Ativa’s Cousin, the Subaru Rex, Gains Rugged ‘Boost Gear’ Makeover

Following the line-up announcement for its showcase during the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) 2023, Subaru has now published photos of the Boost Gear Concept for the Rex and Crosstrek compact crossovers. The Boost Gear Concept addition sees both SUVs getting rather rugged-looking and proper off-roading modifications.

One fourth of the bigger Perodua Ativa/Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize quadruplets, the Subaru Rex Boost Gear concept rides on a set of Yokohama Geolandar off-roading tyres with mud-flaps – making the Rex looked like it’s ready for some dirt and gravel action. The thick tyre wall and its rough grooves really give this rugged Rex a lifted look, albeit the actual tyre size isn’t that far off from the standard ones.

Aside from off-roading rubbers, the concept Rex also gains new matte black bodywork and some aluminium-finished skid plates, while the rest of the body sports a dual-tone finish of silver and black on the roof part. Juxtaposed against this rather grey-looking rugged urban SUV is the presence of light blue accents on its wheels, mud-flaps and some other body parts.

In terms of actual performance numbers, Subaru has yet to disclose them, for now. The production version of the Subaru Rex comes with a 1.2-litre 3-cyl nat-asp mill rated at 87 HP and 113 NM that pairs with a CVT box. Unlike many of its siblings, the Subaru Rex did not come with standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, but instead a ‘civilian’ front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup instead.

For comparison, its Malaysian cousin, the Perodua Ativa, boasts a more powerful 1.0-litre turbocharged mill that delivers 97 HP and 140 NM, also paired up with a CVT box and harnesses a FWD setup.

Though much can’t be said about whether the DNGA platform the Rex underpins can fit an AWD setup, it is only befitting for such rugged-looking car with off-road equipment to have one, let alone a Subaru car. Should Subaru manage to fit the Rex Boost Gear concept with an AWD setup, it is only right for it to harness the more powerful 1.0-litre turbocharged mill derived from the Ativa.

Apart from the Rex, another Subaru compact crossover, the Crosstrek, also receives the Boost Gear concept makeover. Cordially known as the XV in our Malaysian market, the Subaru Crosstrek Boost Gear concept comes with a plethora of off-roading gears. 

To start, this rugged concept also rides on Yokohama Geolandar off-roading tyres that match well with its AWD prowess for a better performance in dirt or gravel. The larger off-road tyres give the Crosstrek a higher lift, but we suspect that the standard dampers are also being bolstered with a lift kit. For the bodywork, this rugged concept is cladded with extra protective plates finished in matte black, as well as aluminium-style accents around the body. 

To complete the adventure-ready look, this Crosstrek concept boasts a functional Rhino roof rack with awning and LED light bar mounted on it, metal side steps, as well as rally-style mud-flaps, finished in the same light blue tint as the Rex.

The two Boost Gear concept SUVs will make its global debut in the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, alongside other limited-edition Subaru models, including the never-before-seen, Japanese version of the new 2024 Impreza with special STI parts, the Levorg STI Sport, as well as a trio of Subaru racecars.

The Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 begins from 13 to 15 Jan, 2023, happening at Makuhari Messe in the Chiba Prefecture, Japan. For more updates on the upcoming special models debuting at the TAS 2023 and any latest auto news, be sure to stay tuned at Caricarz.com…