According to the latest reports, Daihatsu, the low-cost brand of Toyota will be rolling out an off-road SUV to rival against the all-new Suzuki Jimny. The model will be joining the new Daihatsu Taft – the active light SUV. Daihatsu Taft competes with the Suzuki Hustler. Toyota is also selling the Daihatsu Rocky Sub-4 metre SUV in the market.
The mini off-roader can be expected to come with more robust and sturdy looks. The upcoming model will draw inspiration heavily from Daihatsu’s new generation platform known as DNGA. This platform will contribute majorly towards enhancing on-road comfort.
The off-roader SUV will be equipped with the 4WD system (Rocky’s dynamic control 4WD system). The exterior of the model will be designed similarly to the Taft. There will be muscular wheel arches and huge diameter tyres.
According to the speculations, the new SUV will be named as the Daihatsu Lager. The model will come equipped with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The same engine powers the Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. It can churn up a power of 98bhp and a torque of 140Nm. There will be transmission choices, including a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
The DNGA platform can come to India as well. Here, it will be used for developing a new middle-sized SUV. This model will lock horns with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. There will also be an addition- a compact MPV, under the Innova Crysta.
