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 previous Tokyo Motor Show back in 2017, 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 3,995mm in length, 1,620mm in width and 1,695mm 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.
[Image Source: response.jp]
