Daihatsu has lifted off the covers from the
much-awaited 'Rocky' sub-four metre SUV at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show 2019.
Based on the DN Trec concept which was showcased in the 2017 Tokyo Motor
Show, the Daihatsu Rocky will also be sold as a rebadged Toyota –
the Toyota Rise – in some emerging markets worldwide.
Having an upright stance as a traditional SUV, the
Daihatsu Rocky has been engineered on Toyota’s flexible and low cost DNGA
platform, which has been specifically made for emerging markets. This new
sub-compact SUV measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,620 mm in width and 1,695 mm in
height. It has a kerb weight of 980 kg and a wheelbase of 2,525 mm.
The Daihatsu Rocky looks quite butch and bold, with
the frontal fascia having too much geometrical essence in it, with a hexagonal
grille, wraparound trapezoidal headlamps and triangular housings for fog lamps.
The headlamps are all LED units and are reminiscent of the Audi Q3. Also worth
noticing are the slim strips of LED daytime running lights placed adjacent to
the fog lamps on the front bumper.
The profile of the Daihatsu Rocky gets the necessary
SUV bits like full black coloured body cladding throughout the lower portion,
from front to rear including over wheel arches as well. The presence of 17-inch
machined alloy wheels and dual tone roof treatment adds to the novelty factor
of the SUV. Traditional SUV design lovers should love the glass behind the
C-pillar, a feature we'd say is inspired by the Toyota Fortuner.
At the rear, the Daihatsu Rocky has a wraparound
theme for the back glass and the horizontal tail lamps tail lamps, with the
latter having LED inserts in them and being joined by a thick black bar. The
number plate recess is places in the rear bumper, which gives a clean look to
the boot lid. Like the front, the rear bumper too has thick body cladding below
it.
On the inside, the Daihatsu Rocky follows the latest
trends of in-cabin designing, with a floating 8-inch touchscreen infotainment
system positioned above the centre console. The centre console has slim
hexagonal theme for AC vents and buttons for climate control and is entirely
tilted towards the driver.
The steering wheel has a circular theme to it, with
a round centre boss and some round-shaped buttons various functions. The cabin
is finished entirely in black, with silver touches around AC vents adding to
the contrast. Under the hood, the Daihatsu Rocky has a 1.0-litre three-cylinder
turbocharged petrol engine. Mated to a CVT, this engine produces 99 PS of power
and 140 Nm of torque, and channels the power produced to the front wheels.
Given that the Daihatsu Rocky will also be sold as a
rebadged Toyota Rise especially for emerging markets, there is a slight
possibility that this vehicle will come to India as well in the guise of Toyota
Rise. This model will rival the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300,
Ford Ecosport and the Maruti Vitara Brezza.
