Daihatsu Launches New Compact SUV Rocky as Part Two of DNGA
~Compact SUV classified as small passenger car achieving a spacious cabin and powerful design~
Nov. 05, 2019
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
G (front)
(Two-tone manufacturer’s option)
G (rear)
(Two-tone manufacturer’s option)
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Daihatsu”) announced the launch of the new compact SUV Rocky*1 as part two of the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), which it will use to create a new generation of vehicles. The Rocky will go on sale nationwide on November 5.
New technologies based on DNGA adopt collective planning and development and update all elements of Daihatsu’s platform in order to ensure that the new technologies would be compatible with CASE*2 while at the same time rapidly expanding its product line-up. The completely redesigned Tanto mini passenger vehicle launched in July 2019 was the first to incorporate these technologies. The Rocky is the first compact car using DNGA. It is also the first model to be added to Toyota MotorCorporation’s line-up as a DNGA product.
Using packaging technologies based on DNGA, the Rocky—a SUV—is a compact car classified as a small passenger vehicle with good maneuverability that not only has a spacious cabin and ample luggage space, but also realizes an powerful design adopting large 17-inch tires*3. Although the SUV market has been expanding in recent years, there is a lot of feedback from customers that they want a SUV for leisure but are not good at handling large vehicles. Therefore, Daihatsu focused on developing a new product with high quality at affordable prices for active users that is easy to drive while sporting a SUV-like design.
For the active safety system, two functions—blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert—have been added*4 to Next-Generation Smart Assist to improve safety when checking behind the vehicle. It is also the first to be installed*5 with Daihatsu Connect, a connected function utilizing smartphones.
Furthermore, a high level of basic performance has been achieved through the new DNGA platform, including a neutral ride, high driving stability, and smooth acceleration.
Going forward, Daihatsu will continue to introduce new vehicle models based on DNGA in Japan and emerging markets, and promote the creation of vehicles close to customers under its group slogan “Light you up.”
Main features of Rocky
1.
Design that balances a compact size capable of tight turns and a spacious cabin
2.
Powerful active design using large tires
3.
Advanced safety functionality able to bring peace of mind to everyone
4.
Outstanding basic performance using the new DNGA platform
5.
Affordable price setting appropriate for compact cars
*1
Just as rocks are polished by flowing rivers, this name was chosen to express an image of being refined even while possessing great power.
*2
CASE: Connected, Autonomous, Sharing, Electric
*3
Standard on Premium and G grades.
*4
Standard on Premium grade; manufacturer’s option for G and X grades.
*5
Requires either the manufacturer’s option Smartphone-Linked Display Audio or the navigation system capable of supporting Daihatsu Connect available as a dealer’s option. Please see the official Daihatsu website for details.
Sales Overview
Monthly sales target: 2,000 units
Announcement exhibition: November 16 and 17
Various sales activities will be conducted using “New Freedom SUV” as the catch phrase. In addition, a campaign linking stores, online platforms, events, and other formats will be rolled out with “Discover Rocky Tour” as the theme. A promotional event for the purpose of disseminating information about Rocky is being planned to take place on November 9 at Roppongi Hills.
Production Plant
Shiga (Ryuo) Plant, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Prices (including consumption tax)
(Price range: from 1,705,000 yen to 2,422,200 yen)
Grade |
Engine |
Transmission |
Drive system |
Price (yen) |
L |
1,000 cc
TC*6 |
CVT |
2WD |
1,705,000 |
4WD |
1,944,800 |
X |
2WD |
1,848,000 |
4WD |
2,086,700 |
☆G |
2WD |
2,002,000 |
4WD |
2,224,200 |
Premium |
2WD |
2,200,000 |
4WD |
2,422,200 |
☆ Pictured on page 1
*6
TC: Turbo Charger
◎
Prices do not include recycling costs. Prices of 2WD vehicles in the Hokkaido region are different.
Vehicle Concept
Active, Useful, and Compact
With style-oriented people enjoying young and active lifestyles as the main target, development was carried out to create a product which can apply to a wide range of scenarios, from leisure to daily life such as shopping. Daihatsu aims to offer customers with unprecedented value with a SUV, the first DNGA compact car, that can only be achieved by DNGA—which was first applied in mini vehicles— which is a small passenger vehicle that not only has an overall length of 4,000 mm or less, but also has a spacious cabin.
Vehicle Outline
1. Design that balances a compact size capable of tight turns and a spacious cabin
(1) Design
◇
Compact vehicle size
- A balance has been achieved between compact body size and a spacious cabin with high loading capacity that can only be achieved by DNGA, which was first applied in mini vehicles.
- A compact size with good maneuverability has been achieved as a small passenger vehicle with a body that has a length of 3,995 mm, width of 1,695 mm, and height of 1,620 mm.
◇
Pleasant cabin space where passengers can sit comfortably
- A couple distance of 900 mm*7 is maintained, achieving a pleasant cabin space where passengers can sit comfortably.
◇
Enhanced ease-of-use with ample luggage space
- A large-capacity luggage compartment, with a maximum length of 755 mm and capacity of 369 liters*7, has been achieved. It can be used for leisure and other daily scenarios such as shopping.
- A large-capacity under luggage space of 80 liters*7 has been achieved by revising the layout of the tire repair kit and other tools. Using the accompanying two-stage moveable deck board, the height and capacity of the luggage compartment can be changed, allowing it to be adapted for various uses.
- Furthermore, the 6:4 ratio collapsible rear seats allow long items to be stored, achieving a versatile space applicable for various uses.
*7
According to Daihatsu’s in-house measurements. Luggage compartment capacity measured using VDA method (two-stage moveable deck board in bottom position for 2WD models).
Luggage compartment structure
Luggage compartment dimensions
(values in brackets for 4WD models;
based on in-house measurements)
Luggage under-trunk
(2) Ease of driving
◇
Good maneuverability through being able to do tight turns
- Through the new DNGA platform, a minimum turning radius of 5.0 m is achieved while using large 17-inch tires (4.9m for 16-inch tires)*8, offering good maneuverability through being able to do tight turns
◇
Outstanding field of view from driver’s seat
- Good up and down visibility from the driver’s seat is achieved with a high hip point of 665 mm and a wide inclination angle of 31 degrees (elevation and depression angles). By making it easier to see both sides and the front end of the hood, the driver’s view has improved, allowing driving with peace of mind.
2. Powerful active design using large tires
(1) Exterior
◇
Exterior design with dynamism
- A thick lower body which offers peace of mind as well as the protruding fenders and large tires supporting the slim and nimble cabin emphasizes the vehicle’s SUV look.
- By adopting simple and distinct design elements, a sense of clarity and powerful presence are expressed even with its compact body size.
◇
LED sequential turn lights
- Sequential turn lights—which are easily seen by those around and convey safety as well as a sense of leading-edge—are used*9.
(2) Interior
◇
Interior design with a sense of excitement
- The high front console accented in silver, the sporty gear lever located in a high position, and a cockpit-type instrument panel express an exciting space unique to SUVs.
- The G and X grades use an interior with red accents to express a sense of activeness.
- The topmost Premium grade features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, soft leather seats as well as black and silver accents to convey a sense of high quality.
Instrument panel (G)
Seats (G)
◇
Abundant interior storage
- The interior is configured with abundant storage spaces to improve ease-of-use. A balance of design and ease-of-use is achieved such as pockets at the sides by utilizing the height of the front console.
*8
According to Daihatsu’s in-house measurements. 5.0 m for Premium and G grades. 4.9 m for X and L grades
*9
Standard on Premium and G grades.
◇
Active multi-information instrument panel*10
- Using an instrument panel design associated with the sense of leading-edge and premium feeling conveyed by full LCD displays, four display styles can be selected by operating switches on the steering wheel.
(3) Color variations
◇
New color Compagno Red
- Compagno Red, a saturated color that glows crimson when shone upon with light, has been newly developed as a color representing Daihatsu’s MONODUKURI.
- Compagno comes from Daihatsu’s first compact passenger vehicle Compagno launched in 1963. Compagno means “companion” or “friend” in Italian, and expresses Daihatsu’s stance of being close to customers’ lives.
◇
Three two-tone color schemes in addition to eight single colors
- In addition to a diverse color variation of eight colors, including the new Compagno Red*11 color, black-roof two-tone color schemes are also available*12 for the three colors of Compagno Red, Shining White Pearl, and Bright Silver Metallic.
(4) Three accessory styles expanding the world view
◇
Elegance style
- This style expresses high quality with presence through aerodynamic parts painted in black and plating.
◇
Powerful style
- This style emphasizes power as a SUV by adding an undergarnish with a base color of satin silver added with red accents.
◇
Sporty style
- This style emphasizes a sense of sportiness and expresses aggressive dynamism by fitting aerodynamic parts corresponding to the body color.
Elegance style
Powerful style
Sporty style
3. Advanced safety functionality able to bring peace of mind to everyone
(1) Next-Generation Smart Assist*13
◇
Active safety system enhanced with addition of two new functions
- The Rocky is installed with all 10 functions of the active safety system Smart Assist as well as all seven functions of the Smart Assist Plus driving support system for a total of 17 functions. This time, the two new functions below have been newly added to support checking the rear.
◇
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)*14
- The system detects vehicles driving in blind spots along adjacent lanes as well as vehicles fast approaching blind spots, and notifies the driver by turning on the mirror indicators.
- It supports safety checks when changing lanes by blinking the mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer to raise attention when the turn indicator switch is operated in the direction of the detected vehicle.
◇
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)*14
- The system detects vehicles cutting across the rear of the vehicle, and raises attention by blinking the mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer. This supports safety checks when reversing the vehicle.
*10
Standard on Premium, G, and X grades.
*11
Available as a manufacturer’s option.
*12
Standard on Premium grade; available as manufacturer’s options on G grade.
*13
Some functions are only available as manufacturer’s options. Please see the official Daihatsu website for details.
*14
Standard on Premium grade; available as manufacturer’s options on G and X grades.
Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(2) Daihatsu Connect (Daihatsu Connect is the collective name for the following three services)
Daihatsu Connect website: https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/connect/index.htm
◇
Daihatsu Connect Service*15
- Four functions supporting a car life with peace of mind
-
Connected Support enabling smooth response during accidents and breakdowns
-
Visible Drive that sends emails about the driver’s condition to “guardians” such as family members
-
Visible My Car that records vehicle condition—such as parking location and fuel left—and allows checking via smartphones
-
Connected Care that provides notifications—such as vehicle inspections and inspection timings—through the in-vehicle display and emails
◇
Daihatsu Wi-Fi*16
- Wi-Fi service which can be used within the vehicle is provided to those who purchase audio displays or navigation systems which support Daihatsu Connect.
- If certain conditions are met, a monthly 1 GB data plan is offered free of charge for three years from the start of use (for other plans, a 250 yen discount will be given across the board).
- There are also paid plans for customers who need even more data. The plans, after discount, are shown below.
<List of data plans for first three years *From the fourth year onward, 250 yen is added to the plans below>
1
GB/month |
3
GB/month |
5
GB/month |
7
GB/month |
10
GB/month |
15
GB/month |
20
GB/month |
50
GB/month |
0 yen |
450 yen |
720 yen |
1,000 yen |
1,350 yen |
2,100 yen |
2,750 yen |
4,150 yen |
◇
Smartphone App Link
- A smartphone-linkable nine-inch audio display is available as a manufacturer’s option.
- Safety and enjoyable convenience are achieved by allowing a smartphone app supporting SmartDeviceLinkTM*17 and Apple CarPlay*18 to be displayed and operated on the display.
4. Outstanding basic performance using the new DNGA platform
(1) Stability and comfortable ride when driving
◇
Newly developed light-weight and high-rigidity body using DNGA
- In contrast to the new DNGA platform for mini vehicles adopted in the new Tanto, size was expanded to that of a compact car while keeping common things such as the way of attaching to the frame and approach to installing suspension components.
- A highly comfortable ride is achieved by developing a light-weight and high-rigidity body through smoothening and rationalizing the frame structure, eliminating structural breaking points in the parts, and using high-tensile materials.
◇
Revised suspension geometry and suspension system developed from scratch
- The locations where suspension is attached, bushing characteristics, spring constant, and characteristics of the shock absorbers have been optimized to achieve a balance between high operational stability and a comfortable ride.
*15
Requires either the manufacturer’s option Smartphone-Linked Display Audio or the navigation system capable of supporting Daihatsu Connect available as a dealer’s option. Please see the official Daihatsu website for details.
*16
Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
*17
SmartDeviceLinkTM is a trademark or registered trademark of the SmartDeviceLink Consortium.
*18
Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the United States of America and other countries. Daihatsu Connect and Daihatsu Wi-Fi cannot be used when using Apple CarPlay.
(2) Smooth acceleration through 1.0 liter turbo engine and D-CVT
- Dynamic performance equivalent to 1.5 liter class*19 is maintained while improving acceleration performance.
- The Rocky is installed with D-CVT that was newly developed through DNGA and adopts split gear technology. By widening the gear ratio range, it also contributes toward fuel efficiency and quiet performance.
- The throttle characteristics of the accelerator has been optimized, improving response and controllability. It is designed to emphasize control at low speeds, and response at mid-to-high speeds.
(3) Front seats
- Front seats providing improved support for passengers are used, with an optimized shape of the back rest sides. A better fit and comfort giving peace of mind were achieved by making the seat surface longer and optimizing the shape.
(4) Quiet and fuel-efficient
◇
Excellent quiet performance
- Integration of the dash and cowl into a single structure, optimization of sound insulation and damping materials, use of double seals for the doors, and other measures are used to achieve high quiet performance.
◇
Number one in class*19 for fuel efficiency
- The Rocky realizes the lowest fuel consumption for compact SUVs (gasoline vehicles) of 1.5 liters and below, achieving 18.6 km/L under WLTC mode, and 23.4 km/L under JC08 mode*20.
(5) Newly-developed 4WD structure
◇
Dynamic Torque Control 4WD
- The Rocky adopts Dynamic Torque Control 4WD which uses an electronically-controlled coupling mechanism. Driving state and road conditions are detected, and the ECU carries out fine distribution of torque to the front and rear wheels to achieve stable driving performance when compared to 4WD systems using mechanical coupling.
- Rear wheel power is increased when driving on slippery road surfaces to prevent slips and improve stability, while rear wheel power is reduced when driving on non-slippery road surfaces to contribute toward improving fuel efficiency.
- Distribution of torque when driving can be check through the multi-information display.
◇
Torsion beam suspension
- By attaching the differential gear to the body side, it is possible to adopt the same torsion beam suspension as 2WD models, contributing toward the improvement of riding comfort and operational stability. At the same time, a larger cabin space is achieved by lowering the floor.
Torque distribution display
Torsion beam rear suspension
*19
According to Daihatsu’s in-house measurements. Compact SUV (gasoline vehicle) of 1.5 liters and below.
*20
For 2WD models of X and L grades. Please see the official Daihatsu website for details.