The Subaru Rex is now available in Japan as a hybrid, with two variants, namely the G Hybrid and Z Hybrid, priced from JPY2,216,500 and JPY2,608,100 (approx. RM66k to RM77k) respectively.
Originally introduced as a kei car in the 1970s and discontinued in the 1990s, the Subaru Rex made a comeback in 2022 as a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky—joining the Toyota Raize and Perodua Ativa as its sister models.
This time, the Subraru Rex has been given a new hybrid variant that sports Daihatsu’s e-Smart Hybrid system. It’s a series hybrid system, which uses electricity generated by the internal combustion engine (ICE) to drive an electric motor – sort of similar to the series hybrid system found in the Nissan Kicks.
This system has been in use since 2021 in the Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid. In Malaysia, it also appeared in the Ativa Hybrid, though only as part of a five-year trial under a subscription programme.
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In the Subaru Rex Hybrid, the e-Smart Hybrid System features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated generator motor that produces 82 hp and 105 Nm. Electric power is sent to a 4.3-Ah battery which powers an electric motor producing 106 hp and 170 Nm, all sent to the front wheels.
Subaru claims that the Rex Hybrid can achieve a fuel efficiency rating of 28 km/L (3.57 L/100 km) under WLTC conditions, with a fuel tank capacity of just 33 litres.
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Looks wise, it is very similar to the Perodua Ativa Hybrid. The G Hybrid variant of the Subaru Rex comes standard with 16-inch aluminium wheels, fabric seats with red piping, LED headlights, and a nine-inch infotainment display with support for Android Auto and Apple Carplay, paired with a seven-inch TFT multi-info display.
The Z Hybrid variant on the other hand adds on with 17-inch aluminium wheels, LED front and rear foglamps, LED front headlights with auto-leveling function, LED Sequential turn signals, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear selector.
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