Potential New Subaru ‘Rex’ Model Heading to Australia

Subaru Australia is considering the addition of a new hybrid crossover to its lineup, with the possibility of introducing the Subaru ‘Rex’ to the market if the business case is viable. Scott Lawrence, the general manager for Subaru Australia, mentioned that while there are no firm plans to bring in the Rex from Japan at the moment, the company is always exploring options to expand its model range to cater to Australian consumers.

The Subaru Rex is a sub-compact SUV sold in the Japanese domestic market, offering both petrol and petrol-electric hybrid engine options. It is essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky, also known as the Toyota Raize outside Japan. The Rex comes with a base 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a ‘e-Smart Hybrid’ system, providing fuel-efficient options for consumers.

With its compact dimensions and impressive fuel economy figures, the Rex could potentially become one of the most affordable and efficient SUVs in Australia. However, challenges such as homologation to meet Australian safety standards and achieving a high ANCAP safety rating may need to be addressed before its introduction to the market.

Despite these hurdles, the Rex represents an opportunity for legacy manufacturers to offer affordable entry-level vehicles in Australia, filling a gap in the market where only a few brands currently provide new vehicles under $30,000 drive-away. Potential competitors for the Rex in Australia include the Chery Tiggo 4, MG ZS, and Hyundai Venue.

As consumers express interest in seeing the Subaru Rex in Australia, the possibility of expanding the company’s product range to include more affordable options remains open. With a focus on providing value and choice to Australian consumers, Subaru continues to explore opportunities to enhance its lineup and meet the evolving needs of the market.