2023 Subaru Rex Debuts With Naturally Aspirated 1.2-Liter Engine

[kobayashiGT]

Source: https://www.motor1.com/photo/6953185/2023-subaru-rex/

It's essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky and revives a name last used 30 years ago.

 

 

The Subaru Rex debuted in 1972 as a rear-engined kei car with rear-wheel drive that was followed by a second generation in 1981 that switched to a front-mounted powertrain and FWD. The Japanese automaker transitioned the pint-sized vehicle to the Mk3 model in 1985 with supercharged engines before pulling the plug in 1992. The Rex is back for 2023, and this time around, it's not a Subaru per se since we're looking at a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky.

Also sold as the Toyota Raize and Perodua Ativa, the subcompact crossover is much bigger than the three Subaru kei cars before it. The third-gen Rex is 3995 millimeters (157.3 inches) long, 1695 mm (66.7 in) wide, and 1620 mm (63.8 in) tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2525 mm (99.4 in). Although the Rocky is sold with an optional all-wheel-drive system, the Subaru version is strictly front-wheel drive.

Power is provided by a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter gasoline engine rated at a mighty 87 hp (64 kW) and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque. The three-pot mill sends its muscle to the front axle via a continuously variable transmission. It's worth mentioning Daihatsu also sells the Rocky with a more potent turbocharged 1.0-liter engine with 98 hp (72 kW) and 140 Nm (100 lb-ft) but it's not available for the Subaru Rex.

While the engine seems anemic, the Rex is a light car considering it tips the scales at less than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). Subaru is confident the three-cylinder mill is capable of delivering "powerful and smooth acceleration" while providing excellent fuel economy. There are even driving modes available for what will primarily be a city car.

Available in G and Z grades, the new Rex starts at 1,820,000 yen (about $13,000 at current exchange rates) and rises to 2,171,100 yen ($15,600) for the better-equipped model. Subaru doesn't project it will be a huge seller as the target is to move only 150 cars per month.

Spoiler

 

 

I must say, Toyota & Subaru have gotten really close knitted ya? hahaha. 

[Blueray]

4 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

I must say, Toyota & Subaru have gotten really close knitted ya? hahaha. 

recall some years ago the AE86 and BRZ were also same platform ?

[Jamesc]

Daihatsu got 4 wheel drive and Subaru don't have.

I think the marketing men no drink enough coffee in the morning when they made that decision.

[Fitvip]

One design, multiple badges.

[Rickster]

Can't help but feel that I'm looking at a shrunken forrester.

The interior. Design looks kind of busy to me. 

[Rickster]

19 minutes ago, Blueray said:

recall some years ago the AE86 and BRZ were also same platform ?

I think it's a wise business decision.

Toyota continue at what they do best, making economical and reliable vehicles, all the sporty cars they work with subaru/bmw. No point re-invent the wheel since it's not to be a mainstream seller or money spinner for them.

[Stratovarius]

35 minutes ago, Blueray said:

recall some years ago the AE86 and BRZ were also same platform ?

Toyota owns some share of FHI. Thus the collab.

49 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

Source: https://www.motor1.com/photo/6953185/2023-subaru-rex/

It's essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky and revives a name last used 30 years ago.

 

 

The Subaru Rex debuted in 1972 as a rear-engined kei car with rear-wheel drive that was followed by a second generation in 1981 that switched to a front-mounted powertrain and FWD. The Japanese automaker transitioned the pint-sized vehicle to the Mk3 model in 1985 with supercharged engines before pulling the plug in 1992. The Rex is back for 2023, and this time around, it's not a Subaru per se since we're looking at a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky.

Also sold as the Toyota Raize and Perodua Ativa, the subcompact crossover is much bigger than the three Subaru kei cars before it. The third-gen Rex is 3995 millimeters (157.3 inches) long, 1695 mm (66.7 in) wide, and 1620 mm (63.8 in) tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2525 mm (99.4 in). Although the Rocky is sold with an optional all-wheel-drive system, the Subaru version is strictly front-wheel drive.

Power is provided by a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter gasoline engine rated at a mighty 87 hp (64 kW) and 113 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque. The three-pot mill sends its muscle to the front axle via a continuously variable transmission. It's worth mentioning Daihatsu also sells the Rocky with a more potent turbocharged 1.0-liter engine with 98 hp (72 kW) and 140 Nm (100 lb-ft) but it's not available for the Subaru Rex.

While the engine seems anemic, the Rex is a light car considering it tips the scales at less than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). Subaru is confident the three-cylinder mill is capable of delivering "powerful and smooth acceleration" while providing excellent fuel economy. There are even driving modes available for what will primarily be a city car.

Available in G and Z grades, the new Rex starts at 1,820,000 yen (about $13,000 at current exchange rates) and rises to 2,171,100 yen ($15,600) for the better-equipped model. Subaru doesn't project it will be a huge seller as the target is to move only 150 cars per month.

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I must say, Toyota & Subaru have gotten really close knitted ya? hahaha. 

That is not rex. i thought they came up with a 1.2NA WRX. 

This is THE REX. 

[Tohto]

2023 model without turbo or hybrid.. pass...

[Soya]

1.2 NA engine......in 2023? Lol

Ah huat sibei like the retro feel 

[Watwheels]

This is the Toyota Raize, right?

The Japanese downsize the already small engine like the 1.4L/1.5L, less one cylinder, hatchback instead of sedan to cut kerb weight, all these to meet their strict emission standard.

Edited November 14, 2022 by Watwheels

[kobayashiGT]

28 minutes ago, Watwheels said:

This is the Toyota Raize, right?

it is not a raize if there is no Toyota badge. 🤣

[Watwheels]

1 minute ago, kobayashiGT said:

it is not a raize if there is no Toyota badge. 🤣

I can also say it is not Subaru if it doesnt have a flat 4. 😄

[Soya]

15 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

it is not a raize if there is no Toyota badge. 🤣

This 1.2NA more like tortoise race.....opps, I mean raize

 

[Sosaria]

Might be perfect for city-driving. Small cap engine but with a smaller/lighter frame works as well. Ultimately fuel-saving. But it's what i would expect from toyota, not subaru

 

[Shibadog]

9 hours ago, Jamesc said:

Daihatsu got 4 wheel drive and Subaru don't have.

I think the marketing men no drink enough coffee in the morning when they made that decision.

same like the 1L turbo engine

[Jamesc]

18 minutes ago, Shibadog said:

same like the 1L turbo engine

Yah lah Scoobie is all rallying and 4 wheel and turbo and Daihatsu is Japanese aunty/ajima under powered grocery cart!