Source: Cintamobil
- Daihatsu Rocky hybrid spotted near Indonesian plant
- Rocky/Raize is a regional product that is exported to 50 countries
- Could it be launched ahead of Malaysia?
The Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart hybrid has been spotted around Malaysia a few times already, possibly hinting that its Malaysian twin, the might be receiving the hybrid treatment soon. However, the Rocky hybrid isn’t only making its rounds in Malaysia, one has been spotted in Indonesia recently too.
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Spotted by Indonesian automotive site, Cintamobil, the Rocky e:Smart was mildly camouflaged with all its badges hidden with tape. The dark blue Rocky was seen in Karawang, Indonesia, and was tailed by a silver Daihatsu Xenia, the (and next-gen ) twin.
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Karawang is also the location of the assembly plant for the Indonesian-spec Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize. The Indo-built Rocky/Raize is exported to many countries including Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico.
Indo-spec Daihatsu Rocky shown
For now, the Indonesian Rocky and Raize are available with a choice of either a turbocharged 1.0-litre KR-VET 3-pot (98 PS/140 Nm) or a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre WA-VE 3-cylinder engine (88 PS/113 Nm). Both engines are paired to a D-CVT or 5-speed manual transmission.
Japan-spec Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart hybrid shown
The Japanese-spec Rocky/Raize was given an update in November which saw the introduction of the e:Smart hybrid which sees the 1.2-litre WA-VEX engine (106 PS/170 Nm) acting as an on-board generator.
This is similar to Nissan’s e-Power hybrid system in which the engine doesn’t send power to the wheels. Rather, it charges up the electric motor that drives the front wheels. So, it runs like an EV but without the worry of range anxiety.
One of the few sightings of the Rocky Hybrid in Malaysia
With recent sightings in Indonesia, could the Rocky Hybrid be launched in the archipelago soon? In Malaysia, Perodua has said that it is conducting market studies on the feasibility of an Ativa Hybrid in its business review.
Another Rocky Hybrid that was sighted in Malaysia
The carmaker has said that they believe in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) being the way forward towards carbon neutrality.
Keyword: Spied: Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart spotted in Indonesia, Ativa’s hybrid twin to be launched there?