gearbox and its front-wheel-drive only. However, there is information that a 4WD will be made available on a later date.

In terms of looks, the Daihatsu Rocky does have an imposing appearance with a large hexagonal grille that dominates most of the SUV’s front end. It is flanked with rectangular headlights with LED DRLs and triangular fog lamps at the lower end. The bright red color is accentuated with black trims, 6-spoke alloy wheels, and a “floating roof” look. At the back end, the taillights are connected by a black trim that runs across the tailgate with the Daihatsu badge sitting comfortably in the middle.

On the interior, the Daihatsu Rocky sports a large screen infotainment system mounted in the center of the dash just above the AC vents. Besides the digital instrument cluster display and multi-function steering wheel, the Rocky still has knobs and buttons for controls which gives it a retro vibe.

If you find the Daihatsu crossover SUV interesting, there is a possibility that it may enter our shores since Toyota is a majority shareholder of Daihatsu. After all, the Avanza, Rush, and Wigo are Daihatsu products that sports a Toyota badge with just a few small tweaks. If and when it enters the Philippines, the Rocky will go head to head with the likes of Nissan Juke, Suzuki Vitara, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford EcoSport.

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