Toyota Group's Rugger Off-Road SUV to be Revived with Larger Body, Retro Design to Challenge Jimny

Daihatsu, part of the Toyota group, is reportedly planning to revive its once-popular Rugger off-road SUV, aiming to challenge the success of the Suzuki Jimny. Recent reports suggest the resurrected model will adopt a more practical five-door configuration and boast a wheelbase of 2,580mm, with an estimated price range of 1.7 to 2.3 million yen (approximately $10,800 to $14,500 USD).

The new Rugger is expected to be built on a new platform, measuring 3,395x1,475x1,740mm. It will feature a unibody design with enhanced rigidity and a lightweight structure, promising agile handling and capable off-road performance. The design is anticipated to echo the Land Cruiser with its horizontal front-end layout, large grille, round headlights, and robust bumper, complemented by a spare tire and vertical taillights at the rear, all contributing to a retro, tough aesthetic.

Under the hood, Japanese media speculates that the Rugger will offer a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 98 horsepower and 140 Newton-meters of torque. A hybrid variant, possibly utilizing a series hybrid system dubbed e-SMART Hybrid, is also anticipated, potentially delivering impressive fuel efficiency of around 20 kilometers per liter.

The original Daihatsu Rugger, first introduced in 1984, was known for its versatile utility and established a strong reputation during the 1980s and 90s. However, changing consumer preferences led to its discontinuation after the second generation ended production in 2002. This revival aims to recapture the spirit of the classic model while meeting modern demands for practicality and performance.