Daihatsu “Rocky” 1.2-liter hybrid & gasoline test drive What are the advantages of each?

Test Ride Report

Powertrain lineup expanded to 3 types. How does the series hybrid ride?

Since its introduction in 2019, it has become a compact SUV with an affordable interior and luggage compartment that is easy to use for singles and families, and tough and fearless styling. Rocky/Rise became a hit model. Until now, it had a lineup of 2WD and 4WD with a single 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine, but at the same time as this partial improvement, the long-awaited hybrid appeared. In addition, it is equipped with a 1.2-liter small engine exclusively for power generation, and it is an "e-SMART hybrid" that uses that power to run 100% with a motor. The gasoline model was also changed to a newly developed 1.2-liter engine. Advanced safety equipment has also been enhanced, and the grade configuration is a gasoline model with 3 grades of 1.2 liters that are 2WD, 3 grades of 1.0 liters that are 4WD, for a total of 6 grades, and 2 grades of 1.2 liter + motor hybrid. .

When I saw the e-SMART in front of the actual car, there was no big difference in appearance from the gasoline model. SMART" emblem and wheels have a special design. I could hardly find any difference in the interior. Considering the content, I felt that the design could be a little more special, but Daihatsu, which advocates "good products at low prices," avoids unnecessary decorations that directly lead to price increases. I would like to. It is exactly one of the “games on the inside”.

Daihatsu "Rocky". The price ranges from 1,667,000 yen to 2,318,200 yen. The body size is 3995 x 1695 x 1620mm (length x width x height) and the wheelbase is 2525mm. The vehicle weight is 970kg to 980kg for the 2WD gasoline model and 1040kg to 1050kg for the 4WD model. The hybrid model weighs between 1060kg and 1070kg. Simple interior switches on the right side of the steering column. The "smart pedal (S-PDL)" switch that allows you to control acceleration and deceleration with just the accelerator pedal is also displayed here on the meter. Left and center are gasoline model, right is hybrid model seat Toyota Motor "Rise". Although I was not able to test drive this time, the basic parts such as body size and power train are the same instrument panel luggage as Rocky. The rear seat is a 60/40-split folding storage compartment under the luggage board. Equipped with an emergency power supply function that provides peace of mind even in the event of a power outage or disaster The torque is 105Nm/3200-5200rpm. The electric power generated there is stored in a 4.3Ah lithium-ion battery, and a series hybrid system is adopted in which the motor is driven from there as needed. The maximum output of the motor is 106PS and the maximum torque is 170Nm, which surpasses compact cars that use similar series hybrids. Compared to the existing series-parallel hybrid system, the biggest feature is that it has a simpler structure that is smaller and lighter. In particular, two motors are arranged in parallel to minimize the number of mechanical gears. Rocky/Rise has been selected as the model to take the lead in reducing CO2 emissions, but there seems to be no doubt that it will eventually be installed in mini vehicles as well.

In addition, this system provides ease of handling at low and medium speeds and a smooth and responsive acceleration feel like an electric vehicle, so it is highly advantageous for users who often use it for city driving, and it matches the target. It is also the reason why we decided to adopt it.

The hybrid model adopts a series system that combines a newly developed in-line 3-cylinder 1.2-liter engine and e-SMART HYBRID. The 1.2-liter hybrid engine has a maximum output of 60 kW (82 PS) / 5600 rpm, maximum torque of 105 Nm (10.7 kgfm) / 3200-5200 rpm, and the motor has a maximum output of 78 kW (106 PS) / 4372-6329 rpm, maximum torque of 170 Nm (17.3 kgfm). /0-4372 rpm

When I test drove the e-SMART around town, the quietness at the start was like an electric car. When I gently stepped on the accelerator from there, it jumped out with agile acceleration that was a little too sharp. However, when the speed increases a little, it is easy to control acceleration and deceleration. What's more, when I heard that it weighed about 90kg more than the gasoline model, my expectations that the behavior would be sluggish were completely betrayed. The steer feel is moderately calm, and the load transfer is gradually effective even when turning a curve. After switching to a gasoline model, I learned that even if the engine runs for power generation, the vibration of the engine that is transmitted to the body is clearly small and the quietness is high. Although it was a short distance, when I ran on the highway, I felt that the footwork when overcoming the joints of the road surface had a high quality feeling, and I wanted to go out for a long-distance drive.

And what I really liked was the "smart pedal (S-PDL)," which allows you to control acceleration and deceleration by stepping on the accelerator pedal. With the existing ones, the deceleration force increases at low speeds and the creep does not work, so it takes some getting used to adjusting the speed when parking in the garage and stopping at the target position, but Rocky / Rise's The smart pedal leaves a creep, so instead of being able to stop completely, there is no discomfort in operating the accelerator when you want to go slowly up to about 10km / h, and I felt that it was easy to handle even for beginners. On the other hand, you don't have to step on the brake pedal when there are continuous curves, so you can draw the line you want quite easily. The "normal mode", which features a strong start, was too powerful in the city, and it was just right to select the "eco mode", which is easy on fuel consumption. In any case, I was impressed with the fact that it incorporates new technology and arranges it so that it is easy to use for the target user.

Running a model equipped with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with clear features

Now, I also test drove a 2WD model with a gasoline engine, which is another topic. The newly installed 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine achieves overwhelming high-speed combustion, improves anti-knocking performance, and adopts a high tumble straight port that efficiently converts combustion energy into power. By spraying the fuel with finer particles, the combustion gas is made cleaner, and the engine is equipped with a two-system cooling system to improve the warm-up function. As a result, high low-speed torque provides powerful, smooth, and linear acceleration, while high combustion efficiency improves fuel efficiency by 10% over the previous model, achieving fuel efficiency of 20.7km/L (WLTC mode), the best among compact SUVs. there is

The newly developed 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine generates a maximum output of 64 kW (87 PS) / 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm (11.5 kgfm) / 4500 rpm. It feels more agile than the conventional 1.0-liter turbo, and even on general roads, you can feel the brisk behavior when changing lanes or at intersections. The steer feel is also a little light and rough, and it feels a bit rough to operate, such as returning after making a big cut. The noise and vibration during idling are large, and it seems that casual use is more suitable than the direction of high quality overall. In the low speed scene in the city, I felt that the response to the accelerator pedal was too agile, so it might be just right if the gasoline model also had an "eco mode". However, Rocky/Rise is in high demand by families and outdoor enthusiasts, so if you have five people on board or are fully loaded, you may want this kind of power. .

And, new equipment has been added that will delight the child-raising generation and those who love the outdoors. Rocky/Rise has a reputation for its ease of use, but this time, all vehicles, including gasoline models, are equipped with a welcome lamp that turns on the room lamp when you approach a locked vehicle with the key on your back. Improved security and convenience in dark places. All hybrid models come standard with an electric parking brake and a headlight extension function that illuminates your feet after getting off the vehicle. In addition, the option of an accessory outlet (AC100V/1500W) with an emergency power supply system that can be used in case of disaster will greatly change the car life and is a wonderful evolution that will be prepared in case of emergency.

As for preventive safety equipment, the evolved smart assist has become standard equipment on all gasoline and hybrid vehicles. The top-grade Z is also equipped with an ACC with an all-vehicle-speed tracking function that has a stop-holding function as standard equipment, making traffic jams and long drives much easier and safer. Looking at it in this way, I realized that it was a compact SUV that could be recommended in all respects to the young generation, families, children, and people who want to enjoy life wisely and actively.

Akiko Marumo

Akiko Marumo / car life journalist. After working as a movie voice actress and editor of a car magazine, she became independent in 2003. In addition to media appearances such as magazines, radio, TV, and talk shows, he also works as an eco and safe driving instructor. Many overseas motor shows and drive coverage. In 2004 and 2005, he participated in the Sahara Desert Rally and finished the race. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Japan (AJAJ). Since 2006, he has been a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee. Participated in endurance races as a representative of the racing team "TOKYO NEXT SPEED" formed by journalists. Together with Ms. Yumi Yoshida, she co-founded the Women's Club of the Car Industry, which encourages women to enjoy cars and revitalize the car society. Currently, various car life information is being disseminated on YouTube "Car Industry Women's Club Channel". In the past, his favorite cars were VW Beetle, Fiat 124 Spider, Mitsubishi Motors Galant VR4, Ford Mustang, Porsche 968, Honda CR-Z, etc. Currently, the new Subaru Levorg and Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

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