Subaru Rex gains hybrid variant in Japan – Perodua Ativa twin with 106 PS electric motor; from RM66k
The Subaru Rex is now available as a hybrid in Japan, with two variants (G Hybrid and Z Hybrid) offered here, priced between 2,216,500 and 2,608,100 yen (about RM66k and RM77k). For context, the non-hybrid variants are priced at 1,910,700 yen (RM57k) for the base G, and 2,274,500 yen (RM67k) for the higher-spec Z.
The Rex was first launched in Japan in November 2022 as a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky, which itself is a sister model to the Toyota Raize and Perodua Ativa. Daihatsu is responsible for supplying the Rex to Subaru, in case you’re wondering.
In hybrid form, the Rex uses Daihatsu’s e-Smart Hybrid system that uses electricity generated by the internal combustion engine (ICE) to drive an electric motor. The ICE, which is essentially a generator, is a WA-VEX 1.2 litre Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder petrol unit that produces 82 PS (80 hp or 60 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 105 Nm of torque from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm.
Energy is fed to a 4.3-Ah lithium-ion battery which then drives an E1A electric motor at the front rated at 106 PS (105 hp or 78 kW) and 170 Nm. Following the WLTC standard, the claimed fuel consumption is as low as 28 km/l or 3.6 l/100 km.
The hybrid version of the Rex gets a different design for its front grille, which looks identical to the one fitted to Rocky Hybrid and Ativa Hybrid. Model-specific emblems, a hybrid-specific instrument cluster display, a pedestrian warning sound system and a 1.5-kW AC power outlet are also part of the kit list, along with either 16- (G Hybrid) or 17-inch (Z Hybrid) aluminium alloy wheels.
