The A200/A250 series Daihatsu Rocky is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Daihatsu. It was unveiled at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show on 23 October 2019 under the “New Compact SUV” name. It replaced the Be‣go in the Japanese market and went on sale on 5 November 2019. The Rocky is also rebadged and sold under Toyota brand as the Toyota Raize. Outside of Japan, the model is manufactured in Indonesia and Malaysia. The Rocky is also assembled and sold in Indonesia alongside the Raize since April 2021 with around 70 percent of local parts content and planned to be exported (as Raize) in 50 countries starting in August. Daihatsu invested Rp1.7 trillion for the production tooling to their Karawang assembly plant. It is marketed in Malaysia under Perodua brand as the Perodua Ativa since February 2021.
Rocky’s design was previewed by the 2017 DN Trec concept. It is built on Daihatsu’s DNGA-A platform, and the development was led by Daihatsu chief engineer Nobuhiko Ono. The Rocky nameplate was previously used for two different (F300 and F70 series) ladder frame-based SUV models, and was reused after a 17 year hiatus. The A200 series Rocky is only available in Japan, with models produced in Indonesia designated as A250 series. The Rocky is powered by two three-cylinder petrol engine options: a turbocharged 1.0-litre (996 cc) 1KR-VET unit that produces 72 kW (97 hp; 98 PS) and 140 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) of torque, and a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre (1,198 cc) WA-VE unit that produces 65 kW (87 hp; 88 PS) and 113 N⋅m (83 lb⋅ft) of torque. The latter engine option is only available in Indonesia. Both engines is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission (Indonesia only) or a “Dual-Mode CVT” (D-CVT).
In D-CVT, unlike traditional units, the transmission does not rely solely on belt drive, but also combining it with split gears. From low to medium speeds, the D-CVT functions like other CVT systems, while at higher speeds, the D-CVT shifts into its split mode, engaging the gear drive to achieve less energy loss. Daihatsu claimed the D-CVT was the world’s first split-gear CVT system and would achieve improved fuel efficiency, acceleration feel and quietness. In Japan, the Rocky is offered in L, X, G and Premium grade levels, with four-wheel drive option available for every grade level. With its width under 1.7 metres (66.9 in), the Japanese-spec Rocky is compliant with the Japanese government’s dimension regulations regarding compact cars which reduce tax liability. In Indonesia, the Rocky is offered in M, X and R grade levels with either a manual transmission or CVT. The M and X grades are powered by the 1.2-litre WA-VE engine, while the R grade is powered by the 1.0-litre 1KR-VET engine.
