Toyota, Daihatsu twins add another brotherSubaru Rex small crossover

●Derivative versions of Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky

Equipped with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine

●7-inch digital instrument and 9-inch touch screen

●Smart Assist advanced driving assistance system as standard configuration

In order to fill the gap in entry-level off-road products, Subaru has shared resources with the Toyota Group, and based on the two hot-selling twin cars, Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky, Subaru has developed a new "three-generation" product Rex. Although there are still differences in details such as bumpers and water tank guards, after all, they use the same platform, so it is easy to identify the relationship between the three cars through the outline or the shape of the head and taillights.

Subaru actually launched the Rex light automatic car as early as 1972, and it was popular for a while in the 1980s. This time the Rex name was resurrected, but it came out again in the form of a small cross-border SUV, and it also became Subaru's first small cross-border SUV.

Different appearance and interior details

Although it bears the signboard of Subaru, Daihatsu is responsible for the production and manufacturing. Perhaps this is the reason why the appearance of Rex is quite similar to Rocky. Including front and rear bumpers, daytime running lights, fog lights, etc. have not changed much, more like the Rocky has replaced the Subaru factory badge. In terms of model selection, Rex only has two specifications, G and Z.

The interior presents a relatively youthful style, with unique three-dimensional embossed seats and red trim, which is lively and full of passionate elements. All models are equipped with 7-inch digital instruments as standard, providing 4 display modes. A 9-inch touch screen infotainment system is installed on the center console, which can support two car connection functions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Top-spec models also add electronic parking brake and Auto Hold functions to make driving easier.

Newly developed naturally aspirated engine

The biggest difference between Subaru Rex and Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky lies in the newly developed 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine WA-VE, which is equipped with a number of advanced technologies to increase the thermal efficiency of the engine to 40%. Not only can it output excellent power, but it also takes into account the advantages of fuel economy, running quietness and small size and light weight. It can provide 87 horsepower at 6,000rpm, and the peak torque of 11.5 kgm appears at 4,500rpm. Don’t underestimate such power, the weight of the Rex is actually less than 1 ton, so you can still experience a good acceleration feeling when driving.

Even if it is a small cross-border SUV, it is mainly aimed at the entry-level market. Now that the Subaru factory badge is hung, the safety system will be equipped with the Smart Assist advanced driver assistance system. Including full-speed range ACC distance maintenance cruise control, forward collision warning, road sign detection, front vehicle departure warning, lane keeping and lane departure warning, accelerator misstepping suppression system, active high beam, rear traffic warning...etc. Among them, the collision warning and automatic braking functions can now support pedestrian detection at night, further improving driving safety. In addition, 360-degree surround view images are also standard on the car.

It is nothing new for Subaru to cooperate with Toyota to launch products on a common platform, such as GR86 and BRZ, bZ4X and Solterra...etc. This is also the trend of the global automotive industry. Through the integration and sharing of resources, in addition to reducing costs, it also means that more research and development energy can be invested. It is conceivable that this type of products will continue to increase in the future. As for whether it is good or bad, it is a matter of opinion.