Daihatsu Rocky (A200/A250)

Rocky in brief

The Rocky was unveiled in October 2019 at the Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale in Japan that November. It's a compact car, around 4 metres long, with the Japanese version being no wider than 1.7 m, placing it in the smaller car tax category. It replaced the Daihatsu Be-go model.

The same car is sold by Toyota (Raize) and Subaru (Rex), while in Malaysia it's known as the Perodua Ativa. Daihatsu has used the Rocky name before for two older, completely different SUVs with body-on-frame construction, so don't confuse the new crossover with those in ads.

A200 and A250 — what's the difference

The A200 denotes the version sold and produced in Japan, while the A250 is the variant assembled in Indonesia, primarily for developing markets. The A250 can be identified by a more prominent rear bumper, a metal (not plastic) rear hatch, and a slightly wider body.

For Lithuanian buyers, the most important thing is that the majority of imported cars are the Japanese A200 with right-hand drive. Before purchasing, make sure to check which version is offered, as this affects the engine, equipment, and choice of parts.

From November 2021 in Japan, the lineup changed: a hybrid version was introduced, and the main petrol engine for front-wheel-drive cars was replaced with a 1.2-litre unit.

Engines and transmissions

Initially in Japan, all Rocky models came with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine (around 98 hp), with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. From November 2021, front-wheel-drive models received a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, while all-wheel drive remained with the 1.0-litre turbo engine.

At the same time, the hybrid e-Smart Hybrid version was introduced: the 1.2-litre petrol engine here acts as a generator, while the wheels are driven by an electric motor. The hybrid is offered only with front-wheel drive. All versions come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

What to check when buying a used Rocky

An imported car from Japan is worth buying only with an auction sheet and verified mileage. Check if the body hasn't been repaired, if there are no signs of moisture in the cabin, and if all driver assistance systems and cameras are working.

In the hybrid version, request a diagnostic report and check if there is the possibility to service the hybrid system in Lithuania. In turbo-engined cars, the oil change history is crucial, as neglecting service intervals shortens the turbocharger's lifespan.

Note the availability of parts: There's no official Daihatsu representation in Europe, so body parts and electronics can sometimes take a while. Some mechanical parts are shared with the Toyota Raize, which helps when hunting for spare parts.

Trim levels

We provide the trim level names from the Japanese market — these are the ones you'll most commonly encounter in imported cars. The model isn't officially sold in Europe, so the equipment can vary between cars.

Comparing Rocky versions

Many buyers will find the X trim appealing: it's straightforward, with a wide range of options. If a hybrid is important, look for cars built from November 2021 onwards, and all-wheel drive is only available with the 1.0-litre turbo engine.

Frequently asked questions