Subaru unveiled its first city SUV in Japan which known as the Rex, reviving an previous kei automobile nameplate. The mannequin is definitely a badge-engineered model of the Toyota Raize, Daihatsu Rocky, and Perodua Ativa, though Subaru’s take is simply accessible with a naturally aspirated gasoline engine.

The Subaru Rex identify was initially utilized in a kei automobile produced between 1972 and 1992. Not like its predecessors, the brand new Rex adopts an city SUV bodystyle which has confirmed to be fairly well-liked in sure markets.

Learn: Japan’s Toyota Raize And Daihatsu Rocky Siblings Now Accessible With New Vary-Extender Hybrid Powertrain

Styling-wise the Subaru Rex appears practically an identical to the Daihatsu Rocky, sharing the whole thing of the physique panels. Setting apart the Subaru badging, the one distinction has to do with the revised grille sample that includes horizontal slits. The mannequin is on the market in two trims – the entry-level G with 16-inch alloy wheels and the higher-spec Z with 17-inch wheels that additionally provides full-LED headlights and foglights. The colour palette consists of seven shades and two bi-tone choices.

Predictably, the inside appears fairly acquainted. Relying on the trim there’s a 7-inch or 9-inch infotainment display screen mixed with a digital instrument cluster. The upper-spec mannequin additionally options crimson accents on the seats and dashboard. Security tools consists of six airbags and the Good Help ADAS suite with methods like BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) and RCTA (Rear Cross Visitors Alert).

The Subaru-branded city SUV is predicated on the DNGA structure and it’s solely supplied with a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine producing 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) and 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque. Energy is transmitted to the entrance axle by way of a CVT gearbox with seven simulated gears. Word that the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize are additionally accessible with a turbocharged 1.0-liter and with the e-Good range-extender hybrid which didn’t make it within the Subaru, in addition to a 4WD possibility.

The Subaru Rex is already accessible to order in Japan. Pricing begins from ¥1,820,000 ($12,977) for the G and from ¥2,171,100 ($15,474) for the Z. This makes it costlier than each the Daihatsu Rocky and the Toyota Raize which begin from ¥1,677,000 ($11,952) and ¥1,717,000 ($12,237) respectively with the identical engine.